Steroid derived antibiotics

Abstract

A series of novel steroid derivatives are described. The steroid derivatives are antibacterial agents. The steroid derivatives also act to sensitize bacteria to other antibiotics including erythromycin and novobiocin.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to novel steroid derivatives and processes and intermediates for the preparation of these compounds.

[0003] Some compounds that associate strongly with the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria are known to disrupt the outer membrane and increase permeability. The increased permeability can increase the susceptibility of Gram-negative bacteria to other antibiotics. The best studied of this type of compound are the polymyxin antibiotics. For an example of a study involving the binding of polymyxin B to the primary constituent of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria (lipid A) see: D. C. Morrison and D. M. Jacobs, Binding of Polymyxin B to The Lipid a Portion of Bacterial Lipopolysaccharides, Immunochemistry 1976, vol. 13, 813-819. For an example of a study involving the binding of a polymyxin derivative to Gram-negative bacteria see: M. Vaara and P. Viljanen, Binding of Polymyxin B Nonapeptide to Gram-negative Bacteria, Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 1985, vol. 27, 548-554.

[0004] Membranes of Gram-negative bacteria are semipermeable molecular “sieves” which restrict access of antibiotics and host defense molecules to their targets within the bacterial cell. Thus, cations and polycations which interact with and break down the outer membrane permeability barrier are capable of increasing the susceptibility of Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics and host defense molecules. Hancock and Wong demonstrated that a broad range of peptides could overcome the permeability barrier and coined the name “permeabilizers” to describe them (Hancock and Wong, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother., 26:48, 1984).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention features compounds of the formula I 1

[0006] wherein:

[0007] fused rings A, B, C, and D are independently saturated or fully or partially unsaturated; and

[0008] each of R1 through R4, R6, R7, R11, R12, R15, R16, and R17 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, a substituted or unsubstitutedn (C1-C10) alkyl, (C1-C10) hydroxyalkyl, (C1-C10) alkyloxy-(C1-C10) alkyl, (C1-C10) alkylamino-(C1-C10) alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, C1-C10 haloalkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, oxo, a linking group attached to a second steroid, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkyloxy, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkylcarboxy, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkylaminocarbonyl, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkylcarboxamido, H2N-HC(Q5)-C(O)—O—, H2N-HC(Q5)-C(O)—N(H)—, (C1-C10) azidoalkyloxy, (C1-C10) cyanoalkyloxy, P.G.—HN—C(Q5)-C(O)—O—, (C1-C10) guanidinoalkyl oxy, and (C1-C10) guanidinoalkyl carboxy, where Q5 is a side chain of any amino acid (including the side chain of glycine, i.e., H), P.G. is an amino protecting group, and

[0009] R5, R8, R9, R10, R13, and R14 is each independently: deleted when one of fused rings A, B, C, or D is unsaturated so as to complete the valency of the carbon atom at that site, or

[0010] selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) alkyl, (C1-C10) hydroxyalkyl, (C1-C10) alkyloxy-(C1-C10) alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, C1-C10 haloalkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, oxo, a linking group attached to a second steroid, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkyloxy, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkylcarboxy, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkylaminocarbonyl, H2N-HC(Q5)-C(O)—O—, H2N-HC(Q5)-C(O)—N(H)—, (C1-C10) azidoalkyloxy, (C1-C10) cyanoalkyloxy, P.G.—HN—C(Q5)-C(O)—O—, (C1-C10) guanidinoalkyloxy, and (C1-C10) guanidinoalkylcarboxy, where Q5 is a side chain of any amino acid, P.G. is an amino protecting group, and

[0011] provided that at least two of R1 through R14 are independently selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkyloxy, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkylcarboxy, a substituted or unsubstituted is (C1-C10) aminoalkylaminocarbonyl, H2N-HC(Q5)-C(O)—O—, H2N-HC(Q5)-C(O)—N(H)— (C1-C10) azidoalkyloxy, (C1-C10) cyanoalkyloxy, P.G.-HN-C(Q5)-C(O)—O—, (C1-C10) guanidinoalkyloxy, and (C1-C10) guanidinoalkylcarboxy; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0012] The term fused ring used herein can be heterocyclic or carbocyclic, preferably.

[0013] The term “saturated” used herein refers to the fused ring of formula I having each atom in the fused ring either hydrogenated or substituted such that the valency of each atom is filled.

[0014] The term “unsaturated” used herein refers to the fused ring of formula I where the valency of each atom of the fused ring may not be filled with hydrogen or other substituents. For example, adjacent carbon atoms in the fused ring can be doubly bound to each other. Unsaturation can also include deleting at least one of the following pairs and completing the valency of the ring carbon atoms at these deleted positions with a double bond; such as R5 and R9; R8 and R10; and R13 and R14.

[0015] The term “unsubstituted” used herein refers to a moiety having each atom hydrogenated such that the valency of each atom is filled.

[0016] The term “halo” used herein refers to a halogen atom such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine.

[0017] Examples of amino acid side chains include but are not limited to H (glycine), methyl (alanine), —CH2—(C═O)-NH2 (asparagine), —CH2—SH (cysteine), and -CH(OH)CH3 (threonine).

[0018] An alkyl group is a branched or unbranched hydrocarbon that may be substituted or unsubstituted. Examples of branched alkyl groups include isopropyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, sec-pentyl, isopentyl, tert-pentyl, isohexyl. Substituted alkyl groups may have one, two, three or more substituents, which may be the same or different, each replacing a hydrogen atom. Substituents are halogen (e.g., F, Cl, Br, and I), hydroxyl, protected hydroxyl, amino, protected amino, carboxy, protected carboxy, cyano, methylsulfonylamino, alkoxy, acyloxy, nitro, and lower haloalkyl.

[0019] The term “substitued” used herein refers to moieties having one, two, three or more substituents, which may be the same or different, each replacing a hydrogen atom. Examples of substituents include but are not limited to halogen (e.g., F, Cl, Br, and I), hydroxyl, protected hydroxyl, amino, protected amino, carboxy, protected carboxy, cyano, methylsulfonylamino, alkoxy, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, acyloxy, nitro, and lower haloalkyl.

[0020] An aryl group is a C6-20 aromatic ring, wherein the ring is made of carbon atoms (e.g., C6-14, C6-10 aryl groups). Examples of haloalkyl include fluoromethyl, dichloromethyl, trifluoromethyl, 1,1 -difluoroethyl, and 2,2-dibromoethyl.

[0021] An aralkyl group is a group containing 6-20 carbon atoms that has at least one aryl ring and at least one alkyl or alkylene chain connected to that ring. An example of an aralkyl group is a benzyl group.

[0022] A linking group is any divalent moiety used to link a compound of formula to another steroid, e.g., a second compound of formula I. An example of a linking group is (C1-C10) alkyloxy-(C1-C10) alkyl.

[0023] Numerous amino-protecting groups are well-known to those in the art. In general, the species of protecting group is not critical, provided that it is stable to the conditions of any subsequent reaction(s) on other positions of the compound and can be removed at the appropriate point without adversely affecting the remainder of the molecule. In addition, a protecting group may be substituted for another after substantive synthetic transformations are complete. Clearly, where a compound differs from a compound disclosed herein only in that one or more protecting groups of the disclosed compound has been substituted with a different protecting group, that compound is within the invention. Further examples and conditions are found in T. W. Greene, Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry, (1st ed., 1981, 2nd ed., 1991).

[0024] The present invention also includes methods of synthesizing compounds of formula I where at least two of R1 through R14 are independently selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkyloxy. The method includes the step of contacting a compound of formula IV, 2

[0025] where at least two of R1 through R14 are hydroxyl, and the remaining moieties on the fused rings A, B, C, and D are defined for formula I, with an electrophile to produce an alkyl ether compound of formula IV, wherein at least two of R1 through R14 are (C1-C10)alkyloxy. The alkyl ether compounds are converted into an amino precursor compound wherein at least two of R1 through R14 are independently selected from the group consisting of (C1-C10) azidoalkyloxy and (C1-C10) cyanoalkyloxy and the amino precursor compound is reduced to form a compound of formnula I.

[0026] The electrophiles used in the method include but are not limited to 2-(2-bromoethyl)-1,3-dioxolane, 2-iodoacetamide, 2-chloroacetamide, N-(2-bromoethyl)phthalimide, N-(3-bromopropyl)phthalimide, and allybromide. The preferred electrophile is allylbromide.

[0027] The invention also includes a method of producing a compound of formula I where at least two of R1 through R14 are (C1-C10) guanidoalkyloxy. The method includes contacting a compound of formula IV, where at least two of R1 through R14 are hydroxyl, with an electrophile to produce an alkyl ether compound of formula IV, where at least two of R1 through R14 are (C1-C10)alkyloxy. The allyl ether compound is converted into an amino precursor compound where at least two of R1 through R14 are independently selected from the group consisting of (C1-C10) azidoalkyloxy and (C1-C10) cyanoalkyloxy. The amino precursor compound is reduced to produce an aminoalkyl ether compound wherein at least two of R1 through R14 are (C1-C10) aminoalkyloxy. The aminoalkyl ether compound is contacted with a guanidino producing electrophile to form a compound of formula I.

[0028] The term “guanidino producing electrophile” used herein refers to an electrophile used to produce a guanidino compound of formula I. An example of an guanidino producing electrophile is HSO3-C(NH)-NH2.

[0029] The invention also includes a method of producing a compound of formula I where at least two of R1 through R14 are H2N-HC(Q5)-C(O)—O— and Q5 is the side chain of any amino acid. The method includes the step of contacting a compound of formula IV, where at least two of R1 through R14 are hydroxyl, with a protected amino acid to produce a protected amino acid compound of formula IV where at least two of at least two of R1 through R14 are P.G.—HN—HC(Q5)-C(O)—O— and Q5 is the side chain of any amino acid and P.G. is an amino protecting group. The protecting group of the protected amino acid compound is removed to form a compound of formula I.

[0030] The present invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions of matter that are useful as antibacterial agents, sensitizers of bacteria to other antibiotics and disrupters of bacterial membranes. The pharmaceutical compositions can be used to treat humans and animals having a bacterial infection. The pharmaceutical compositions can include an effective amount of the steroid derivative alone or in combination with other antibacterial agents.

[0031] The invention further includes a method of preparing the compound (A): 3

[0032] by

[0033] (a) contacting 5β-cholanic acid 3,7,12-trione methyl ester with hydroxyl amine hydrochloride and sodium acetate to form the trioxime (B): 4

[0034] and

[0035] (b) contacting trioxime (B) with NaBH4 and TiCl4 to yield compound (A).

[0036] The invention also includeds a compound comprising a ring system of at least 4 fused rings, where each of the rings has from 5-7 atoms. The ring system has two faces, and contains 3 chains attached to the same face. Each of the chains contains a nitrogen-containing group that is separated from the ring system by at least one atom; the nitrogen-containing group is an amino group, e.g., a primary amino group, or a guanidino group. Preferably, the compound also contains a hydrophobic group, such as a substituted (C3-10) aminoalkyl group, a (C1-10) alkyloxy (C3-10) alkyl group, or a (C1-10) alkylamino (C3-10)alkyl group, attached to the steroid backbone.

[0037] For example, the compound may have the formula V, where each of the three chains containing nitrogen-containing groups is independently selected from R1 through R4, R6, R7, R11, R12, R15, R16, R17, and R18, defined below. 5

[0038] where:

[0039] each of fused rings A, B, C, and D is independently saturated, or is fully or partially unsaturated, provided that at least two of A, B, C, and D are saturated, wherein rings A, B, C, and D form a ring system;

[0040] each of m, n, p, and q is independently 0 or 1;

[0041] each of R1 through R4, R6, R7, R11, R12, R15, R16, R17, and R18 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) alkyl, (C1-C10) hydroxyalkyl, (C1-C10) alkyloxy-(C1-C10) alkyl, (C1-C10) alkylamino-(C1-C10) alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, C1-C10 haloalkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, oxo, a linking group attached to a second steroid, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkyloxy, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkylcarboxy, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkylaminocarbonyl, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C5) aminoalkylcarboxamido, H2N-HC(Q5)-C(O)—O—, H2N-HC(Q5)-C(O)—N(H)—, (C1-C10) azidoalkyloxy, (C1-C10) cyanoalkyloxy, P.G.—HN—C(Q5)-C(O)—O—, (C1-C10) guanidinoalkyl oxy, and (C1-C10) guanidinoalkyl carboxy, where Q5 is a side chain of any amino acid, P.G. is an amino protecting group;

[0042] each of R5, R8, R9, R10, R13, and R14 is independently: deleted when one of fused rings A, B, C, or D is unsaturated so as to complete the valency of the carbon atom at that site, or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) alkyl, (C1-C10) hydroxyalkyl, (C1-C10) alkyloxy-(C1-C10) alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, C1-C10 haloalkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, oxo, a linking group attached to a second steroid, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkyloxy, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkylcarboxy, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkylaminocarbonyl, H2N-HC(Q5)-C(O)—O—, H2N-HC(Q5)-C(O)—N(H)—, (C1-C10) azidoalkyloxy, (C1-C10) cyanoalkyloxy, P.G.—HN—C(Q5)-C(O)—O—, (C1-C10) guanidinoalkyloxy, and (C1-C10) guanidinoalkylcarboxy, where Q5 is a side chain of any amino acid, P.G. is an amino protecting group,

[0043] provided that at least three of R1 through R4, R6, R7, R11, R12, R15, R16, R17, and R18 are disposed on the same face of the ring system and are independently selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkyloxy, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkylcarboxy, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkylaminocarbonyl, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C5) aminoalkylcarboxamido, a (C1-C10) guanidinoalkyloxy, and a (C1-C10) guanidinoalkylcarboxy; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Preferably, at least two, or at least, three, of m, n, p, and q are 1.

