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Synthesis of analogues of antifungal podolactones via Pd-catalyzed processes revealed that tandem 6-exo-alkyne carbopalladation/carbonylative lactonization sequence is strongly solvent-dependent. Contrary to earlier reports, premature esterification was the predominant pathway when the starting enynes derived from (Z)-2-iodohex-2-en-1,4-diol were subjected to Pd-catalyzed carbonylation in MeOH. Apparently, irreversible complexation of Pd by the OH group prevented decarbonylation and hence 6-exo-alkyne carbopalladation. Similarly, the influence of the chelation was also evident when the reaction was applied to the analogous preparation of 3-hydroxymethylbutenolides. The neighboring group effect can be efficiently overcome through using DMF as the solvent in combination with protection of the OH function., (Copyright 2004 American Chemical Society)

Three 3-(halogenated phenyl)-5-acyloxymethyl-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-ones were evaluated for activity against 191 strains of common and emerging yeasts and Aspergillus species by the broth microdilution test performed according to NCCLS guidelines. The furanone derivatives displayed broad-spectrum in vitro activity against potentially pathogenic yeasts and molds, especially Aspergillus spp. (MIC

3-(Substituted phenyl)-5-acyloxymethyl-2H,5H-furan-2-ones related to the natural product (-)incrustoporine were synthesized and their in vitro antifungal activity evaluated. The compounds with halogen substituents on the phenyl ring displayed much higher antifungal effect against Aspergillus fumigatus than selected representatives of azole antifungal drugs. In particular, the activity (1.34 microg/mL) of the most promising derivative, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-pivaloyloxymethyl-2H,5H-furan-2-one, was comparable to that of amphotericin B (0.5 microg/mL). Preliminary evaluation of the toxicity of the compound was carried out as well. Considering the size and properties of these molecules in comparison with those of amphotericin B, further development of this novel group of antifungals may lead to substances with better pharmacological profiles than that of the standard anti-Aspergillus drug.