Synthesis and bioactivity of erebusinone, a pigment from the antarctic sponge Isodictya erinacea

ORGN 116

Young Chul Park and Bill J. Baker. Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, BSF 358, Tampa, FL 33620
The yellow pigment from the Antarctic sponge Isodictya erinacea, erebusinone has been implicated in molt inhibition and mortality against an Antarctic crustacean amphipod, perhaps serving as a precursor of a xanthurenic acid analog. Our interest in erebusinone bioactivity led us to develop synthesis, which we have achieved in an overall yield of 44 % involving 7 steps. The detailed synthetic pathway of erebusinone, which was economical and convenient, will be presented.