ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Synthesis and Its Applications: Towards the Synthesis of Bryostatin 1

After a brief introduction that outlines our general strategy for the stereoselective synthesis of complex natural products, based on the rule of multiple asymmetric synthesis, this article will present a critical evaluation of reagents recently developed to effect asymmetric aldol and allyl- and crotylboration, perhaps the two most important carbon, carbon bond forming reactions in the synthesis of polyketide-type natural products. Some emphasis will be placed on the mechanistic and synthetic aspects of newly discovered (R-) and (S)-2-trimethylsilylborolane mediated reactions. The latter half of the article will deal with the application of these reactions as illustrated by our work directed towards the synthesis of bryostatin 1, C47H6sOll, a marine natural product isolated in minute quantities from Bulgula nerztzna. Bryostatins are potential anti-leukemic agents.