This research project in the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program is designed to provide deeper understanding of molecular structure and reactivity in organic compounds. This new knowledge is to be gained through preparation and study of new molecules representative of polyfunctional types encountered among natural products. Several projects will be pursued in the areas of natural products chemistry. New cyclization reactions which will lead to key intermediates for entry into the nogalamycin class of anti-tumor antibiotics, the cervinomycins (a new class of antibiotic polyketide alkaloids), and hormothamnione (a polyoxygenated chromone which exhibits impressive antitumor activity) will be investigated. The specific synthetic methods to be developed involve the use of aryl radicals in carbohydrate chemistry and directed aldol condensation reactions in unsymmetrical polyketide synthesis.
