Synthesis, X-Ray Crystal Structure and Tubulin- Binding Properties of a Benzofuran Analogue of the Potent Cytotoxic Agent Combretastatin A4

Abstract

The benzofuran (4), a ring-fused analogue of the potent antimitotic agent combretastatin A4 (1), has been prepared by a convergent route involving 5-endo-dig iodocyclization of o-hydroxytolan (5) as the key step. Compound (4), which has been characterized crystallographically as well as spectroscopically, is inactive as a tubulin-binding agent.