Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 7-Deoxy-Epothilone Analogues

The synthesis of two deoxygenated analogues of potent epothilones is reported in an effort to analyze the relative importance of molecular conformation and ligand–target interactions to biological activity. 7-deoxy-epothilone D and 7-deoxy-(S)-14-methoxy-epothilone D were prepared through total synthesis and shown to maintain the conformational preferences of their biologically active parent congeners through computer modeling and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies. The significant decrease in observed potency for each compound suggests that a hydrogen bond between the C7-hydroxyl group and the tubulin binding site plays a critical role in the energetics of binding in the epothilone class of polyketides.


Introduction
Modulation of microtubule dynamics by natural products through either inhibiting polymerization (e.g., vincristine, vinblastine, colchicine) or by stabilizing the polymeric form (e.g., paclitaxel (Taxol ® ), docetaxel (Taxotere ® ), and the epothilones (Ixempra ® )) leads to mitotic arrest and apoptosis and is the basis of many clinically relevant therapeutic agents [1][2][3][4][5]. While the microtubule-depolymerizing vinca alkaloids have been used clinically for more than fifty years, the more recent advent of tubulin-stabilizing agents has led to notable success in developing new generations of anticancer agents for solid tumors. For example, Taxol ® is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment option alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents for ovarian carcinoma, node-positive breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and Kaposi's sarcoma [6].
The epothilones are polyketide natural products first isolated in 1987 by Reichenbach and Höfle from the myxobacterium strain Sorangium cellulosum ( Figure 1) [7,8]. Epothilones have been demonstrated by Bollag et al. [9] to interact with β-tubulin at the paclitaxel binding site, inducing tubulin assembly and stabilization of the polymeric form [10,11]. Compared to Taxol ® , epothilones show reduced peripheral neuropathy, resistance to P-glycoprotein efflux pumps, and increased water solubility in vitro [9]. These and other advantages associated with the epothilones have spurred enormous, multi-disciplinary efforts to evaluate and enhance their therapeutic potential [12,13]. Ixabepilone (Ixempra ® ), a semi-synthetic epothilone B analogue, in 2007, became the first epothilone to be granted FDA approval, for metastatic breast cancer and locally advanced, taxane-resistant breast cancer as a monotherapy or in combination with capecitabine ( Figure 1) [14]. A structure-activity profile can be generated from an iterative process of chemical modifications and biological testing to identify critical structural features necessary for a compounds biological activity. In the case of the epothilones, results from these studies show the importance of the macrolide ring and specifically the stereochemistry of the C3-C8 polypropionate region. Also, in epothilone A and B, the 12R, 13S configuration of the epoxide is essential for activity [15]. Furthermore, the olefin connecting the side chain at C16-C17 is required, indicating the importance of the spatial relationship between the side chain and the thiazole ring [16,17]. Our lab has been interested in the role of the functionality that adorns a polyketide in controlling the overall conformation [18]. These studies led to defining a bioactive conformational profile for the epothilones based on computational analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies in multiple solvents [19][20][21][22][23]. Our efforts uncovered two areas of conformational flexibility resulting in a relatively small group of conformational families [19], one of which is similar to the conformation observed in the solid state [7]. The C4-C8 polypropionate region primarily exists in two conformers controlled by a combination of syn-pentane interactions and hydrogen bonding. We previously synthesized (S)-10methyl-epothilone C adding a new syn-pentane interaction between C10 and C8 methyl groups and effectively eliminating one major conformation [22]. This analogue showed a complete loss of cytotoxicity, compared to the parent compounds, suggesting that its conformational profile was not likely related to the bound conformation. Further support for this conclusion was the potent activity of (E)-9,10-dehydro-epothilone B which stabilizes the solid-state conformation in this region through the minimization of A1,3-strain [20]. A second flexible region was observed in the C11-C15 region of the macrolide providing two local conformers. Diasteroisomeric 14-substituted epothilone analogues would control the local conformation again through A1,3-strain [21]. (S)-14-methyl-epothilone D and (R)-14-methyl-epothilone B stabilized the conformation observed in the solid-state, and retained activity while (R)-14-methyl-epothilone D lost all biological activity. Our conclusion that the bioactive conformation was closely related to that observed in the solid-state was further supported by synthesis and biological evaluation of (S)-14-methoxy-epothilone D, a potential biosynthetically derived analogue [23]. The combined results highlighted the critical importance of retaining the bound conformation in simple analogues of polyketides [18].