[0044] Without wishing to be bound to any particular theory, the steroid derivatives described herein act as bacteriostatic and bactericidal agents by binding to the outer cellular membrane of bacteria. The interaction between the steroid derivatives and the bacteria membrane disrupts the integrity of the cellular membrane and results in the death of the bacteria cell. In addition, compounds of the present invention also act to sensitize bacteria to other antibiotics. At concentrations of the steroid derivatives below the corresponding minimum bacteriostatic concentration, the derivatives cause bacteria to become more susceptible to other antibiotics by increasing the permeability of the outer membrane of the bacteria. Measurements used to quantitate the effects of the steroid derivatives on bacteria include: measurement of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), measurement of minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) and the ability of the steroid derivatives to lower the MICs of other antibiotics, e.g., erythromycin and novobiocin.

[0045] A person of skill will recognize that the compounds described herein preserve certain stereochemical and electronic characteristics found in steroids. The term “same configuration” as used herein refers to substituents on the fused steroid having the same stereochemical orientation. For example substituents R3, R7 and R12 are all β-substituted or α-substituted. The configuration of the moieties R3, R7, and R12 substituted on C3, C7, and C12 may be important for interaction with the cellular membrane.

[0046] In another aspect, the invention features several methods of using the above-described compounds. For example, an effective amount of an anti-microbial composition comprising such a compound is administered to a host (including a human host) to treat a microbial infection. The compound by itself may provide the anti-microbial effect, in which case the amount of the compound administered is sufficient to be anti-microbial. Alternatively, an additional anti-microbial substance to be delivered to the microbial cells (e.g., an antibiotic) is included in the anti-microbial composition. By facilitating delivery to the target cells, the compounds can enhance the effectiveness of the additional antimicrobial substance. In some cases the enhancement may be substantial. Particularly important target microbes are bacteria (e.g., Gram-negative bacteria generally or bacteria which have a substantial (>40%) amount of a lipid A or lipid A-like substance in the outer membrane). Other microbes including fungi, viruses, and yeast may also be the target organisms.

[0047] The compounds can also be administered in other contexts to enhance cell permeability to introduce any of a large number of different kinds of substances into a cell, particularly the bacterial cells discussed above. In addition to introducing anti-microbial substances, the invention may be used to introduce other substances such as macromolecules (e.g., vector-less DNA).

[0048] The invention can also be used to make anti-microbial compositions (e.g., disinfectants, antiseptics, antibiotics etc.) which comprise one of the above compounds. These compositions are not limited to pharmaceuticals, and they may be used topically or in non-therapeutic contexts to control microbial (particularly bacterial) growth. For example, they may be used in applications that kill or control microbes on contact.

[0049] In yet another aspect, the invention generally features methods of identifying compounds that are effective against a microbe by administering a candidate compound and a compound according to the invention the microbe and determining whether the candidate compound has a static or toxic effect (e.g, an antiseptic, germicidal, disinfectant, or antibiotic effect) on the microbe. Again, bacteria such as those discussed above are preferred. This aspect of the invention permits useful testing of an extremely broad range of candidate anti-microbials which are known to have anti-microbial effect in some contexts, but which have not yet been shown to have any effect against certain classes of microbes such as the bacteria discussed above. As described in greater detail below, this aspect of the invention permits testing of a broad range of antibiotics currently thought to be ineffective against Gram-negative or lipid A-like containing bacteria.

[0050] In yet another aspect the invention features compositions which include one of the above compounds in combination with a substance to be introduced into a cell such as an antimicrobial substance as described in greater detail above. The compound and the additional substance may be mixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0051] Other features or advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of several embodiments, and also from the appending claims.

[0052] The invention encompasses steroid derivatives that can be made by the synthetic routes described herein, and methods of treating a subject having a condition mediated by a bacterial infection by administering an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition containing a compound disclosed herein to the subject.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing compounds of the invention.

[0054] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the concentrations of compounds of the invention required to lower the MIC of erythromycin to I tg/ml, as well as MIC and MBC values of each of the compounds.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a scheme showing the proposed mechanism of action of cholic acid derivatives.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing compounds of the invention.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a graph showing MIC and MBC values for compounds of the invention.

[0058] FIG. 6 is a graph showing MIC values for compounds of the invention.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing compound 132.

[0060] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing compound 211.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] In general, the present invention provides the compounds of formula I described above. The preparation methods and the MIC and MBC of compounds of formula I are described. The cellular membrane permeability is also measured and described. Compounds that are useful in accordance with the invention, as described below, include novel steroid derivatives that exhibit bacteriostatic, bactericidal, and bacterial sensitizer properties. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention extends to other compounds within the formulae given in the claims below, having the described characteristics. These characteristics can be determined for each test compound using the assays detailed below and elsewhere in the literature.

[0062] Known compounds that are used in accordance with the invention and precursors to novel compounds according to the invention can be purchased, e.g., from Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis; Aldrich, Milwaukee; Steroids and Research Plus. Other compounds according to the invention can be synthesized according to known methods and the methods described below using publicly available precursors.

[0063] The compounds of the present invention include but are not limited to compounds having amine or guanidine groups covalently tethered to a steroid backbone, e.g., cholic acid. Other ring systems can also be used, e.g., 5 member fused rings. Compounds with backbones having a combination of 5- and 6-membered rings are also included in the invention. The amine or guanidine groups are separated from the backbone by at least one atom, and preferably are separated by at least two, three, or four atoms. The backbone can be used to orient the amine or guanidine groups on one face, or plane, of the steroid. For example, a scheme showing a compound having primary amino groups on one face, or plane, of a backbone is shown below: 6

[0064] The biological activity of the compounds can be determined by standard methods known to those of skill in the art, such as the “minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC)” assay described in the present examples, whereby the lowest concentration at which no change in optical density (OD) is observed for a given period of time is recorded as MIC. When the compound alone is tested against a control that lacks the compound, the antimicrobial effect of the compound alone is determined.

[0065] Alternatively, “fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC)” is also useful for determination of synergy between the compounds of the invention, or the compounds in combination with known antibiotics. FICs can be performed by checkerboard titrations of compounds in one dimension of a microtiter plate, and of antibiotics in the other dimension, for example. The FIC is calculated by looking at the impact of one antibiotic on the MIC of the other and vice versa. An FIC of one indicates that the influence of the compounds is additive and an FIC of less than one indicates synergy. Preferably, an FIC of less than 0.5 is obtained for synergism. As used herein, FIC can be determined as follows: 1$\mathrm{FIC}=\frac{\begin{array}{c}\mathrm{MIC}(\mathrm{compound}\mathrm{in}\\ \mathrm{combination})\end{array}}{\mathrm{MIC}\left(\mathrm{compound}\mathrm{alone}\right)}+\frac{\begin{array}{c}\mathrm{MIC}(\mathrm{antibiotic}\mathrm{in}\\ \mathrm{combination})\end{array}}{\mathrm{MIC}\left(\mathrm{antibiotic}\mathrm{alone}\right)}$

[0066] This procedure permits determination of synergistic effects of the compound with other compounds. For example, substances that generally may not be sufficiently effective against certain bacteria at safe dosages can be made more effective with the compound of the invention, thus enabling use of the substances against new categories of infections. Specifically, many existing antibiotics are effective against some Gram-positive bacteria, but are not currently indicated to treat Gram-negative bacterial infection. In some cases, the antibiotic may be ineffective by itself against Gram-negative bacteria because it fails to enter the cell. Compounds of the invention may increase permeability so as to render the antibiotics effective against Gram-negative bacteria.

[0067] In addition, fractional inhibitory concentration is also useful for determination of synergy between compounds of the invention in combination with other compounds having unknown anti-bacterial activity or in combination with other compounds, e.g., compounds which have been tested and show anti-bacterial activity. For example, compounds of the invention may increase permeability so as to render compounds lacking anti-bacterial activity effective against bacteria. The FIC can also be used to test for other types of previously unappreciated activity of substances that will be introduced into the cell by means of permeability enhancing compounds according to the invention.

[0068] While we do not wish to be bound to any single specific theory, and such a theory is not necessary to practice the invention, one mechanism of action is the lipid A interaction of multiple (usually three) moieties, which under physiological conditions are positively charged, e.g., guanidino or amino moieties. The moieties extend away from the general plane of the remainder of the molecule, thus mimicking certain aspects of the structure of polymyxins. In this regard, compounds of the invention will generally be useful in the way that polymyxins are useful. For example, polymyxin B (PMB) and polymyxin B nonapeptide (PMBN) are useful for permeabilizing bacterial membranes. Moreover, in regard to systemic administration, those skilled in the art will recognize appropriate toxicity screens that permit selection of compounds that are not toxic at dosages that enhance microbial permeability.

[0069] As noted, the invention also involves topical as well as non-therapeutic (antiseptic, germicidal, or disinfecting) applications in which the compounds are contacted with surfaces to be treated. The term “contacting” preferably refers to exposing the bacteria to the compound so that the compound can effectively inhibit, kill, or lyse bacteria, bind endotoxin (LPS), or permeabilize Gram-negative bacterial outer membranes. Contacting may be in vitro, for example by adding the compound to a bacterial culture to test for susceptibility of the bacteria to the compound. Contacting may be in vivo, for example administering the compound to a subject with a bacterial disorde, such as septic shock. “Inhibiting” or “inhibiting effective amount” refers to the amount of compound which is required to cause a bacteriostatic or bactericidal effect. Examples of bacteria which may be inhibited include E. coli, P. aeruginosa, E. cloacae, S. typhimurium, M tuberculosis and S. aureus. In addition, the compounds of the invention can be used to inhibit antibiotic-resistant strains of microorganisms.

[0070] The method of inhibiting the growth of bacteria may further include the addition of antibiotics for combination or synergistic therapy. The appropriate antibiotic administered will typically depend on the susceptibility of the bacteria such as whether the bacteria is Gram-negative or Gram-positive, and will be easily discemable by one of skill in the art. Examples of particular classes of antibiotics to be tested for synergistic therapy with the compounds of the invention (as described above) include aminoglycosides (e.g., tobramycin), penicillins (e.g., piperacillin), cephalosporins (e.g., ceftazidime), fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin), carbepenems (e.g., imipenem), tetracyclines and macrolides (e.g., erythromycin and clarithromycin). The method of inhibiting the growth of bacteria may further include the addition of antibiotics for combination or synergistic therapy. The appropriate antibiotic administered will typically depend on the susceptibility of the bacteria such as whether the bacteria is Gram-negative or Gram-positive, and will be easily discemable by one of skill in the art. Further to the antibiotics listed above, typical antibiotics include aminoglycosides (amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, netilmicin, tobramycin, streptomycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, erythromycin estolate/ethylsuccinate, gluceptate/lactobionate/stearate, beta-lactams such as penicillins (e.g., penicillin G, penicillin V, methicillin, nafcillin, oxacillin, cloxacillin, dicloxacillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, ticarcillin, carbenicillin, mezlocillin, azlocillin and piperacillin), or cephalosporins (e.g., cephalothin, cefazolin, cefaclor, cefamandole, cefoxitin, cefuroxime, cefonicid, cefmetazole, cefotetan, cefprozil, loracarbef, cefetamet, cefoperazone, cefotaxime, ceftizoxime, ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, cefepime, cefixime, cefpodoxime, and cefsulodin). Other classes of antibiotics include carbapenems (e.g., imipenem), monobactams (e.g.,aztreonam), quinolones (e.g., fleroxacin, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, enoxacin, lomefloxacin and cinoxacin), tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline), and glycopeptides (e.g., vancomycin, teicoplanin), for example. Other antibiotics include chloramphenicol, clindamycin, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, rifampin and mupirocin, and polymyxins, such as PMB.

