Towards the Total Synthesis of 5-bromo-8-methoxy-1-methyl-β-carboline as a Potential Anti-Leukemic Agent

In the United States, cancer accounts for 1 in 4 deaths annually, and leukemia, a type of cancer, is the number one cause of cancer related deaths in children ages 1-14 years. Current treatments are associated with numerous side effects, and consequently, new anti-leukemic drug candidates should be pursued. A compound known as 5-bromo-8-methoxy-1-methyl-β-carboline has been shown to exhibit moderate activity against a model leukemia cell line. However, the organism from which this compound is derived, Pterocella vesiculosa, produces it in very small quantities. Continued testing for biological, anti-leukemic properties requires a more efficient, cost-effective production route. The aim of this project is to complete the first total synthesis of 5-bromo-8-methoxy-1-methyl-β-carboline by completing a series of organic chemistry reactions. Once synthesized, the product will be characterized by carbon and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H and 13 C NMR), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and thin layer chromatography (TLC). Successful synthesis of this potentially anti-leukemic drug could ultimately provide patients with new avenues of cheaper, more powerful, less toxic chemotherapies