Following on from these valuable insights into the role of functionality in conformation, we became interested in further examining the pharmacophore and the potential role of the C7-hydroxyl group. The C7-hydroxyl was previously proposed to exhibit a strong hydrogen bonding interaction within the paclitaxel binding site at T274, based on electron crystallography (EC) of zinc stabilized tubulin sheets [24][25][26]. Site mutation (Thr274Ile) resulted in epothilone resistance, indicating a change in the structure of the binding site or an intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interaction with epothilone [24,25]. This EC-model deviated significantly from NMR-based studies and, therefore, the validity of their conclusions has been debated [19][20][21][22][27][28][29][30].
Though many structure-activity relationships have been examined with the epothilone class of natural products, only two studies have probed the C7 position. Nicolaou reported the inversion of both the C7-hydroxyl and C6-methyl concurrently to give the 6S,7R stereoisomer. Biological experiments with this compound failed to induce tubulin polymerization, but this is likely a conformational effect [15]. Höfle used semi-synthesis to generate the C7-ketone, and this analogue did not lose complete activity [31]. However, manipulation of the C7 site alone, to probe the importance of either intramolecular or intermolecular hydrogen bonding has not been examined. A structure-activity profile can be generated from an iterative process of chemical modifications and biological testing to identify critical structural features necessary for a compounds biological activity. In the case of the epothilones, results from these studies show the importance of the macrolide ring and specifically the stereochemistry of the C3-C8 polypropionate region. Also, in epothilone A and B, the 12R, 13S configuration of the epoxide is essential for activity [15]. Furthermore, the olefin connecting the side chain at C16-C17 is required, indicating the importance of the spatial relationship between the side chain and the thiazole ring [16,17]. Our lab has been interested in the role of the functionality that adorns a polyketide in controlling the overall conformation [18]. These studies led to defining a bioactive conformational profile for the epothilones based on computational analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies in multiple solvents [19][20][21][22][23]. Our efforts uncovered two areas of conformational flexibility resulting in a relatively small group of conformational families [19], one of which is similar to the conformation observed in the solid state [7]. The C4-C8 polypropionate region primarily exists in two conformers controlled by a combination of syn-pentane interactions and hydrogen bonding. We previously synthesized (S)-10-methyl-epothilone C adding a new syn-pentane interaction between C10 and C8 methyl groups and effectively eliminating one major conformation [22]. This analogue showed a complete loss of cytotoxicity, compared to the parent compounds, suggesting that its conformational profile was not likely related to the bound conformation. Further support for this conclusion was the potent activity of (E)-9,10-dehydro-epothilone B which stabilizes the solid-state conformation in this region through the minimization of A 1,3 -strain [20]. A second flexible region was observed in the C11-C15 region of the macrolide providing two local conformers. Diasteroisomeric 14-substituted epothilone analogues would control the local conformation again through A 1,3 -strain [21]. (S)-14-methyl-epothilone D and (R)-14-methyl-epothilone B stabilized the conformation observed in the solid-state, and retained activity while (R)-14-methyl-epothilone D lost all biological activity. Our conclusion that the bioactive conformation was closely related to that observed in the solid-state was further supported by synthesis and biological evaluation of (S)-14-methoxy-epothilone D, a potential biosynthetically derived analogue [23]. The combined results highlighted the critical importance of retaining the bound conformation in simple analogues of polyketides [18].
Following on from these valuable insights into the role of functionality in conformation, we became interested in further examining the pharmacophore and the potential role of the C7-hydroxyl group. The C7-hydroxyl was previously proposed to exhibit a strong hydrogen bonding interaction within the paclitaxel binding site at T274, based on electron crystallography (EC) of zinc stabilized tubulin sheets [24][25][26]. Site mutation (Thr274Ile) resulted in epothilone resistance, indicating a change in the structure of the binding site or an intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interaction with epothilone [24,25]. This EC-model deviated significantly from NMR-based studies and, therefore, the validity of their conclusions has been debated [19][20][21][22][27][28][29][30].
