The total synthesis and biological evaluation of nafuredin-γ and its analogues

Nafuredin (1) is converted to nafuredin-gamma (2) under mild basic conditions and both compounds exhibit the same inhibitory activity and selectivity against NADH-fumarate reductase (complex 1). The total synthesis of 2 was achieved by a convergent approach using Stille coupling. The structural elements required for inhibitory activity against NADH-fumarate reductase (complex I) were then investigated by evaluation of nafuredin-gamma (2) and its structural analogues. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.