[0071] Administration

[0072] The compounds may be administered to any host, including a human or non-human animal, in an amount effective to inhibit not only growth of a bacterium, but also a virus or fungus. These compounds are useful as antimicrobial agents, antiviral agents, and antifungal agents. The compounds may be administered to any host, including a human or non-human animal, in an amount effective to inhibit not only growth of a bacterium, but also a virus or fungus. These compounds are useful as antimicrobial agents, antiviral agents, and antifungal agents.

[0073] The compounds of the invention can be administered parenterally by injection or by gradual infusion over time. The compounds can be administered topically, intravenously, intraperitoneally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intracavity, or transdermally. Preferred methods for delivery of the compound include orally, by encapsulation in microspheres or proteinoids, by aerosol delivery to the lungs, or transdermally by iontophoresis or transdermal electroporation. Other methods of administration will be known to those skilled in the art.

[0074] Preparations for parenteral administration of a compound of the invention include sterile aqueous or non-aqueous solutions, suspensions, and emulsions. Examples of non-aqueous solvents are propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable oils such as olive oil, and injectable organic esters such as ethyl oleate. Aqueous carriers include water, alcoholic/aqueous solutions, emulsions or suspensions, including saline and buffered media. Parenteral vehicles include sodium chloride solution, Ringer's dextrose, dextrose and sodium chloride, lactated Ringer's, or fixed oils. Intravenous vehicles include fluid and nutrient replenishers, electrolyte replenishers (such as those based on Ringer's dextrose), and the like. Preservatives and other additives may also be present such as, for example, antimicrobials, anti-oxidants, chelating agents, and inert gases and the like.

[0075] The invention provides a method of treating or ameliorating an endotoxemia or septic shock (sepsis) associated disorder, or one or more of the symptoms of sepsis comprising administering to a subject displaying symptoms of sepsis or at risk for developing sepsis, a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention. The term “ameliorate” refers to a decrease or lessening of the symptoms of the disorder being treated. Such symptoms which may be ameliorated include those associated with a transient increase in the blood level of TNF, such as fever, hypotension, neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, adult respiratory distress syndrome, shock and multiple organ failure. Patients who require such treatment include those at risk for or those suffering from toxemia, such as endotoxemia resulting from a Gram-negative bacterial infection, venom poisoning, or hepatic failure, for example. In addition, patients having a Gram-positive bacterial, viral or fungal infection may display symptoms of sepsis and may benefit from such a therapeutic method as described herein. Those patients who are more particularly able to benefit from the method of the invention are those suffering from infection by E. coli, Haemophilus influenza B, Neisseria meningitidis, staphylococci, or pneumococci. Patients at risk for sepsis include those suffering from gunshot wounds, renal or hepatic failure, trauma, burns, immunocompromised (HIV), hematopoietic neoplasias, multiple myeloma, Castleman's disease or cardiac myxoma.

[0076] In addition, the compounds may be incorporated into biodegradable polymers allowing for sustained release, the polymers being implanted in the vicinity of where delivery is desired, for example, at the site of an bacterial infection. The biodegradable polymers and their use are described in detail in Brem et al., J. Neurosurg, 74:441-446 (1991).

[0077] As mentioned above, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical formulation having an effective amount of a compound of formula I for treating a patient having a bacterial infection. As used herein, an effective amount of the compound is defined as the amount of the compound which, upon administration to a patient, inhibits growth of bacteria, kills bacteria cells, sensitizes bacteria to other antibiotics, or eliminates the bacterial infection entirely in the treated patient. The dosage of the composition will depend on the condition being treated, the particular derivative used, and other clinical factors such as weight and condition of the patient and the route of administration of the compound. However, for oral administration to humans, a dosage of 0.01 to 100 mg/kg/day, preferably 0.01-1 mg/kg/day, is generally sufficient. Effective doses will also vary, as recognized by those skilled in the art, dependent on route of administration, excipient usage, and the possibility of co-usage with other therapeutic treatments including other antibiotic agents.

[0078] For example, the term “therapeutically effective amount” as used herein for treatment of endotoxemia refers to the amount of compound used is of sufficient quantity to decrease the subject's response to LPS and decrease the symptoms of sepsis. The term “therapeutically effective” therefore includes that the amount of compound sufficient to prevent, and preferably reduce by at least 50%, and more preferably sufficient to reduce by 90%, a clinically significant increase in the plasma level of TNF. The dosage ranges for the administration of compound are those large enough to produce the desired effect. Generally, the dosage will vary with the age, condition, sex, and extent of the infection with bacteria or other agent as described above, in the patient and can be determined by one skilled in the art. The dosage can be adjusted by the individual physician in the event of any contraindications. In any event, the effectiveness of treatment can be determined by monitoring the level of LPS and TNF in a patient. A decrease in serum LPS and TNF levels should correlate with recovery of the patient.

[0079] In addition, patients at risk for or exhibiting the symptoms of sepsis can be treated by the method as described above, further comprising administering, substantially simultaneously with the therapeutic administration of compound, an inhibitor of TNF, an antibiotic, or both. For example, intervention in the role of TNF in sepsis, either directly or indirectly, such as by use of an anti-TNF antibody and/or a TNF antagonist, can prevent or ameliorate the symptoms of sepsis. Particularly preferred is the use of an anti-TNF antibody as an active ingredient, such as a 10 monoclonal antibody with TNF specificity as described by Tracey, et al. (Nature, 330:662, 1987).

[0080] A patient who exhibits the symptoms of sepsis may be treated with an antibiotic in addition to the treatment with compound. Typical antibiotics include an aminoglycoside, such as gentamicin or a beta-lactam such as penicillin, or cephalosporin or any of the antibiotics as previously listed above. Therefore, a preferred therapeutic method of the invention includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of cationic compound substantially simultaneously with administration of a bactericidal amount of an antibiotic. Preferably, administration of compound occurs within about 48 hours and preferably within about 2-8 hours, and most preferably, substantially concurrently with administration of the antibiotic.

[0081] The term “bactericidal amount” as used herein refers to an amount sufficient to achieve a bacteria-killing blood concentration in the patient receiving the treatment. The bactericidal amount of antibiotic generally recognized as safe for administration to a human is well known in the art, and as is known in the art, varies with the specific antibiotic and the type of bacterial infection being treated.

[0082] Because of the antibiotic, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties of the compounds, they may also be used as preservatives or sterillants of materials susceptible to microbial or viral contamination. The compounds of the invention can be utilized as broad spectrum antimicrobial agents directed toward various specific applications. Such applications include use of the compounds as preservatives in processed foods when verified as effective against organisms including Salmonella, Yersinia, Shigella, either alone or in combination with antibacterial food additives such as lysozymes; as a topical agent (Pseudomonas, Streptococcus) and to kill odor producing microbes (Micrococci). The relative effectiveness of the compounds of the invention for the applications described can be readily determined by one of skill in the art by determining the sensitivity of any organism to one of the compounds.

[0083] While primarily targeted at classical Gram-negative-staining bacteria whose outer capsule contains a substantial amount of lipid A, it may also be effective against other organisms with a hydrophobic outer capsule. For example, Mycobacterium spp. have a waxy protective outer coating, and compounds of the invention in combination with antibiotics may provide enhanced effectiveness against Mycobacterial infection, including tuberculosis. In that case, the compounds could be administered nasally (aspiration), by any of several known techniques.

[0084] Apart from anti-microbial action, the permeability provided by the compounds may enhance introduction of a great variety of substances into microbes. For example, the compounds may be used to enhance introduction of macromolecules such as DNA or RNA into microbes, particularly Gram-negative bacteria. In that case, there may be no need for the traditional vectors (e.g., phages) used to package nucleic acids when transfecting the microbes. Conditions and techniques for introducing such macromolecules into microbes using the compounds of the invention will in most cases be routine.

[0085] The formulations include those suitable for oral, rectal, nasal, topical (including buccal and sublingual), vaginal or parenteral (including subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intradermal, intraocular, intratracheal, and epidural) administration. The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form and may be prepared by conventional pharmaceutical techniques. Such techniques include the step of bringing into association the active ingredient and the pharmaceutical carrier(s) or excipient(s). In general, the formulations are prepared by uniformly and intimately bringing into associate the active ingredient with liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both, and then, if necessary, shaping the product.

[0086] Formulations of the present invention suitable for oral administration may be presented as discrete units such as capsules, cachets or tablets each containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient; as a powder or granules; as a solution or a suspension in an aqueous liquid or a non-aqueous liquid; or as an oil-in-water liquid emulsion or a water-in-oil emulsion and as a bolus, etc.

[0087] A tablet may be made by compression or molding, optionally with one or more accessory ingredients. Compressed tablets may be prepared by compressing, in a suitable machine, the active ingredient in a free-flowing form such as a powder or granules, optionally mixed with a binder, lubricant, inert diluent, preservative, surface-active or dispersing agent. Molded tablets may be made by molding, in a suitable machine, a mixture of the powdered compound moistened with an inert liquid diluent. The tablets may optionally coated or scored and may be formulated so as to provide a slow or controlled release of the active ingredient therein.

[0088] Formulations suitable for topical administration in the mouth include lozenges comprising the ingredients in a flavored basis, usually sucrose and acacia or tragacanth; pastilles comprising the active ingredient in an inert basis such as gelatin and glycerin, or sucrose and acacia; and mouthwashes comprising the ingredient to be administered in a suitable liquid carrier.

[0089] Formulations suitable for topical administration to the skin may be presented as ointments, creams, gels and pastes comprising the ingredient to be administered in a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier. A preferred topical delivery system is a transdermal patch containing the ingredient to be administered.

[0090] Formulations for rectal administration may be presented as a suppository with a suitable base comprising, for example, cocoa butter or a salicylate.

[0091] Formulations suitable for nasal administration, wherein the carrier is a solid, include a coarse powder having a particle size, for example, in the range of 20 to 500 microns which is administered in the manner in which snuff is taken, i.e., by rapid inhalation through the nasal passage from a container of the powder held close up to the nose. Suitable formulations, wherein the carrier is a liquid, for administration, as for example, a nasal spray or as nasal drops, include aqueous or oily solutions of the active ingredient.

[0092] Formulations suitable for vaginal administration may be presented as pessaries, tampons, creams, gels, pastes, foams or spray formulations containing in addition to the active ingredient such as carriers as are known in the art to be appropriate.

[0093] Formulations suitable for parenteral administration include aqueous and non-aqueous sterile injection solutions which may contain anti-oxidants, buffers, other bacteriostats and solutes which render the formulation isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient; and aqueous and non-aqueous sterile suspensions which may include suspending agents and thickening agents. The formulations may be presented in unit-dose or multi-dose containers, for example, sealed ampules and vials, and may be stored in a freeze-dried (lyophilized) conditions requiring only the addition of the sterile liquid carrier, for example, water for injections, immediately prior to use. Extemporaneous injection solutions and suspensions may be prepared from sterile powders, granules and tables of the kind previously described.

[0094] Preferred unit dosage formulations are those containing a daily dose or unit, daily sub-dose, as herein above recited, or an appropriate fraction thereof, of the administered ingredient.

[0095] It should be understood that in addition to the ingredients, particularly mentioned above, the formulations of this invention may include other agents conventional in the art having regard to the type of formulation in question, for example, those suitable for oral administration may include flavoring agents.

[0096] The carrier in the pharmaceutical composition must be “acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the active ingredient of the formulation (and preferably, capable of stabilizing it) and not deleterious to the subject to be treated.

[0097] Without further elaboration, it is believed that the above description has adequately enabled the present invention. The following specific embodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever. All of the publications cited herein, including patents, are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0098] Examples 1-13 represent typical syntheses of compounds 1 through 302 as exemplified in Schemes 1 through 13. Example 14 represents other compounds of formula I which can be synthesized using known starting materials and reaction schemes that are similar to those described herein. For example, the hydroxyl groups on cholic acid can be converted into amine groups by the method found in Hsieh et al., Synthesis and DNA Binding Properties of C3-, C12-, and C24- Substituted Amino-Steroids Derived from Bile Acids, Biorganic and Medicinal Chemistry, 1995, vol. 6, 823-838. Example 15 represents MIC and MCB testing, and Example 16 represents the ability of the compounds of formula I to lower the MIC's of other antibiotics. 78910111213141516171819

[0099] Synthesis of Compounds 1-302

[0100] General:

[0101] 1 H and 13C NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian Gemini 2000 (200 MHz), Varian Unity 300 (300 MHz), or Varian VXR 500 (500 MHz) spectrometer and are referenced to TMS, residual CHCl3 (1H) or CDCl3 (13C), or residual CHD2OD (1H), or CD3OD (13C). IR spectra were recorded on a Perkin Elmer 1600 FTIR instrument. Mass spectrometric data were obtained on a JOEL SX 102A spectrometer. THF was dried over Na/benzophenone and CH2Cl2 was dried over CaH2 prior to use. Other reagents and solvents were obtained commercially and were used as received.