Though many structure-activity relationships have been examined with the epothilone class of natural products, only two studies have probed the C7 position. Nicolaou reported the inversion of both the C7-hydroxyl and C6-methyl concurrently to give the 6S,7R stereoisomer. Biological experiments with this compound failed to induce tubulin polymerization, but this is likely a conformational effect [15]. Höfle used semi-synthesis to generate the C7-ketone, and this analogue did not lose complete activity [31]. However, manipulation of the C7 site alone, to probe the importance of either intramolecular or intermolecular hydrogen bonding has not been examined.
As described earlier, we have previously shown that in solution the C1-C8 polypropionate region prefers to exist in at least two conformational families controlled by syn-pentane interactions and intramolecular hydrogen bonds [19]. NMR studies suggested an increase in population of the biologically inactive conformation in non-polar solvents due to an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the C7-hydroxyl and the C5-carbonyl. Therefore, in contrast to the earlier reported necessity of the C7-hydroxyl for intermolecular interactions within the binding site, we hypothesized that removal of the C7-hydroxyl might enhance biological activity by increasing the population of the bioactive conformer. To determine the role of the C7-hydroxyl functionality, we synthesized 7-deoxy-epothilone D and a structurally related analogue, 7-deoxy-(S)-14-methoxy-epothilone D, two compounds which should maintain a significant preference for the bound conformation. The subsequent biological activity of these compounds would then provide insight into the relative importance of conformational preference or binding site interactions related to the C7-hydroxyl.

Results and Discussion
As shown in Scheme 1, the synthesis of 7-deoxy-epothilone D commenced with known aldehyde 1 [32][33][34][35], which underwent a highly selective aldol reaction (>20:1) with 2 in 83% yield, as previously reported [36]. This was followed by introduction of the methyl xanthate, effected by deprotonation of the C7-hydroxyl with sodium hexamethyldisilazide (NaHMDS) in the presence of CS 2 , and subsequent quenching with methyl iodide. Radical-mediated reduction with tributyltin hydride gave the 7-deoxy intermediate 4 in high yield (95%) [37]. Saponification of the ester with lithium hydroxide followed by global deprotection with HF·pyridine gave diol 5. Finally, Yamaguchi macrolactonization afforded the first analogue, 7-deoxy-epothilone D [38]. As described earlier, we have previously shown that in solution the C1-C8 polypropionate region prefers to exist in at least two conformational families controlled by syn-pentane interactions and intramolecular hydrogen bonds [19]. NMR studies suggested an increase in population of the biologically inactive conformation in non-polar solvents due to an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the C7-hydroxyl and the C5-carbonyl. Therefore, in contrast to the earlier reported necessity of the C7-hydroxyl for intermolecular interactions within the binding site, we hypothesized that removal of the C7-hydroxyl might enhance biological activity by increasing the population of the bioactive conformer. To determine the role of the C7-hydroxyl functionality, we synthesized 7-deoxyepothilone D and a structurally related analogue, 7-deoxy-(S)-14-methoxy-epothilone D, two compounds which should maintain a significant preference for the bound conformation. The subsequent biological activity of these compounds would then provide insight into the relative importance of conformational preference or binding site interactions related to the C7-hydroxyl.

Results and Discussion
As shown in Scheme 1, the synthesis of 7-deoxy-epothilone D commenced with known aldehyde 1 [32][33][34][35], which underwent a highly selective aldol reaction (>20:1) with 2 in 83% yield, as previously reported [36]. This was followed by introduction of the methyl xanthate, effected by deprotonation of the C7-hydroxyl with sodium hexamethyldisilazide (NaHMDS) in the presence of CS2, and subsequent quenching with methyl iodide. Radical-mediated reduction with tributyltin hydride gave the 7-deoxy intermediate 4 in high yield (95%) [37]. Saponification of the ester with lithium hydroxide followed by global deprotection with HF·pyridine gave diol 5. Finally, Yamaguchi macrolactonization afforded the first analogue, 7-deoxy-epothilone D [38]. The 7-deoxy-(S)-14-methoxy-epothilone D analogue was prepared using a modified version of our previously published route to (S)-14-methoxy-epothilone D [23]. A TiCl4-mediated aldol to append the top fragment was envisioned (see first step of Scheme 1) but featuring aldehyde 7 [23] (bearing the (S)-14-methoxy group) and TSE (2-trimethylsilylethoxy) ester (8). The use of a TSE protecting group