Progress towards the synthesis of Laureatin

ORGN 711

Christopher D. Taylor, Christopher.D.Taylor@Uconn.edu, Bernard F. Castillo II, bernard.castillo_ii@huskymail.uconn.edu, and Amy R. Howell, amy.howell@uconn.edu. Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06010
Laureatin, a major metabolite of a red marine algae of the genus Laurencia nipponica, has shown potent activity as a mosquito larvicide. We are interested in examining the potential of laureatin and some analogs as insecticides for mosquito vectors transmitting malaria. To date, no total synthesis of laureatin has been disclosed. The synthesis of fragments for incorporating the enyne moiety will be described.