EXAMPLE 1

[0102] Compound 13:

[0103] To a 1 L round-bottom flask were added methyl cholate (30.67 g, 72.7 mmol) in dry THF (600 mL) and LiAlH4 (4.13 g, 109 mmol). After reflux for 48 hours, saturated aqueous Na2SO4(100 mL) was introduced slowly, and the resulted precipitate was filtered out and washed with hot THF and MeOH. Recrystallization from MeOH gave colorless crystals of 13 (28.0 g, 98% yield). m.p. 236.5-238° C.; IR (KBr) 3375, 2934, 1373, 1081 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3/MeOH-d4, 200 MHz) δ 3.98 (bs, 1 H), 3.83 (bs, 1 H), 3.60-3.46 (m, 2 H), 3.38 (bs, 5 H), 2.30-2.10 (m, 2 H), 2.05-1.05 (series of multiplets, 22 H), 1.03 (bs, 3 H), 0.92 (s, 3 H), 0.71 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3/MeOH-d4, 50 MHz) δ 73.89, 72.44, 68.99, 63.51, 48.05, 47.12, 42.49, 40.37, 39.99, 36.62, 36.12, 35.58, 35.40, 32.77, 30.69, 30.04, 29.02, 28.43, 27.27, 23.96, 23.08, 18.00, 13.02; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 417.2992 (55.3%); cacld. 417.2981.

[0104] Compound 14:

[0105] To a round-bottom flask were added 13 (28.2 g, 71.7 mmol) in DMF (300 ml), Et3N (20 mL, 143.4 mmol), trityl chloride (25.98g, 93.2 mmol) and DMAP (0.13 g, 1.07 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 50° C. under N2 for 30 hours followed by the introduction of water (1000 mL) and extraction with EtOAc (5×200 mL). The combined extracts were washed with water and brine and then dried over MgSO4. After removal of solvent in vacuo, the residue was purified using SiO2 chromatography (CH2Cl2, Et2O and MeOH as eluents) to give 14 as a pale yellow solid (31.9 g, 70% yield). m.p. 187° C. (decomposition); IR (KBr) 3405, 2935, 1448, 1075 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 200 MHz) δ 7.46-7.42 (m, 6 H), 7.32-7.17 (m, 9 H), 3.97 (bs, 1 H), 3.83 (bs, 1 H), 3.50-3.38 (m, 1 H), 3.01 (bs, 1 H), 2.94 (dd, J=14.2, 12.2 Hz, 2 H), 2.64 (bs, 1 H), 2.51 (bs, 1 H), 2.36-2.10 (m, 2 H), 2.00-1.05 (series of multiplets, 22 H), 0.96 (d, J=5.8 Hz, 3 H), 0.87 (s, 3 H), 0.64 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 50 MEz) δ 144.77, 128.93, 127.91, 127.01, 86.43, 73.35, 72.06, 68.66, 64.28, 47.47, 46.53, 41.74, 41.62, 39.64, 35.57, 35.46, 34.91, 34.82, 32.40, 30.55, 28.21, 27.69, 26.80, 26.45, 23.36, 22.59, 17.83, 12.61; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 659.4069 (100%); cacld. 659.4076.

[0106] Compound 15:

[0107] To a round-bottom flask were added 14 (20.0 g, 31.4 mmol) in dry THF (600 mL) and NaH (60% in mineral oil, 6.3 g, 157.2 mmol). The mixture was refluxed for 30 min under N2 followed by addition of allyl bromide (27 mL, 314 mmol). After 60 hours of reflux, additional NaH (3 eq.) and allyl bromide (4 eq.) were added. Following another 50 hours of reflux, water (20 mL) was introduced slowly followed by addition of 1% HCl until the aqueous layer became neutral. The mixture was then extracted with ether (3×100 mL) and the combined extracts were washed with water (100 mL) and brine (2×100 mL). The ether solution was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, and after removal of solvent, the residue was purified using SiO2 chromatography (hexanes and EtOAc/hexanes 1:8 as eluents) to give 15 (22.76 g, 96% yield) as a pale yellow glass. IR (neat) 2930, 1448, 1087 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 200 M Hz) δ 7.48-7.30 (m, 6 H), 7.32-7.14 (m, 9 H), 6.04-5.80 (m, 3 H), 5.36-5.04 (series of multiplets, 6 H), 4.14-3.94 (m, 4 H), 3.74 (td, J=13.8, 5.8 Hz, 2 H), 3.53 (bs, 1 H), 3.20-2.94 (m, 3 H), 3.31 (bs, 1 H), 2.38-1.90 (m, 4 H), 1.90-0.96 (series of multiplets, 20 H), 0.90 (d, J=5.4 Hz, 3 H), 0.89 (s, 3 H), 0.64 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 50 MHz) δ 144.83, 136.27, 136.08, 128.94, 127.90, 126.98, 116.46, 115.70, 86.42, 80.94, 79.29, 74.98, 69.52, 69.39, 68.86, 64.39, 46.51, 46.42, 42.67, 42.14, 39.92, 35.63, 35.51, 35.13, 32.45, 28.98, 28.09, 27.66, 27.57, 26.72, 23.32, 23.11, 17.92, 12.69; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 779.5013 (86.1%); cacld. 779.5015.

[0108] Compound 16:

[0109] To a three-necked round bottom flask was added 15 (3.34 g, 4.4 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (200 mL) and methanol (100 mL). Through the cold solution (−78° C.) ozone was bubbled through until a blue color persisted. Excess ozone was removed with oxygen flow. The mixture was left in a dry ice-acetone bath for an hour. Methyl sulfide (2.4 mL) was added and 15 minutes later, the mixture was treated with NaBH4 (1.21 g, 32 mmol) in 5% aqueous NaOH solution (10 mL)/methanol (10 mL) and allowed to warm to room temperature. The mixture was washed with brine (3×50 mL), and the combined brine wash was extracted with CH2Cl2 (2×50 mL). The organic solution was dried over MgSO4. After SiO2 chromatography (MeOH (5%) in CH2Cl2), 3.30 g (95% yield) of 16 was isolated as an oil. IR (neat) 3358, 2934, 1448, 1070 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 200 MHz) δ 7.50-7.42 (m, 6 H), 7.32-7.17 (m, 9 H), 3.80-2.96 (series of multiplets, 20 H), 2.25-0.96 (series of multiplets, 24 H), 0.89 (bs, 6 H), 0.65 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 50 MHz) δ 144.73, 128.88, 127.87, 126.96, 86.38, 81.05, 79.75, 76.59, 70.33, 69.66, 69.30, 64.20, 62.25, 62.16, 62.03, 46.77, 46.36, 42.63, 41.77, 39.60, 35.43, 35.23, 35.05, 34.89, 32.42, 28.91, 27.93, 27.56, 27.15, 26.68, 23.35, 22.98, 22.85, 18.15, 12.60; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 791.4860 (100%), cacld. 791.4863.

[0110] Compound 17:

[0111] To a round-bottom flask was added 16 (1.17 g, 1.55 mmol) in dry THF (30 mL) under N2 in ice-bath followed by 9-BBN/THF solution (0.5 M, 10.2 mL, 5.51 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. Aqueous NaOH (20%) (2 mL) and hydrogen peroxide (30%) (2 mL) were added in sequence. The mixture was refluxed for 1 hour followed by the addition of brine (60 mL) and extraction with EtOAc (4×30 mL). The combined extracts were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The product (1.01 g, 80% yield) was obtained as a colorless oil after SiO2 chromatography (5% MeOH in CH2Cl2). IR (neat) 3396, 2936, 1448, 1365, 1089 cm−1; 1H NMR(CDCl3, 200 MHz) δ 7.50-7.42 (m, 6 H), 7.34-7.16 (m, 9 H), 3.90-3.56 (m, 13 H), 3.50 (bs, 1 H), 3.40-2.96 (series of multiplets, 6 H), 2.30-0.94 (series of multiplets, 30 H), 0.90 (s, 3 H), 0.88 (d, J=5.4 Hz, 3 H), 0.64 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR(CDCl3, 50 MHz) δ 144.73, 128.88, 127.85, 126.94, 86.36, 80.52, 78.90, 76.36, 66.82, 66.18, 65.77, 64.22, 61.53, 61.41, 61.34, 46.89, 46.04, 42.60, 41.59, 39.60, 35.37, 35.27, 34.88, 32.75, 32.44, 32.31, 28.82, 27.65, 27.48, 27.13, 26.77, 23.35, 22.74, 22.38, 18.08, 12.48; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 833.5331 (100%), cacld. 833.5332.

[0112] Compound 18:

[0113] To a round-bottom flask were added 16 (3.30 g, 4.29 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (150 mL) and NEt3(2.09 mL, 15.01 mmol). The mixture was put in ice-bath under N2 followed by addition of mesyl chloride (1.10 mL, 14.16 mmol). After 30 minutes, water (30 mL) and brine (200 mL) were added. The CH2C12 layer was washed with brine (2×50 mL) and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The combined aqueous mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3×100 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The desired product (3.35 g, 78% yield) was isolated as a pale yellow oil after SiO2 chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 1:1). IR (neat) 2937, 1448, 1352, 1174, 1120, 924 cm1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 200 MHz) δ 7.52-7.40 (m, 6 H), 7.34-7.20, (m, 9 H), 4.42-4.24 (m, 6 H), 3.90-3.64 (m, 4 H), 3.60-3.30 (m, 4 H), 3.24-3.00 (m, 3 H), 3.10 (s, 6 H), 3.05 (s, 3 H), 2.20-1.96 (m, 3 H)1.96-1.60 (m, 8 H), 1.60-0.94 (series of multiplets, 13 H), 0.91 (bs, 6 H), 0.65 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR(CDCl3, 50 MHz) δ 114.68, 128.85, 127.85, 126.96, 86.37, 81.37, 79.58, 76.58, 69.95, 69.43, 69.34, 66.52, 66.31, 65.59, 64.11, 46.80, 46.20, 42.65, 41.48, 39.35, 37.82, 37.48, 35.36, 34.92, 34.73, 32.37, 28.66, 28.01, 27.44, 27.03, 26.72, 23.17, 22.91, 22.72, 18.13, 12.50; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 1205.4176 (81.5%), cacld. 1205.4189.

[0114] Compound 19:

[0115] To a round-bottom flask were added 17 (1.01 g, 1.25 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (50 mL) and NEt3 (0.608 mL, 4.36 mmol). The mixture was put in ice-bath under N2 followed by addition of mesyl chloride (0.318 mL, 4.11 mmol). After 30 minutes, water (10 mL) and then brine (80 mL) were added. The CH2Cl2 layer was washed with brine (2×20 mL) and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The combined aqueous mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3×40 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The desired product (1.07 g, 82%) was isolated as a pale yellowish oil after SiO2 chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 1:1). IR (neat) 2938, 1356, 1176, 1112 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.46-7.43, (m, 6 H), 7.32-7.22 (m, 9 H), 4.40-4.31 (m, 6 H), 3.72-3.64 (m, 2 H), 3.55 (dd, J=6.3, 5.8 Hz, 2 H), 3.51 (bs, 1 H), 3.32-3.14 (m, 3 H), 3.14-2.92 (m, 3 H), 3.01 (s, 3 H), 3.01 (s, 3 H), 3.00 (s, 3 H), 2.10-1.92 (m, 10 H), 1.92-1.58 (m, 8 H), 1.56-0.92 (series of multiplets, 12 H), 0.90 (s, 3 H), 0.89 (d, J=5.4 Hz, 3 H), 0.64 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR(CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 144.67, 128.85, 127.85, 126.96, 86.42, 81.06, 79.83, 76.81, 68.12, 68.06, 68.02, 64.26, 64.06, 63.42, 46.76, 46.38, 42.73, 41.87, 39.73, 37.44, 37.32, 37.29, 35.52, 35.48, 35.32, 35.06, 32.53, 30.55, 30.28, 30.02, 29.15, 27.96, 27.69, 27.61, 26.75, 23.52, 23.02, 18.17, 12.64; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 1067.4672 (100%), cacld. 1067.4659.

