Stereoselective synthesis of jaspine B from d-xylose Original Research Article

The natural cytotoxic marine compound, jaspine B, is stereoselectively synthesized from d-xylose in 11 linear steps with a 23.9% overall yield. The key step in the synthesis involves an iodine-induced debenzylation of a primary alcohol and the subsequent 2,5-cyclization to fit the required configuration of jaspine B. A preliminary bioassay shows strong inhibition activities against human MDA231, Hela, and CNE cell lines, indicating potential usage in various cancer treatments.