Optimization of the synthesis of B-methyltryptophan methyl ester and an N-acetyl analog of lavendamycin methyl ester : an honors thesis [(HONRS 499)]

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis project was twofold. The first objective was to optimize the synthesis of β-methyltryptophan methyl ester to improve the efficiency and yield of the overall procedure. β-Methyltryptophan methyl ester is important in the synthesis of many antitumor anticancer drug candidates, including S-carbolines and lavendamycin. The second objective was to synthesize one of these drug candidates, a new analog of lavendamycin called N-propionyllavendamycin methyl ester This compound will subsequently be tested against tumor cells in vitro and in vivo in hopes that it will be an effective anticancer agent.