Synthesis of a Next-Generation Taxoid by Rapid Methylation Amenable for ¹¹C‑Labeling

Next-generation taxoids, such as SB-T-1214, are highly potent cytotoxic agents that exhibit remarkable efficacy against drug-resistant tumors in vivo, including those that overexpress the P-glycoprotein (Pgp) efflux pump. As SB-T-1214 is not a substrate for Pgp-mediated efflux, it may exhibit a markedly different biodistribution and tumor-accumulation profile than paclitaxel or docetaxel, which are both Pgp substrates. To investigate the biodistribution and tumor-accumulation levels of SB-T-1214 using positron emission tomography (PET), a new synthetic route has been developed to allow the incorporation of ¹¹C, a commonly employed positron-emitting radionucleide, via methyl iodide at the last step of chemical synthesis. This synthetic route features a highly stereoselective chiral ester enolate–imine cyclocondensation, regioselective hydrostannation of the resulting β-lactam, and the Stille coupling of the novel vinylstannyl taxoid intermediate with methyl iodide. Conditions have been established to allow the rapid methylation and HPLC purification of the target compound in a time frame amenable to ¹¹C-labeling for applications to PET studies.