Semisynthesis of an Anticancer DPAGT1 Inhibitor from a Muraymycin Biosynthetic Intermediate

We have explored a method to convert a muraymycin biosynthetic intermediate 3 to an anticancer drug lead 2 for in vivo and thorough preclinical studies. Cu(OAc)_2 forms a stable complex with the amide 4 and prevents electrophilic reactions at the 2-((3-aminopropyl)amino)acetamide moiety. Under the present conditions, the desired 5″-primary amine was selectively protected with (Boc)_2O to yield 6. The intermediate 6 was converted to 2 in two steps with 90% yield