ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Absolute Configuration of Formosusin A, a Specific Inhibitor of Mammalian DNA Polymerase β

Formosusin A, a specific inhibitor of an X-family DNA polymerase (rat DNA polymerase β), was synthesized using a Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation as the key step for the preparation of a chiral building block. This Letter describes the first example of the total synthesis of formosusin A. The absolute configuration of the natural formosusin A was determined to be ( R ) from the specific rotation value. Racemization of formosusin A was observed under acidic conditions, suggesting that the reported natural product might have low optical purity.