[0116] Compound 20:

[0117] To a round-bottom flask were added 18 (1.50 g, 1.50 mmol) in dry DMSO (20 mL) and NaN3 (0.976 g, 15 mmol). The mixture was heated to 80° C. and stirred under N2 overnight then diluted with water (100 mL). The resulted aqueous mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL), and the combined extracts washed with brine and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The desired product (0.83 g, 66% yield) was isolated as a clear glass after SiO2 chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 1:5). IR (neat) 2935, 2106, 1448, 1302, 1114 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 200 MHz) δ 7.50-7.42 (m, 6 H), 7.36-7.20 (m, 9 H), 3.84-3.70 (m, 2 H), 3.65 (t, J=4.9 Hz, 2 H), 3.55 (bs, 1 H), 3.44-3.08 (m, 10 H), 3.02 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2 H), 2.38-0.96 (series of multiplets, 24 H), 0.92 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 3 H), 0.91 (s, 3 H), 0.65 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 50 MHz) δ 114.84, 128.97, 127.92, 126.99, 86.42, 81.24, 80.12, 76.59, 67.84, 67.29, 66.66, 64.36, 51.67, 51.44, 51.18, 46.53, 46.23, 42.21, 41.93, 39.73, 35.66, 35.36, 35.06, 34.78, 32.40, 28.95, 27.76, 27.39, 26.87, 23.45, 22.98, 22.92, 17.98, 12.53; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 866.5040 (100%), cacld. 866.5057.

[0118] Compound 22:

[0119] To a round-bottom flask were added 20 (830 mg, 0.984 mmol) in MeOH (30 mL) and CH2Cl2 (30 mL) and p-toluenesulfonic acid (9.35 mg, 0.0492 mmol). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 2.5 hours then saturated aqueous NaHCO3 (10 mL) was introduced. Brine (30 mL) was added, and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (4×20 mL). The combined extracts were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The desired product (0.564 g, 95% yield) was isolated as a pale yellowish oil after SiO2 chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 1:2). IR (neat) 3410, 2934, 2106, 1301, 1112 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 200 MHz) δ 3.80-3.54 (m, 7 H), 3.44-3.20 (m, 10 H), 2.35-0.96 (series of multiplets, 24 H), 0.95 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 0.92 (s, 3 H), 0.68 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 50 MHz) δ 81.10, 80.01, 76.60, 67.75, 67.16, 66.56, 63.63, 51.57, 51.34, 51.06, 46.29, 46.12, 42.12, 41.81, 39.60, 35.55, 35.23, 34.94, 34.66, 31.75, 29.48, 28.81, 27.72, 27.66, 27.29, 23.32, 22.86, 22.80, 17.85, 12.39; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 624.3965 (100%), cacld. 624.3962.

[0120] Compound 23:

[0121] To a round-bottom flask were added 19 (1.07 g, 1.025 mmol) and NaN3 (0.666 g, 10.25 mmol) followed the introduction of dry DMSO (15 mL). The mixture was heated up to 80° C. under N2 overnight. After the addition of H2O (100 mL), the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (4×40 mL) and the combined extracts were washed with brine (2×50 mL) and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. After removal of solvent, the residue was dissolved in MeOH (15 mL) and CH2Cl2 (15 mL) followed by the addition of catalytic amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid (9.75 mg, 0.051 mmol). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 2.5 hours before the addition of saturated NaHCO3 solution (15 mL). After the addition of brine (60 mL), the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (5×30 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine (50 mL) and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The desired product (0.617 g, 94% yield for two steps) was obtained as a yellowish oil after SiO2 chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 1:2). IR (neat) 3426, 2928, 2094, 1456, 1263, 1107 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 3.68-3.56 (m, 3 H), 3.56-3.34 (series of multiplets, 10 H), 3.28-3.00 (series of multiplets, 4 H), 2.20-2.00 (m, 3 H), 1.98-1.55 (series of multiplets, 15 H), 1.55-0.96 (series of multiplets, 13 H), 0.92 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3 H), 0.89 (s, 3 H), 0.66 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 80.63, 79.79, 76.04, 64.99, 64.45, 64.30, 63.72, 49.01, 48.94, 48.74, 46.49, 46.39, 42.70, 41.98, 39.80, 35.65, 35.42, 35.28, 35.08, 31.99, 29.78, 29.75, 29.70, 29.49, 29.06, 27.87, 27.79, 27.65, 23.53, 23.04, 22.85, 18.05, 12.59; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 666.4415 (100%), cacld. 666.4431.

[0122] Compound 24:

[0123] To a round-bottom flask were added 22 (0.564 g, 0.938 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (30 mL) and NEt3 (0.20 mL, 1.40 mmol). The mixture was put in ice-bath under N2 followed by addition of mesyl chloride (0.087 mL, 1.13 mmol). After 30 minutes, water (20 mL) and brine (100 mL) were added. The CH2CL2 layer was washed with brine (2×20 mL) and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The combined aqueous mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3×30 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The desired product (0.634 g, 99% yield) was isolated as a pale yellowish oil after SiO2 chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 1:2). IR (neat) 2935, 2106, 1356, 1175, 1113 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 4.20 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2 H), 3.80-3.75 (m, 1 H), 3.70-3.64 (m, 3 H), 3.55 (bs, 1 H), 3.44-3.01 (m, 10 H), 3.00 (s, 3 H), 2.32-2.17 (m, 3 H), 2.06-2.03 (m, 1 H), 1.90-0.88 (series of multiplets, 20 H), 0.95 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3 H), 0.91 (s, 3 H), 0.68 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 80.90, 79.86, 76.43, 70.78, 67.64, 66.99, 66.48, 51.50, 51.26, 50.97, 46.05, 45.96, 42.08, 41.71, 39.51, 37.33, 35.15, 34.86, 34.60, 31.34, 28.73, 27.62, 27.59, 27.51, 25.68, 23.22, 22.80, 22.70, 17.62, 12.33; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 702.3741 (100%), cacld. 702.3737.

[0124] Compound 25:

[0125] To a round-bottom flask were added 23 (0.617 g, 0.96 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (30 mL) and NEt3 (0.20 mL, 1.44 mmol). The mixture was put in ice-bath under N2 followed by addition of mesyl chloride (0.089 mL, 1.15 mmol). After 30 minutes, water (20 mL) and brine (120 mL) were added. The CH2Cl2 layer was washed with brine (2×20 mL) and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The combined aqueous mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3×30 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The desired product (0.676 g, 97% yield) was isolated as a pale yellowish oil after removal of solvent. IR (neat) 2934, 2094, 1454, 1360, 1174, 1112 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 4.17 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 2 H), 3.65-3.28 (series of multiplets, 11 H), 3.64-3.00 (series of multiplets, 4 H), 2.97 (s, 3 H), 2.18-1.96 (series of multiplets, 16 H), 1.54-0.94 (series of multiplets, 11 H), 0.89 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3 H), 0.86 (s, 3 H), 0.63 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 80.47, 79.67, 75.92, 70.84, 64.90, 64.37, 64.17, 48.90, 48.86, 48.66, 46.32, 46.26, 42.63, 41.87, 39.70, 37.39, 35.34, 35.28, 35.20, 34.99, 31.61, 29.68, 29.60, 28.96, 27.78, 27.68, 27.57, 25.79, 23.41, 22.95, 22.74, 17.82, 12.50; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 722.4385 (22.1%), cacld. 722.4387.

[0126] Compound 26:

[0127] To a 50 mL round-bottom flask was added 24 (0.634 g, 0.936 mmol) and N-benzylmethylamine (2 mL). The mixture was heated under N2 at 80° C. overnight. Excess N-benzylmethylamine was removed under vacuum, and the residue was subjected to SiO2 chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 1:2). The desired product (0.6236 g, 95% yield) was isolated as a pale yellow oil. IR (neat) 2935, 2106, 1452, 1302, 1116 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 200 MHz) δ 7.32-7.24 (m, 5 H), 3.80-3.76 (m, 1 H), 3.70-3.60 (m, 3 H), 3.54 (bs, 1 H), 3.47 (s, 2 H), 3.42-3.10 (m, 10 H), 2.38-2.05 (m, 5 H), 2.17 (s, 3 H), 2.02-0.88 (series of multiplet, 21 H), 0.93 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3 H), 0.91 (s, 3 H), 0.66 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 50 MHz) δ 139.60, 129.34, 128.38, 127.02, 81.22, 80.10, 76.71, 67.85, 67.29, 66.65, 62.45, 58.38, 51.65, 51.44, 51.16, 46.50, 46.21, 42.40, 42.20, 41.93, 39.72, 35.80, 35.34, 35.05, 34.76, 33.65, 28.93, 27082, 27.75, 27.38, 24.10, 23.45, 22.98, 22.91, 18.05, 12.50; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M−H]+) 703.4748 (90.2%), cacld. 703.4772; ([M+H]+) 705.4911 (100%), cacld. 705.4928; ([M+Na]+) 727.4767 (1.5%), cacld. 727.4748.

[0128] Compound 27:

[0129] To a 50 mL round-bottom flask was added 25 (0.676 g, 0.937 mmol) and N-benzylmethylamine (2 mL). The mixture was heated under N2 at 80° C. overnight. Excess N-benzylmethylamine was removed under vacuum and the residue was subjected to SiO2 chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 1:2). The desired product (0.672 g, 96% yield) was isolated as a pale yellow oil. IR (neat) 2934, 2096, 1452, 1283, 1107 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.34-7.20 (m, 5 H), 3.68-3.37 (series of multiplets, 13 H), 3.28-3.04 (m, 4 H), 2.33 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2 H), 2.18 (s, 3 H), 2.20-2.00 (m, 3 H), 1.96-1.56 (series of multiplets, 14 H), 1.54-1.12 (m, 10 H), 1.10-0.96 (m, 3 H), 0.91 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 3 H), 0.89 (s, 3 H), 0.65 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 139.48, 129.23, 128.30, 126.96, 80.66, 79.81, 76.08, 65.00, 64.46, 64.34, 62.50, 58.37, 49.02, 48.95, 48.75, 46.65, 46.40, 42.69, 42.43, 42.00, 39.83, 35.86, 35.45, 35.30, 35.10, 33.83, 29.81, 29.78, 29.72, 29.09, 27.88, 27.81, 27.66, 24.19, 23.57, 23.06, 22.87, 18.15, 12.62; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 747.5406 (77.2%), cacld. 747.5398.

[0130] Compound 1:

[0131] To a round-bottom flask were added 26 (0.684 g, 0.971 mmol) in dry THF (30 mL) and LiAlH4 (113.7 mg, 3.0 mmol) under N2. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 hours, and then Na2SO4·10 H2O powder (10 g) was added slowly. After the grey color disappeared, the mixture was filtered through Celite and washed with dry THF. The product (0.581 g, 95% yield) was obtained as a colorless glass. IR (neat) 3372, 2937, 1558, 1455, 1362, 1102 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.34-7.20 (m, 5 H), 3.68-3.48 (m, 5 H), 3.47 (s, 2 H), 3.29 (bs, 1 H), 3.22-3.00 (m, 3 H), 2.96-2.80 (m, 6 H), 2.32 (t, J=6.8, 5.4 Hz, 2 H), 2.17 (s, 3 H), 2.20-2.00 (m, 3 H), 1.96-0.96 (series of multiplets, 27 H), 0.93 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3 H), 0.90, (s, 3 H), 0.67 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 Mz) δ 139.50, 129.22, 128.31, 126.96, 80.76, 79.85, 76.10, 70.90, 70.33, 70.24, 62.48, 58.27, 46.55, 46.45, 42.72, 42.58, 42.33, 41.99, 39.77, 35.78, 35.37, 35.01, 33.73, 29.07, 27.95, 27.71, 24.06, 23.46, 22.99, 18.14, 12.55; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 627.5211 (100%), cacld. 627.5213.

