Letters in Organic Chemistry - Volume 2, Issue 1, 2005

An improved synthesis of DC-Cholesterol, its analogues and Vitamin D-based lipids for the preparation of liposomes in gene therapy, is described. This synthetic strategy affords significative increase in the yields of DC-Cholesterol and its analogs.

A furanosic derivative has been identified as a simple sialylmimetic and synthesized, representing the first step in the development of a new series of furanosic sialic acid's mimetics as potential inhibitors of influenza virus neuraminidase. The structure was tested on a molecular simulating environment before proceeding with synthetic pathways.

Bioreduction of PEG-acetoacetate 1 is achieved using dry baker's yeast in toluene with a small amount of added water. After detachment from the polymer under basic conditions, the corresponding (S)-(+)- 3-hydroxybutanoic acid 3 was esterified with Me3SiCl and ethanol and ethyl (S)-(+)-3-hydroxybutanoate 4 was isolated with 97% e.e. and 70% overall yield.