Synthesis of Stilbenes in Water

Combretastatin A-4 is a simple stilbene which has been in clinical trials as an antivascular agent. This type of stilbene is generally synthesised under dry conditions using Wittig chemistry; but recently our laboratories have achieved this type of synthesis using an aqueous method. This project will develop this aqueous chemistry, optimise the synthetic protocols and determine the scope of the reaction. The candidate will gain experience in synthetic methodology, structural elucidation and in the evaluation of antivascular agents. This project will develop a more environmentally-friendly protocol for the synthesis of antivascular combretastatins and alkenes in general.