instead of the phenyl ester present in 2 would advantageously allow simultaneous unmasking of the C15-hydroxyl group and the carboxylic acid necessary for the macrolactonization, thus saving an additional deprotection step from the previous synthesis. As shown in Scheme 2, aldehyde 7 and TSE ester 8 underwent a highly selective (20:2:1) aldol reaction to afford 9. Methyl xanthate formation (10) proceeded smoothly in 74% yield. While deoxygenation progressed rapidly in quantitative yield, the desired product 11 was obtained as a 9:1 inseparable mixture of products. The minor product was not readily identified and could not be separated by typical chromatographic techniques. The 1 H NMR spectra of the two products nearly overlapped, suggesting that the two products were diastereomers or closely related. The 7-deoxy-(S)-14-methoxy-epothilone D analogue was prepared using a modified version of our previously published route to (S)-14-methoxy-epothilone D [23]. A TiCl 4 -mediated aldol to append the top fragment was envisioned (see first step of Scheme 1) but featuring aldehyde 7 [23] (bearing the (S)-14-methoxy group) and TSE (2-trimethylsilylethoxy) ester (8). The use of a TSE protecting group instead of the phenyl ester present in 2 would advantageously allow simultaneous unmasking of the C15-hydroxyl group and the carboxylic acid necessary for the macrolactonization, thus saving an additional deprotection step from the previous synthesis. As shown in Scheme 2, aldehyde 7 and TSE ester 8 underwent a highly selective (20:2:1) aldol reaction to afford 9. Methyl xanthate formation (10) proceeded smoothly in 74% yield. While deoxygenation progressed rapidly in quantitative yield, the desired product 11 was obtained as a 9:1 inseparable mixture of products. The minor product was not readily identified and could not be separated by typical chromatographic techniques. The 1 H NMR spectra of the two products nearly overlapped, suggesting that the two products were diastereomers or closely related. In an effort to avoid carrying a mixture of products through multiple steps, it was decided to perform the C7-deoxygenation at a later stage in the route. Accordingly, the tert-butydiphenoxysilyl (TBODPS) and 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy (TSE) protecting groups were removed with tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) in 56% yield (12). Macrolactonization proceeded smoothly in 78% yield to afford methyl xanthate macrocycle 13. As shown in Scheme 3, the xanthate was then removed using a large excess (15 equivalents) of Bu3SnH to provide the desired protected deoxymacrolactone, 14 in high yield (87%). A minor diastereomer was observed similar to that described above, but the major product could be purified by preparative thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Deprotection of the tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBS) group with excess trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) produced the second desired target, 7-deoxy-(S)-14-methoxy-epothilone D, in quantitative yield. After completion of the syntheses, the novel epothilone analogues were tested in A2780 (1A9) human ovarian carcinoma cell lines and compared to Taxol ® and natural epothilones. The inhibitory activities are shown as GI50 values in Table 1. Comparing the activity of epothilone D to the 7-deoxyepothilone D, removal of the hydroxy group caused more than a 100-fold loss in activity (7.5 nM vs. 0.9 μM). Deoxygenation of C7 within the 14-methoxy analogue also showed a significant drop in potency (29 nM vs. 2.2 μM). Interestingly, conformational analysis of the deoxy-analogues suggested significant similarities to their potently cytotoxic parent compounds. 7-deoxy-epothilone D maintained a key ROESY interaction between H3 and H6. Furthermore, the coupling observed between H6 and the two protons of H7 is indicative of the conformational averaging previously observed with epothilone D [19]. The 1 H NMR coupling constants of H6 consist of 7.2 Hz to the C6methyl and two mid-range couplings of 4.2 and 9 Hz to the diastereomeric C7 protons. Comparable couplings were observed for H6 in 7-deoxy-(S)-14-methoxy-epothilone D. A methyl coupling of 6.6 Hz and two mid-range couplings of 4.8 and 9.6 Hz, corresponding to interaction with H7a/b. In contrast to natural epothilone D, the coupling between H6 and H7 is 2.4 Hz [39]. The coupling In an effort to avoid carrying a mixture of products through multiple steps, it was decided to perform the C7-deoxygenation at a later stage in the route. Accordingly, the tert-butydiphenoxysilyl (TBODPS) and 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy (TSE) protecting groups were removed with tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) in 56% yield (12). Macrolactonization proceeded smoothly in 78% yield to afford methyl xanthate macrocycle 13. As shown in Scheme 3, the