[0132] HCl salt of compound 1:

[0133] Compound 1 was dissolved in a minimum amount of CH2Cl2 and excess HCl in ether was added. Solvent and excess HCl were removed in vacuo and a noncrystalline white powder was obtained. 1H NMR (methanol-d4/15% CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.61-7.57 (m, 2 H), 7.50-7.48 (m, 3 H), 4.84 (bs, 10 H), 4.45 (bs, 1 H), 4.30 (bs, 1 H), 3.96-3.82 (m, 2 H), 3.78-3.69 (m, 2 H), 3.66 (bs, 1 H), 3.59-3.32 (series of multiplets, 4 H), 3.28-3.02 (m, 8 H), 2.81 (s, 3 H), 2.36-2.15 (m, 4 H), 2.02-1.68 (m, 8 H), 1.64-0.90 (series of multiplets, 12 H), 1.01 (d, J=6.35 Hz, 3 H), 0.96 (s, 3 H), 0.73 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (methanol-d4/15% CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 132.31, 131.20, 130.92, 130.40, 83.13, 81.09, 78.48, 65.54, 64.98, 64.11, 60.87, 57.66, 47.51, 46.91, 43.52, 43.00, 41.38, 41.19, 41.16, 40.75, 40.30, 36.37, 36.08, 36.00, 35.96, 33.77, 29.68, 29.34, 28.65, 28.37, 24.42, 24.25, 23.33, 21.51, 18.80, 13.04.

[0134] Compound 2:

[0135] To a round-bottom flask were added 27 (0.82 g, 1.10 mmol) in dry THF (150 mL) and LiAlH4 (125 mg, 3.30 mmol) under N2. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 hours and Na2SO4·10 H2O powder (10 g) was added slowly. After the grey color disappeared, the mixture was filtered through a cotton plug and washed with dry THF. THF was removed in vacuo and the residue dissolved in CH2Cl2 (50 mL). After filtration, the desired product was obtained as a colorless glass (0.73 g, 99% yield). IR (neat) 3362, 2936, 2862, 2786, 1576, 1466, 1363, 1103 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.32-7.23 (m, 5 H), 3.67-3.63 (m, 1 H), 3.60-3.57 (m,l H), 3.53 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2 H), 3.47 (s, 2 H), 3.46 (bs, 1 H), 3.24-3.17(m, 2 H), 3.12-2.99 (m, 2 H), 2.83-2.74 (series of multiplets, 6 H), 2.30 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 2 H), 2.15 (s, 3 H), 2.20-2.00 (m, 3 H), 1.95-1.51 (series of multiplets, 20 H), 1.51-1.08, (series of multiplets, 10 H), 1.06-0.80 (m, 3 H), 0.87 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 3 H), 0.86 (s, 3 H), 0.61 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 139.35, 129.16, 128.22, 126.88, 80.44, 79.29, 75.96, 66.70, 66.52, 66.12, 62.45, 58.26, 46.76, 46.27, 42.69, 42.41, 42.02, 40.68, 40.10, 40.02, 39.82, 35.84, 35.47, 35.30, 35.06, 34.15, 34.09, 34.03, 33.80, 28.96, 27.93, 27.75, 27.71, 24.32, 23.53, 23.03, 22.75, 18.17, 12.58; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 691.5504 (38.5%), cacld. 691.5502.

[0136] HCl salt of compound 2:

[0137] Compound 2 was dissolved in a minimum amount of CH2Cl2 and excess HCl in ether was added. Removal of the solvent and excess HCl gave a noncrystalline white powder. 1H NMR (methanol-d4/15% CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.60-7.59 (m, 2 H), 7.50-7.47 (m, 3 H), 4.82 (bs, 10 H), 4.43 (bs, 1 H), 4.32 (bs, 1 H), 3.85-3.79 (m, 1 H), 3.75-3.68 (m, 1 H), 3.64 (t, J=5.74 Hz, 2 H), 3.57 (bs, 1 H), 3.36-3.28 (m, 2 H), 3.25-3.00 (series of multiplets, 10 H), 2.82 (s, 3 H), 2.14-1.68 (series of multiplets, 19 H), 1.65-1.15 (series of multiplets, 11 H), 0.98 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3 H), 0.95 (s, 3 H), 0.72 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (methanol-d4/15% CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 132.21, 131.10, 130.58, 130.28, 81.96, 80.72, 77.60, 66.84, 66.58, 66.12, 61.03, 57.60, 44.16, 42.77, 40.62, 39.57, 39.43, 36.28, 36.03, 35.96, 35.78, 33.65, 29.48, 29.27, 29.11, 29.01, 28.61, 28.56, 28.35, 24.25, 23.56, 23.30, 21.17, 18.64, 12.90.

[0138] Compound 4:

[0139] A suspension of 1 (79.1 mg, 0.126 mmol) and aminoiminomethanesulfonic acid (50.15 mg, 0.404 mmol) in methanol and chloroform was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours, and the suspension became clear. An ether solution of HCl (1M, 1 mL) was added followed by the removal of solvent with N2 flow. The residue was dissolved in H2O (5 mL) followed by the addition of 20% aqueous NaOH (0.5 mL). The resulting cloudy mixture was extracted with CH2Cl2 (4×5 mL). The combined extracts were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. Removal of solvent gave the desired product (90 mg, 95%) as white powder. m.p. 111-112° C. IR (neat) 3316, 2937, 1667, 1650, 1556, 1454, 1348, 1102 cm−1; 1H NMR (5% methanol-d4/ CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.26-7.22 (m, 5 H), 4.37 (bs, 3 H), 3.71-3.51(series of multiplets, 5 H), 3.44 (s, 2 H), 3.39-3.10 (series of multiplets, 10 H), 2.27 (t, J=6.83 Hz, 2 H), 2.13 (s, 3 H), 2.02-0.94 (series of multiplets, 33 H), 0.85 (d, J=5.62 Hz, 3 H), 0.84 (s, 3 H), 0.61 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (5% methanol-d4/CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 158.54, 158.48, 158.43, 138.27, 129.47, 128.32, 127.19, 81.89, 80.30, 77.34, 69.02, 68.46, 67.21, 62.36, 58.00, 47.36, 46.18, 43.26, 43.00, 42.73, 42.18, 41.48, 39.32,35.55, 34.97, 34.89, 34.67, 33.63, 28.93, 28.28, 27.53, 27.16, 23.96, 23.28, 23.16, 22.77, 18.36, 12.58; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 753.5858 (100%), cacld. 753.5867.

[0140] HCl salt of compound 4:

[0141] Compound 4 was dissolved in minimum amount of CH2Cl2 and MeOH followed by addition of excess HCl in ether. The solvent was removed by N2 flow, and the residue was subjected to high vacuum overnight. The desired product was obtained as noncrystalline white powder. 1H NMR (methanol-d4/20% CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.58 (bs, 2 H), 7.50-7.48 (m, 3 H), 4.76 (bs, 13 H), 4.45 (d, J=12.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.27 (dd, 1 H, J=12.9, 5.4 Hz), 3.82-3.00 (series of multiplets, 17 H), 2.81-2.80 (m, 3 H), 2.20-1.02 (series of multiplets, 27 H), 0.98 (d, J=6.59 Hz, 3 H), 0.95 (s, 3 H), 0.72 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (methanol-d4/ 20% CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 158.88, 158.72, 132.00, 131.96, 130.98, 130.15, 82.51, 81.07, 78.05, 68.50, 68.02, 67.94, 67.10, 60.87, 60.53, 57.38, 47.16, 46.91, 43.91, 43.11, 43.01, 42.91, 42.55, 40.28, 39.88, 39.95, 35.90, 35.73, 35.64, 33.53, 29.18, 28.35, 27.99, 24.02, 23.30, 21.35, 18.52, 18.44, 13.06.

[0142] Compound 5:

[0143] A suspension of 2 (113 mg, 0.169 mmol) and aminoiminomethanesulfonic acid (67.1 mg, 0.541 mmol) in methanol and chloroform was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. HCl in ether (1M, 1 mL) was added followed by the removal of solvent with N2 flow. The residue was subject to high vacuum overnight and dissolved in H2O (5 mL) followed by the addition of 20% NaOH solution (1.0 mL). The resulting mixture was extracted with CH2Cl2 (5×5 mL). The combined extracts were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. Removal of solvent gave desired the product (90 mg, 95% yield) as a white solid. m.p. 102-104° C. IR (neat) 3332, 3155, 2939, 2863, 1667, 1651, 1558, 1456, 1350, 1100 cm−1; 1H NMR (5% methanol-d4/CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.35-7.24 (m, 5 H), 3.75-3.64 (m, 1 H), 3.57 (bs, 5 H), 3.50 (s, 2 H), 3.53-3.46 (m, 1 H), 3.40-3.10 (series of multiplets, 14 H), 2.34 (t, J=7.31 Hz, 2 H), 2.19 (s, 3 H), 2.13-0.96 (series of multiplets, 36 H), 0.91 (bs, 6 H), 0.66 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (5% methanol-d4/CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 157.49, 157.31, 157.23, 138.20, 129.52, 128.34, 127.23, 81.17, 79.19, 76.42, 65.63, 65.03, 64.70, 62.36, 58.02, 47.23, 46.24, 42.89, 42.18, 41.45, 39.45, 39.40, 39.30, 38.71, 35.61, 35.55, 35.02, 34.82, 33.69, 29.87, 29.59, 29.42, 28.84, 27.96, 27.56, 23.95, 23.40, 22.82, 22.64, 18.28, 12.54; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 795.6356 (84.3%), cacld. 795.6337.

[0144] HCl salt of compound 5:

[0145] Compound 5 was dissolved in minimum amount of CH2Cl2 and MeOH followed by the addition of excess HCl in ether. The solvent and excess HCl were removed by N2 flow and the residue was subject to high vacuum overnight. The desired product was obtained as noncrystalline white powder. 1H NMR (methanol-d4/10% CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.62-7.54 (m, 2 H), 7.48-7.44 (m, 3 H), 4.84 (bs, 16 H), 4.46 (d, J=12.7 Hz, 1 H), 4.26 (dd, J=12.7, 3.42 Hz, 1 H), 3.78-3.56 (series of multiplets, 5 H), 3.38-3.05 (series of multiplets, 13 H), 2.80 (d, 3 H), 2.19-2.04 (m, 3 H), 2.02-1.04 (series of multiplets, 30 H), 0.98 (d, J=6.35 Hz, 3 H), 0.95 (s, 3 H), 0.72 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (methanol-d4/ 10% CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 158.75, 158.67, 132.32, 131.24, 130.83, 130.43, 82.49, 81.02, 77.60, 66.47, 65.93, 61.19, 60.85, 57.69, 47.79, 47.60, 44.29, 43.07, 40.86, 40.42, 40.19, 40.09, 39.76, 36.68, 36.50, 36.15, 35.94, 33.91, 30.75, 30.46, 29.74, 29.33, 28.71, 24.41, 24.03, 23.38, 22.21, 22.16, 18.59, 18.52, 13.09.

EXAMPLE 2

[0146] Compound 28:

[0147] A suspension of 19 (0.641 g, 0.614 mmol) and KCN (0.40 g, 6.14 mmol) in anhydrous DMSO (5 mL) was stirred under N2 at 80° C. overnight followed by the addition of H2O (50 mL). The aqueous mixture was extracted with EtOAc (4×20 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine once, dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in CH2Cl2 (3 mL) and MeOH (3 mL) and catalytic amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid (5.84 mg, 0.03 mmol) was added. The solution was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours before the introduction of saturated NaHCO3 solution (10 mL). After the addition of brine (60 mL), the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (4×30 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine once and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated. The residue afforded the desired product (0.342 g, 92% yield) as pale yellowish oil after column chromatography (silica gel, EtOAc/hexanes 2:1). IR (neat) 3479, 2936, 2864, 2249, 1456, 1445, 1366, 1348, 1108 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 3.76-3.53 (m, 7 H), 3.32-3.06 (series of multiplets, 4 H), 2.57-2.46 (m, 6 H), 2.13-1.00 (series of multiplets, 31 H), 0.93 (d, J=6.35 Hz, 3 H), 0.90 (s, 3 H), 0.67 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 119.91, 119.89, 80.75, 79.65, 76.29, 65.83, 65.37, 65.19, 63.63, 46.57, 46.44, 42.77, 41.79, 39.71, 35.63, 35.26, 35.02, 32.00, 29.46, 29.03, 27.96, 27.74, 26.64, 26.42, 26.12, 23.56, 22.98, 22.95, 18.24, 14.65, 14.54, 14.30, 12.60; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 618.4247 (67.8%), cacld. 618.4247.

