Total Synthesis and Derivation of Humulones and Lupulones as Possible Biologically Active Agents

Humulones and lupulones have affirmed themselves as key ingredients in the multi-billion dollar brewing industry. Originally exploited for their bacteriostatic properties, these compounds also exhibit high levels of biological activity against a variety of diseases. Although quantifiable, the isolation and separation of specific humulones and lupulones has proven difficult, thus establishing efficient synthetic routes will be of value to those desiring exact bittering qualities and to the pharmaceutical community. Our investigations are towards developing a synthetic route to a library of humulones, lupulones, and their derivatives as possible biologically active agents against myriad diseases. The key step in our efficient syntheses of individual humulones is a copper mediated asymmetric oxidative dearomatization involving a chiral ligand. New compounds will be biologically tested through our collaborations. Active agents may lead to a transformation in hops as sources to the next generation of medicines