xanthate was then removed using a large excess (15 equivalents) of Bu 3 SnH to provide the desired protected deoxymacrolactone, 14 in high yield (87%). A minor diastereomer was observed similar to that described above, but the major product could be purified by preparative thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Deprotection of the tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBS) group with excess trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) produced the second desired target, 7-deoxy-(S)-14-methoxy-epothilone D, in quantitative yield. In an effort to avoid carrying a mixture of products through multiple steps, it was decided to perform the C7-deoxygenation at a later stage in the route. Accordingly, the tert-butydiphenoxysilyl (TBODPS) and 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy (TSE) protecting groups were removed with tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) in 56% yield (12). Macrolactonization proceeded smoothly in 78% yield to afford methyl xanthate macrocycle 13. As shown in Scheme 3, the xanthate was then removed using a large excess (15 equivalents) of Bu3SnH to provide the desired protected deoxymacrolactone, 14 in high yield (87%). A minor diastereomer was observed similar to that described above, but the major product could be purified by preparative thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Deprotection of the tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBS) group with excess trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) produced the second desired target, 7-deoxy-(S)-14-methoxy-epothilone D, in quantitative yield. After completion of the syntheses, the novel epothilone analogues were tested in A2780 (1A9) human ovarian carcinoma cell lines and compared to Taxol ® and natural epothilones. The inhibitory activities are shown as GI50 values in Table 1. Comparing the activity of epothilone D to the 7-deoxyepothilone D, removal of the hydroxy group caused more than a 100-fold loss in activity (7.5 nM vs. 0.9 μM). Deoxygenation of C7 within the 14-methoxy analogue also showed a significant drop in potency (29 nM vs. 2.2 μM). Interestingly, conformational analysis of the deoxy-analogues suggested significant similarities to their potently cytotoxic parent compounds. 7-deoxy-epothilone D maintained a key ROESY interaction between H3 and H6. Furthermore, the coupling observed between H6 and the two protons of H7 is indicative of the conformational averaging previously observed with epothilone D [19]. The 1 H NMR coupling constants of H6 consist of 7.2 Hz to the C6methyl and two mid-range couplings of 4.2 and 9 Hz to the diastereomeric C7 protons. Comparable couplings were observed for H6 in 7-deoxy-(S)-14-methoxy-epothilone D. A methyl coupling of 6.6 Hz and two mid-range couplings of 4.8 and 9.6 Hz, corresponding to interaction with H7a/b. In After completion of the syntheses, the novel epothilone analogues were tested in A2780 (1A9) human ovarian carcinoma cell lines and compared to Taxol ® and natural epothilones. The inhibitory activities are shown as GI 50 values in Table 1. Comparing the activity of epothilone D to the 7-deoxy-epothilone D, removal of the hydroxy group caused more than a 100-fold loss in activity (7.5 nM vs. 0.9 µM). Deoxygenation of C7 within the 14-methoxy analogue also showed a significant drop in potency (29 nM vs. 2.2 µM). Interestingly, conformational analysis of the deoxy-analogues suggested significant similarities to their potently cytotoxic parent compounds. 7-deoxy-epothilone D maintained a key ROESY interaction between H3 and H6. Furthermore, the coupling observed between H6 and the two protons of H7 is indicative of the conformational averaging previously observed with epothilone D [19]. The 1 H NMR coupling constants of H6 consist of 7.2 Hz to the C6-methyl and two mid-range couplings of 4.2 and 9 Hz to the diastereomeric C7 protons. Comparable couplings were observed for H6 in 7-deoxy-(S)-14-methoxy-epothilone D. A methyl coupling of 6.6 Hz and two mid-range couplings of 4.8 and 9.6 Hz, corresponding to interaction with H7a/b. In contrast to natural epothilone D, the coupling between H6 and H7 is 2.4 Hz [39]. The coupling constants of the analogues are both higher than the natural compound, suggesting a greater population of the major conformer. Despite an enhanced conformational preference for the biologically active conformation, both new compounds exhibit a significantly lower potency, which provides further support for the importance of an intermolecular interaction between the C7-hydroxyl and the tubulin binding site. While early studies proposed a hydrogen bond with T276, more recent high resolution (2.3 Å) X-ray crystal structure and independent NMR studies of epothilone A bound to tubulin dimers both revealed that the C7-hydroxyl interacts with D226, and the T276 interaction is with N20 [40,41].
