Synthesis of the proposed structure and revision of stereochemistry of kaitocephalin

A stereoselective total synthesis of the proposed structure of kaitocephalin (1) was accomplished starting from L-proline and D- and L-serines. How ever, its H-1 NMR spectral data and retention time oil HPLC were not identical with those of authentic natural kaitocephalin. The revised stereochemistry of natural kaitocephalin. (2R)-isomer (16), was inferred from further experiments employing diastereomers and model compounds. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.