[0148] Compound 29:

[0149] To a solution of 28 (0.34 g, 0.57 mmol) in dry CH2Cl2 (15 mL) under N2 at 0° C. was added NEt3 (119.5 μL, 0.857 mmol) followed by the addition of mesyl chloride (53.1 μL, 0.686 mmol). The mixture was allowed to stir at 0° C. for 30 minutes before the addition of H2O (6 mL). After the introduction of brine (60 mL), the aqueous mixture was extracted with EtOAc (4×20 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine once, dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated. To the residue was added N-benzylmethyl amine (0.5 mL) and the mixture was stirred under N2 at 80° C. overnight. Excess N-benzylmethylamine was removed in vacuo and the residue was subject to column chromatography (silica gel, EtOAc/hexanes 2:1 followed by EtOAc) to afford product (0.35 g, 88% yield) as a pale yellow oil. IR (neat) 2940, 2863, 2785, 2249, 1469, 1453, 1366, 1348, 1108 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.34-7.21 (m, 5 H), 3.76-3.69 (m, 1 H), 3.64-3.50 (m, 4 H), 3.48 (s, 2 H), 3.31-3.05 (series of multiplets, 4 H), 2.52-2.46 (m, 6 H), 2.33 (t, J=7.32 H, 2 Hz), 2.18 (s, 3 H), 2.13-0.95 (series of multiplets, 30 H), 0.91 (d, J=6.80 H, 3 Hz), 0.90 (s, 3 H), 0.66 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 139.37, 129.17, 128.26, 126.93, 119.96, 119.91, 80.73, 79.59, 76.26, 65.79, 65.35, 65.13, 62.47, 58.25, 46.74, 46.40, 42.72, 42.38, 41.76, 39.68, 35.78, 35.22, 34.98, 33.79, 28.99, 27.92, 27.71, 26.63, 26.38, 26.09, 24.21, 23.54, 22.96, 22.90, 18.28, 14.62, 14.51, 14.26, 12.58; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 699.5226 (100%), cacld. 699.5213.

[0150] Compound 3:

[0151] A solution of 29 (0.074 g, 0.106 mmol) in anhydrous THF (10 mL) was added dropwise to a mixture of AlCl3 (0.1414 g, 1.06 mmol) and LiAlH4 (0.041 g, 1.06 mmol) in dry THF (10 mL). The suspension was stirred for 24 hours followed by the addition of 20% NaOH aqueous solution (2 mL) at ice-bath temperature. Anhydrous Na2SO4 was added to the aqueous slurry. The solution was filtered and the precipitate washed twice with THF. After removal of solvent, the residue was subject to column chromatography (silica gel, MeOH/CH2Cl2 1:1 followed by MeOH/CH2Cl2/NH3·H2O 4:4:1) to afford the desired product (0.038 g, 50% yield) as a clear oil. IR (neat) 3362, 2935, 2863, 2782, 1651, 1574, 1568, 1557, 1471, 1455, 1103 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.32-7.22 (m, 5 H), 3.60-3.02 (series of broad multiplets, 18 H), 2.90-2.70 (m, 5 H), 2.33 (t, J=7.20 Hz, 2 H), 2.24-2.04 (m, 3 H), 2.18 (s, 3 H), 1.96-0.96 (series of multiplets, 30 H), 0.90 (d, J=7.57 Hz, 3 H), 0.89 (s, 3 H), 0.64 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 139.44, 129.24, 128.31, 126.97, 80.63, 79.65, 75.97, 68.44, 68.00, 67.96, 62.54, 58.40, 46.77, 46.30, 42.73, 42.43, 42.07, 41.92, 41.74, 41.72, 39.81, 35.82, 35.48, 35.07, 33.84, 31.04, 30.30, 30.10, 29.03, 28.11, 27.82, 27.81, 27.74, 27.67, 27.64, 24.31, 23.50, 23.04, 22.93, 18.22, 12.63; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na−matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 711.6139 (100%), cacld. 711.6152; ([M+Na]+) 733.5974 (46.1%), cacld. 733.5972.

EXAMPLE 3

[0152] Compound 30:

[0153] Cholic acid (3.0 g, 7.3 mmol) was dissolved in CH2Cl2 (50 mL) and methanol (5 mL). Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) (1.8 g, 8.8 mmol) was added followed by N-hydroxysuccinimide (˜100 mg) and benzylmethylamine (1.1 g, 8.8 mmol). The mixture was stirred for 2 hours, then filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and chromatographed (SiO2, 3% MeOH in CH2Cl2) to give 3.0 g of a white solid (81% yield). m.p. 184-186° C.; IR (neat) 3325, 2984, 1678 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 200 MHz) δ 7.21 (m, 5 H), 4.51 (m, 2 H), 3.87 (m, 1 H), 3.74 (m, 2 H), 3.36 (m, 2 H), 2.84 (s, 3 H), 2.48-0.92 (series of multiplets, 28 H), 0.80 (s, 3 H), 0.58 (d, J 6.5 Hz, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 50 MHz) δ 174.30, 173.94, 137.36, 136.63, 128.81, 128.46, 127.85, 127.50, 127.18, 126.28, 72.96, 71.76, 68.35, 53.39, 50.65, 48.77, 46.91, 46.33, 41.44, 39.36, 39.18, 35.76, 35.27, 34.76, 33.87, 31.54, 34.19, 31.07, 30.45, 28.11, 27.63, 26.14, 25.59, 24.92, 23.26, 17.51, 12.41; FAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 512 (100%), cacld. 512.

[0154] Compound 31:

[0155] Compound 30 (2.4 g, 4.7 mmol) was added to a suspension of LiAlH4 (0.18 g, 4.7 mmol) in THF (50 mL). The mixture was refluxed for 24 hours, then cooled to 0° C. An aqueous solution of Na2SO4 was carefully added until the grey color of the mixture dissipated. The salts were filtered out, and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to yield 2.1 g of a white solid (88%). The product proved to be of sufficient purity for further reactions. m.p. 70-73° C.; IR (neat) 3380, 2983, 1502 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.23 (m, 5 H), 3.98 (bs, 2 H), 3.81 (m, 3 H), 3.43 (m, 3 H), 2.74 (m, 2 H), 2.33 (m, 3 H), 2.25 (s, 3 H), 2.10-0.90 (series of multiplets, 24 H), 0.98 (s, 3 H), 0.78 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 135.72, 129,63, 128.21, 128.13, 125.28, 72.91, 71.63, 62.05, 60.80, 56.79, 47.00, 46.23, 41.44, 40.81, 39.41, 35.42, 35.24, 34.63, 34.02, 33.22, 31.73, 30.17, 29.33, 29.16, 28.02, 27.49, 26.17, 25.55, 23.10, 22.48, 22.33, 17.54, 12.65; FAB-MS (thioglycerol matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 498 (100%), cacld. 498.

[0156] Compound 32:

[0157] Compound 31 (0.36 g, 0.72 mmol) was dissolved in CH2Cl2 (15 mL) and Bocglycine (0.51 g, 2.89 mmol), DCC (0.67 g, 3.24 mmol) and dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) (˜100 mg) were added. The mixture was stirred under N2 for 4 hours then filtered. After concentration and chromatography (SiO2, 5% MeOH in CH2Cl2), the product was obtained as a 0.47 g of a clear glass (68%). 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.30 (m, 5 H), 5.19 (bs, 1 H), 5.09 (bs, 3 H), 5.01 (bs, 1 H), 4.75 (m, 1 H), 4.06-3.89 (m, 6 H), 2.33 (m, 2 H), 2.19 (s, 3 H) 2.05-1.01 (series of multiplets, 26 H), 1.47 (s, 9 H), 1.45 (s, 18 H), 0.92 (s, 3 H), 0.80 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3 H), 0.72 (s, 3 H). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 170.01, 169.86, 169.69, 155.72, 155.55, 139.90, 129.05, 128.17, 126.88, 79.86, 76.53, 75.09, 72.09, 62, 35, 57.88, 47.78, 45.23, 43.12, 42.79, 42.16, 40.81, 37.94, 35.51, 34.69, 34.57, 34.36, 33.30, 31.31, 29.66, 28.80, 28.34, 27.22, 26.76, 25.61, 24.02, 22.83, 22.47, 17.93, 12.19; FAB-MS (thioglycerol matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 970 (100%), cacld. 970.

[0158] Compound 33:

[0159] Compound 31 (0.39 g, 0.79 mmol) was dissolved in CH2Cl2 (15 mL) and Boc-β-alanine (0.60 g, 3.17 mmol), DCC (0.73 g, 3.56 mmol) and dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) (˜100 mg) were added. The mixture was stirred under N2 for 6 hours then filtered. After concentration and chromatography (SiO2, 5% MeOH in CH2Cl2), the product was obtained as a 0.58 g of a clear glass (72%). IR (neat) 3400, 2980, 1705, 1510 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.27 (m, 5 H), 5.12 (bs, 4 H), 4.93 (bs, 1 H), 4.71 (m, 1 H), 3.40 (m, 12 H), 2.59-2.48 (m, 6 H), 2.28 (m, 2 H), 2.17 (s, 3 H) 2.05-1.01 (series of multiplets, 26 H), 1.40 (s, 27 H), 0.90 (s, 3 H), 0.77 (d, J=6.1 Hz, 3 H), 0.70 (s, 3 H). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 171.85, 171.50, 171.44, 155.73, 138.62, 129.02, 128.09, 126.87, 79.18, 75.53, 74.00, 70.91, 62.20, 57.67, 47.84, 44.99, 43.28, 41.98, 40.73, 37.67, 36.12, 34.94, 34.65, 34.47, 34.20, 33.29, 31.23, 29.57, 28.74, 28.31, 28.02, 27.86, 27.12, 26.73, 25.46, 24.86, 23.95, 22.77, 22.39, 17.91, 12.14; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 1011.6619 (100%), cacld. 1011.6634.

[0160] Compound 6:

[0161] Compound 32 (0.15 g, 0.15 mmol) was stirred with excess 4N HCl in dioxane for 40 minutes. The dioxane and HCl were removed in vacuo leaving 0.12 g of a clear glass (˜100%). 1H NMR (CD3OD, 300 MHz) δ 7.62 (bs, 2 H), 7.48 (bs, 3 H), 5.30 (bs, 1 H), 5.11 (bs, 1 H), 4.72 (bs (1 H), 4.46 (m, 1 H), 4.32 (m, 1H) 4.05-3.91 (m, 4 H), 3.10 (m, 2 H), 2.81 (s, 3 H), 2.15-1.13 (series of multiplets, 25 H), 1.00 (s, 3 H), 0.91 (bs, 3 H), 0.82 (s, 3 H). 13C NMR (CD3OD, 125 MHz) δ 166.86, 166.50, 131.09, 130.18, 129.17, 128.55, 76.60, 75.43, 72.61, 72.04, 70.40, 66.22, 60.07, 58.00, 57.90, 54.89, 54.76, 46.44, 44.64, 43.39, 42.22, 38.56, 36.78, 34.14, 33.92, 33.84, 31.82, 30.54, 29.67, 28.79, 27.96, 26.79, 26.00, 24.99, 23.14, 22.05, 21.82, 19.91, 17.27, 11.60; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M−4 Cl−3 H]+) 669.4576 (100%), cacld. 669.4591.

[0162] Compound 7:

[0163] Compound 33 (0.20 g, 0.20 mmol) was stirred with excess 4N HCl in dioxane for 40 minutes. The dioxane and HCl were removed in vacuo leaving 0.12 g of a clear glass (˜100%). 1H NMR (CD3OD, 500 MHz) δ 7.58 (bs, 2 H), 7.49 (bs, 3 H), 5.21 (bs, 1 H), 5.02 (bs, 1 H), 4.64 (m, 1 H), 4.44 (m, 1 H), 4.28 (m, 1 H), 3.30-2.84 (m, 14 H), 2.80 (s, 3 H), 2.11-1.09 (series of multiplets, 25 H), 0.99 (s, 3 H), 0.89 (d, J=4.1 Hz, 3 H), 0.80 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CD3OD, 125 MHz) δ 171.92, 171.56, 171.49, 132.44, 131.32, 131.02, 130.51, 78.13, 76.61, 61.45, 57.94, 46.67, 44.80, 42.36, 40.85, 39.33, 37.03, 36.89, 36.12, 36.09, 35.79, 35.63, 33.81, 33.10, 32.92, 32.43, 30.28, 28.43, 28.04, 26.65, 24.02, 22.86, 21.98, 18.70, 12.68; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M−4 Cl−3 H]+) 711.5069 (43%), cacld. 711.5061.