The critical importance of this single hydrogen bond may be analogous to the interaction of zampanolide within the identical binding site on tubulin [40,41]. A high-resolution X-ray crystal structure showed that interactions between zampanolide and tubulin are limited but include a critical covalent interaction. The α,β-unsaturated enone moiety alkylates the imidazole of H229 and removal of this functionality in analogue (17) of the structurally related compound dactylolide abolishes all activity (IC 50 17 = 24,000 nM vs. 16 = 320 nM in PC-3 cells, Figure 2) [42,43]. While hydrogen bonds are less energetically stable than covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds can vary significantly in intrinsic strength, enough to rationalize the loss of cytotoxicity in the analogues presented here. Overall, the combined results of our studies show that while conformation is of critical importance in analogue design strategies, certain individual, energetically favorable intermolecular interactions cannot be disregarded [44,45].  Despite an enhanced conformational preference for the biologically active conformation, both new compounds exhibit a significantly lower potency, which provides further support for the importance of an intermolecular interaction between the C7-hydroxyl and the tubulin binding site. While early studies proposed a hydrogen bond with T276, more recent high resolution (2.3 Å) X-ray crystal structure and independent NMR studies of epothilone A bound to tubulin dimers both revealed that the C7-hydroxyl interacts with D226, and the T276 interaction is with N20 [40,41].
The critical importance of this single hydrogen bond may be analogous to the interaction of zampanolide within the identical binding site on tubulin [40,41]. A high-resolution X-ray crystal structure showed that interactions between zampanolide and tubulin are limited but include a critical covalent interaction. The α,β-unsaturated enone moiety alkylates the imidazole of H229 and removal of this functionality in analogue (17) of the structurally related compound dactylolide abolishes all activity (IC50 17 = 24,000 nM vs. 16 = 320 nM in PC-3 cells, Figure 2) [42,43]. While hydrogen bonds are less energetically stable than covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds can vary significantly in intrinsic strength, enough to rationalize the loss of cytotoxicity in the analogues presented here. Overall, the combined results of our studies show that while conformation is of critical importance in analogue design strategies, certain individual, energetically favorable intermolecular interactions cannot be disregarded [44,45].

General Information
Unless otherwise noted, all materials were used as received from a commercial supplier without further purification. All anhydrous reactions were performed using oven-dried or flame-dried glassware under an atmosphere of nitrogen or argon; unless otherwise indicated, all reactions were performed under anhydrous conditions. Tetrahydrofuran (THF), diethyl ether (Et2O),

General Information
Unless otherwise noted, all materials were used as received from a commercial supplier without further purification. All anhydrous reactions were performed using oven-dried or flame-dried glassware under an atmosphere of nitrogen or argon; unless otherwise indicated, all reactions were performed under anhydrous conditions. Tetrahydrofuran (THF), diethyl ether (Et 2 O), dichloromethane (CH 2 Cl 2 ), and toluene were filtered through activated alumina under nitrogen prior to use. Pentane and triethylamine (NEt 3 ) were dried over LiAlH 4 and CaH 2 , respectively, and distilled prior to use. Molecular sieves (4 Å) were oven-dried overnight and cooled under high vacuum prior to use. Anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) was purchased from Acros, Geel, Belgium (AcroSeal ® bottle, over 4 Å molecular sieves). Thionyl chloride (SOCl 2 ) was distilled prior to use.

7-Hydroxy-Epothilone D Phenyl Ester (3)
To a solution of 2 [23] (280 mg, 0.74 mmol) in 5 mL of CH 2 Cl 2 at −78 • C was added drop-wise 0.79 mL of TiCl 4 (1M solution, 0.79 mmol) in CH 2 Cl 2 . The bright yellow-orange solution was stirred for 2 min, then 0.13 mL of diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) (0.79 mmol) was added and the dark red mixture was stirred at −78 • C for 1 h. After 1 h, a solution of 1 [35] (215 mg, 0.49 mmol) in 3 mL of CH 2 Cl 2 was added drop-wise via cannula. The reaction was left to warm to −20 • C overnight (by placing the reaction in a −78 • C bath in a freezer at −20 • C and allowing to equilibrate) and was quenched with sat. aq. NH 4 Cl. The layers were separated and the aqueous layer was further extracted with Et 2 O (3×). The organic layers were dried over MgSO 4 , filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude residue was purified by column chromatography using 10% EtOAc/hexanes as eluent to afford 330 mg (83%, single diastereomer) of 3, as a clear oil.  13

7-O-Methylxanthate-Epothilone D Phenyl Ester (S1)
To a solution of 3 (150 mg, 0.18 mmol) in 2 mL of CS 2 at −78 • C was added drop-wise 0.10 mL of NaHMDS (2.0 M in THF, 0.20 mmol). The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at −78 • C for 1.5 h, then MeI (0.11 mL, 1.8 mmol) was added drop-wise and the reaction mixture was stirred for an additional 1 h. The reaction was quenched at −78 • C with sat. aq. NH 4 Cl, diluted with CH 2 Cl 2 , and allowed to warm to ambient temperature. The layers were separated and the aqueous layer was further extracted with CH 2 Cl 2 (2×). The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO 4 , filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude residue was purified by column chromatography using 7% EtOAc/hexanes as eluent to afford 130 mg of S1 (78%), as a slightly yellow oil.

7-Deoxy-Epothilone D Phenyl Ester (4)
A solution of S1 (135 mg, 0.15 mmol) and 2 mg of azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) in 10 mL of PhMe was degassed with N 2 for 20 min, followed by addition of 0.40 mL of HSn(n-Bu) 3 (1.49 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated to 90 • C for 1 h, then allowed to cool to ambient temperature and poured onto a silica gel column. After elution of the PhMe and majority of the tin-containing byproducts with hexanes, the product was eluted using 7% EtOAc/hexanes to afford 112 mg of 4 (95%), as a colorless oil with trace HSn(n-Bu) 3 impurities.

7-Deoxy-Epothilone D (6)
To a solution of 4 (100 mg, 0.13 mmol) in 0.7 mL of 4:1 THF:H 2 O was added 25 µL of H 2 O 2 (30% in H 2 O) followed by LiOH (5 mg, 0.20 mmol). The reaction was allowed to stir at room temperature for 2 h, then carefully quenched with sat. aq. Na 2 S 2 O 3 solution. The pH of the reaction was adjusted to 6 by the addition of 1 M HCl and the reaction was diluted with EtOAc. The layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (3×). The organic layers were combined and dried over MgSO 4 , filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography using 25% EtOAc/hexanes containing 2% AcOH as eluent to afford 77 mg of the protected seco acid (85%), as a colorless oil.
To a solution of the protected seco acid (77 mg, 0.11 mmol) in 3.0 mL of THF at 0 • C was added 1.6 mL of HF·py (65% HF in pyridine). The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature over 2 h and allowed to stir for an additional 12 h. The reaction mixture was carefully poured into a solution of sat. aq. NaHCO 3 at 0 • C and diluted with EtOAc. The layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (4×). The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO 4 , filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography using 3% MeOH/EtOAc containing 2% AcOH as eluent to afford 44 mg of the deprotected seco acid (81%) as a colorless oil.
To a solution of the seco acid (44 mg, 0.090 mmol) in 10 mL of THF at 0 • C was added drop-wise 0.15 mL of DIPEA (0.81 mmol) followed by 43 µL of 2,4,6-trichlorobenzoyl chloride (0.27 mmol). The reaction was allowed to stir at 0 • C for 1 h, then diluted with 20 mL of THF. This mixture was added by cannula to a solution of 240 mg of 4-dimethylamino-pyridine (DMAP) (2.0 mmol) in 100 mL of PhMe over 3 h. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at ambient temperature for 12 h, then concentrated to afford a white residue. The residue was dissolved in Et 2 O and washed successively with 20% glacial AcOH, sat. aq. NaHCO 3 , and sat. aq. NH 4 Cl. The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO 4 , filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using 25% EtOAc/hexanes as eluent to afford 35 mg of 7-deoxy-epothilone D, 6 (83%, single diastereomer) as a clear oil.

TSE Ester Ketone Fragment (8)
To a solution of S5 (100 mg, 0.224 mmol) in 5 mL of dicholoromethane (DCM) was added 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethanol (256 µL, 1.792 mmol) drop-wise followed by DMAP (164 mg, 1.344 mmol). The reaction was allowed to stir at room temperature for 36 h (reaction progress monitored by TLC), during which time the yellow color of the solution gradually faded to yield a nearly colorless solution. The reaction was quenched with sat. aq. Na 2 S 2 O 3 solution. The layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (3×). The organic layers were combined and dried over MgSO 4 , filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography using 5% EtOAc/hexanes as eluent to afford 80 mg of the desired ester (90%) as a colorless oil. 1 39.62, 31.70, 25.86, 20.94, 20.63, 18.11, 17.20, 7.

TSE Ester 7-O-Methylxanthate-14-(S)-Methoxy-Epothilone D (10)
To a solution of 9 (130 mg, 0.129 mmol) in 1.3 mL of CS 2 (freshly distilled over CaH 2 ) at −78 • C was added drop-wise 154 µL of NaHMDS solution (1.0 M in THF, 0.154 mmol). The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at −78 • C for 1.5 h, then 80 µL of MeI (1.29 mmol) was added drop-wise and the reaction mixture was stirred for an additional 1 h. The reaction was quenched at −78 • C with sat. aq. NH 4 Cl, diluted with CH 2 Cl 2 , and allowed to warm to ambient temperature. The layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with CH 2 Cl 2 (2×). The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO 4 , filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude residue was purified by column chromatography using 20% EtOAc/hexanes as eluent to afford 105 mg of 10 (74%), as a slightly yellow oil.  To a solution of 10 (24 mg, 21.8 µmol) in 1.0 mL THF at 0 • C was added drop-wise 262 µL of TBAF solution (1.0 M in THF; 0.262 mmol) drop-wise. The reaction was allowed to stir, gradually warming from 0 • C to room temperature over 5 h. When TLC indicated complete consumption of starting material (approximately 5 h), the reaction was quenched with sat. aq. NaHCO 3 and extracted with Et 2 O (3×). The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO 4 , filtered, and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography eluting with 30% EtOAc/hexanes containing 1% AcOH to obtain 9 mg (56%) of the desired product as a white solid. The product was carried on to the next step without further characterization. To a solution of the seco acid (26.3 mg, 0.040 mmol) in 7.8 mL of THF at 0 • C was added drop-wise 63 µL of DIPEA (0.362 mmol) followed by 18.8 µL of 2,4,6-trichlorobenzoyl chloride (0.121 mmol). The reaction was allowed to stir at 0 • C for 1 h, then diluted with 30 mL of THF. This mixture was added by cannula to a solution of 108 mg of DMAP (0.89 mmol) in 85 mL of toluene over 3 h. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at 40 • C for 12 h, then concentrated to afford a white residue. The residue was dissolved in Et 2 O and washed successively with 20% glacial AcOH, sat. aq. NaHCO 3 , and sat. aq. NH 4 Cl. The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO 4 , filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography using 10% EtOAc/hexanes as eluent to afford 20.

7-Deoxy-14-(S)-Methoxy-TBS-Protected-Epothilone D (14)
A solution of 13 (13.3 mg, 0.0183 mmol) and a catalytic amount of AIBN in 1.8 mL of PhMe was degassed by bubbling N 2 through the solution for 20 min. To the degassed solution was added 0.074 mL of HSn(n-Bu) 3 (0.274 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated to 90 • C for 30 min, then allowed to cool to ambient temperature and poured onto a silica gel column. After elution of the PhMe and majority of the tin-containing byproducts using 100% hexanes, a gradient of 0% to 10% EtOAc/hexanes was used to afford 7 mg of 14 (62%) as a colorless oil containing a 91:9 ratio of the desired product and an unidentified epimer or isomer. The mixture was separated by preparative TLC eluting with 10% EtOAc/hexanes. 1  To a solution of the protected macrolactone 14 (5.4 mg, (0.0087 mmol) in DCM (0.44 mL) at −15 • C (ice and acetone bath) was added 20% v/v TFA/DCM (87 µL) drop-wise. The mixture was allowed to warm to 0 • C and stirred for 2 h, after which time TLC indicated that all starting material had been consumed. The reaction was concentrated under reduced pressure and purified by column chromatography eluting with 50% EtOAc/Hexanes to afford 4.5 mg (100%) of the desired 7-deoxy-(S)-14-methoxy-epothilone D as a white solid.

Cell Growth Inhibition by Compounds
Biological activity of compounds was determined by measuring inhibition of cell growth as described previously [46] using the Sulforhodamine B (SRB) method. In brief, cells that had been grown in drug-free media for 4-7 days prior to plating in 96-well plates were exposed to serial dilutions of compounds for 4 days. At the end of this period, cells were fixed, stained with SRB, retained stain quantitated by absorbance, and GI 50 determined.