EXAMPLE 4

[0164] Compound 34:

[0165] Diisopropyl azodicarboxylate (DIAD) (1.20 mL, 6.08 mmol) was added to triphenylphosphine (1.60 g, 6.08 mmol) in THF (100 mL) at 0° C. and was stirred for half an hour during which time the yellow solution became a paste. Compound 14 (2.58 g, 4.06 mmol) and p-nitrobenzoic acid (0.81 g, 4.87 mmol) were dissolved in THF (50 mL) and added to the paste. The resulted mixture was stirred at ambient temperature overnight. Water (100 mL) was added and the mixture was made slightly basic by adding NaHCO3 solution followed by extraction with EtOAc (3×50 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine once and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The desired product (2.72 g, 85% yield) was obtained as white powder after SiO2 chromatography (Et2O/hexanes 1:2). m.p. 207-209° C.; IR (KBr) 3434, 3056, 2940, 2868, 1722, 1608, 1529,1489, 1448, 1345 cm1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 8.30-8.26 (m, 2 H), 8.21-8.16 (m, 2 H), 7.46-7.42 (m, 6 H), 7.31-7.18 (m, 9 H)5.33 (bs, 1 H), 4.02 (bs, 1 H), 3.90 (bs, 1 H), 3.09-2.97 (m, 2 H), 2.68 (td, J=14.95, 2.56 Hz, 1 H), 2.29-2.19 (m, 1 H), 2.07-1.06 (series of multiplets, 24 H), 1.01 (s, 3 H), 0.98 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3 H), 0.70 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 164.21, 150.56, 144.70, 136.79, 130.77, 128.88, 127.86, 126.98, 123.70, 86.47, 73.24, 73.00, 68.70, 64.22, 47.79, 46.79, 42.15, 39.76, 37.47, 35.52, 35.34, 34.23, 33.79, 32.46, 31.12, 28.74, 27.71, 26.85, 26.30, 25.16, 23.41, 17.98, 12.77; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 808.4203 (53.8%), cacld. 808.4189. The nitrobenzoate (2.75 g, 3.5 mmol) was dissolved in CH2Cl2 (40 mL) and MeOH (20 mL) and 20% aqueous NaOH (5 mL) were added. The mixture was heated up to 60° C. for 24 hours. Water (100 mL) was introduced and extracted with EtOAc. The combined extracts were washed with brine and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The desired product (1.89 g, 85% yield) was obtained as white solid after SiO2 chromatography (3% MeOH in CH2Cl2 as eluent). m.p. 105-106° C.; IR (KBr) 3429, 3057, 2936, 1596, 1489, 1447, 1376, 1265, 1034, 704 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz)—δ 7.46-7.42 (m, 6 H), 7.32-7.19 (m, 9 H), 4.06 (bs, 1 H), 3.99 (bs, 1 H), 3.86 (bd, J=2.44 Hz, 1 H), 3.09-2.97 (m, 2 H), 2.47 (td, J=14.03, 2.44 Hz, 1 H), 2.20-2.11 (m, 1 H), 2.04-1.04 (series of multiplets, 25 H), 0.97 (d, J=6.59 Hz, 3 H), 0.94 (s, 3 H), 0.68 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 144.70, 128.88, 127.86, 126.97, 86.45, 73.31, 68.84, 67.10, 64.23, 47.71, 46.74, 42.10, 39.70, 36.73, 36.73, 36.15, 35.53, 35.45, 34.45, 32.46, 29.93, 28.67, 27.86, 27.71, 26.87, 26.04, 23.43, 23.16, 17.94, 12.75; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 659.4064 (100%), cacld. 659.4076.

[0166] Compound 35:

[0167] To a round-bottom flask were added 34 (2.0 g, 3.14 mmol), NaH (60% in mineral oil, 3.8 g, 31.4 mmol) and THF (150 mL). The suspension was refluxed for 2 hours followed by the addition of allyl bromide (2.72 mL, 31.4 mL). After refluxing for 28 hours, another 10 eq. of NaH and allyl bromide were added. After 72 hours, another 10 eq. of NaH and allyl bromide were added. After 115 hours, TLC showed almost no starting material or intermediates. Water (100 mL) was added to the suspension carefully, followed by extraction with EtOAc (5×50 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The desired product (1.81 g, 79% yield) was obtained as a yellowish glass after SiO2 chromatography (5% EtOAc/hexanes). IR (neat) 3060, 3020, 2938, 2865, 1645, 1596, 1490, 1448, 1376, 1076, 705 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.46-7.42 (m, 6 H), 7.31-7.18 (m, 9 H), 6.06-5.85 (m, 3 H), 5.35-5.20 (m, 3 H), 5.15-5.06 (m, 3 H), 4.10-4.00 (m, 2 H), 3.93-3.90 (m, 2 H), 3.85-3.79 (ddt, J=13.01, 4.88, 1.59 Hz, 1 H), 3.73-3.66 (ddt, J=13.01, 5.38, 1.46 Hz, 1 H), 3.58 (bs, 1 H), 3.54 (bs, 1 H), 3.32 (d, J=2.93 Hz, 1 H), 3.07-2.96 (m, 2 H), 2.36 (td, J=13.67, 2.68 Hz, I H), 2.24-2.10 (m, 2 H), 2.03-1.94 (m, 1 H), 1.87-0.86 (series of multiplets, 20 H), 0.91 (s, 3 H), 0.90 (d, J=6.83 Hz, 3 H), 0.64 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 144.77, 136.29, 136.21, 136.13, 128.90, 127.86, 126.94, 116.13, 115.51, 115.42, 86.44, 81.11, 75.65, 73.92, 69.40, 68.81, 64.43, 46.68, 46.54, 42.93, 39.93, 36.98, 35.66, 35.14, 35.14, 32.83, 32.54, 30.48, 28.51, 27.72, 27.64, 26.82, 24.79, 23.65, 23.43, 23.40, 18.07, 12.80; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na−matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 757.5185 (12.9%), cacld. 757.5196.

[0168] Compound 36:

[0169] Ozone was bubbled through a solution of 35 (0.551 g, 0.729 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (40 mL) and MeOH (20 mL) at −78° C. until the solution turned a deep blue. Excess ozone was blown off with oxygen. Methylsulfide (1 mL) was added followed by the addition of NaBH4 (0.22 g, 5.80 mmol) in 5% NaOH solution and methanol. The resulted mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and washed with brine. The brine was then extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL). The combined extracts were dried over Na2SO4. The desired product (0.36 g, 65% yield) was obtained as a colorless glass after SiO2 chromatography (5% MeOH/CH2Cl2). IR (neat) 3396, 3056, 2927, 1596, 1492, 1462, 1448, 1379, 1347, 1264, 1071 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.46-7.42 (m, 6 H), 7.32-7.18 (m, 9 H), 3.77-3.57 (series of multiplets, 10 H), 3.48-3.44 (m, 2 H), 3.36-3.30 (m, 2 H), 3.26-3.20 (m, I H), 3.04-2.99 (m, 2 H), 2.37-0.95 (series of multiplets, 27 H), 0.92 (s, 3 H), 0.91 (d, J=6.59 Hz, 3 H), 0.67 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 144.69, 128.87, 127.84, 126.94, 86.44, 81.05, 76.86, 74.65, 69.91, 69.22, 68.77, 64.24, 62.44, 62.42, 62.26, 46.92, 46.54, 42.87, 39.73, 36.86, 35.52, 35.13, 32.82, 32.54, 30.36, 28.71, 27.61, 27.44, 26.79, 24.82, 23.51, 23.38, 23.31, 18.28, 12.74; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 791.4844 (96.4%), cacid. 791.4863.

[0170] Compound 37:

[0171] NEt3 (0.23 mL, 1.66 mmol) was added to a solution of 36 (0.364 g, 0.47 mmol) in dry CH2Cl2 (30 mL) at 0° C. under N2 followed by the introduction of mesyl chloride (0.12 mL, 1.56 mmol). The mixture was stirred for 10 minutes and H2O (10 mL) added to quench the reaction, followed by extraction with EtOAc (3×30 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. SiO2 chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 1:1) gave the desired product (0.411 g, 86% yield) as white glass. IR (neat) 3058, 3029, 2939, 2868, 1491, 1461, 1448, 1349, 1175, 1109, 1019 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.46-7.42 (m, 6 H), 7.31-7.19 (m, 9 H), 4.35-4.26 (m, 6 H), 3.84-3.74 (m, 2 H), 3.64-3.56 (m, 4 H), 3.49-3.34 (m, 3 H), 3.06 (s, 3 H), 3.04 (s, 3 H), 3.02 (s, 3 H), 3.09-2.95 (m, 2 H), 2.28 (bt, J=14.89 Hz, 1 H), 2.09-0.86 (series of multiplets, 21 H), 0.92 (s, 3 H), 0.90 (d, J=6.78 Hz, 3 H), 0.66 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 144.66, 128.86, 127.86, 126.97, 86.46, 81.28, 77.18, 75.00, 70.14, 69.89, 69.13, 66.49, 65.85, 65.72, 64.22, 47.06, 46.35, 42.77, 39.58, 37.81, 37.64, 37.55, 36.75, 35.48, 35.02, 32.59, 32.52, 30.27, 28.43, 27.56, 27.52, 26.92, 24.62, 23.34, 23.25, 23.10, 18.24, 12.64; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 1025.4207 (100%), cacld. 1025.4189.

[0172] Compound 38:

[0173] The suspension of 37 (0.227 g, 0.227 mmol) and NaN3 (0.147 g, 2.27 mmol) in dry DMSO (5 mL) was stirred at 80° C. overnight, diluted with H2O (50 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL). The extracts were washed with brine once and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. SiO2 chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 1:8) afforded the desired product (0.153 g, 80% yield) as a yellow oil. IR (neat) 2929, 2866, 2105, 1490, 1466, 1448, 1107, 705 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.46-7.42 (m, 6 H), 7.32-7.19 (m, 9 H), 3.80-3.74 (m, 1 H), 3.70-3.55 (series of multiplets, 5 H), 3.41-3.19 (series of multiplets, 9 H), 3.04-2.98 (m, 2 H), 2.41 (td, J=13.1, 2.44 Hz, 1 H), 2.29-2.14 (m, 2 H), 2.04-0.86 (series of multiplets, 20 H), 0.93 (s, 3 H), 0.91 (d, J=6.60 Hz, 3 H), 0.66 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 144.78, 128.93, 127.87, 126.96, 86.46, 81.30, 77.16, 75.21, 67.99, 67.44, 67.03, 64.41, 51.64, 51.57, 51,33, 46.71, 46.30, 42.35, 39.75, 36.72, 35.64, 35.20, 32.52, 32.42, 30.17, 28.63, 27.80, 27.22, 26.90, 24.80, 23.55, 23.30, 23.24, 18.23, 12.65; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 866.5049 (96.9%), cacld. 866.5057.

[0174] Compound 39:

[0175] p-Toluenesulfonic acid (1.72 mg) was added into the solution of 38 (0.153 g, 0.18 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (5 mL) and MeOH (5 mL), and the mixture was stirred for 2.5 hours. Saturated NaHCO3 solution (5 mL) was introduced followed by the introduction of brine (30 mL). The aqueous mixture was extracted with EtOAc and the combined extracts washed with brine and dried over Na2SO4. The desired product (0.10 g, 92% yield) was obtained as a pale yellowish oil after SiO2 chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 1:3). IR (neat) 3426, 2926, 2104, 1467, 1441, 1347, 1107 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 3.81-3.74 (m, 1 H), 3.71-3.54 (m, 7 H), 3.41-3.19 (m, 9 H), 2.41 (td, J=13.61, 2.32 Hz, 1 H), 2.30-2.14 (m, 2 H), 2.07-1.98 (m, I H), 1.94-0.95 (series of multiplets, 21 H), 0.95 (d, J=6.35 Hz, 3 H), 0.93 (s, 3 H), 0.69 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 81.22, 77.08, 75.13, 67.94, 67.36, 66.97, 63.76, 51.59, 51.51, 51.26, 46.51, 46.24, 42.31, 39.68, 36.64, 35.58, 35.12, 32.34, 31.92, 30.11, 29.55, 28.54, 27.82, 27.16, 24.75, 23.47, 23.23, 23.18, 18.15, 12.56; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 624.3966 (54.9%), cacld. 624.3962.

[0176] Compound 40:

[0177] To a solution of 39 (0.10 g, 0.166 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (8 mL) at 0° C. was added NEt3 (34.8 μL, 0.25 mmol) under N2 followed by the introduction of mesyl chloride (15.5 μL, 0.199 mmol). The mixture was stirred 15 minutes. Addition of H2O (3 mL) and brine (20 mL) was followed by extraction with EtOAc (4×10 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine once and dried over Na2SO4. After removal of solvent, the residue was mixed with N-benzylmethylamine (0.5 mL) and heated to 80° C. under N2 overnight. Excess N-benzyl methylamine was removed in vacuo and the residue was subjected to SiO2 chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 1:4) to give the product (0.109 g, 93% yield) as a yellow oil. IR (neat) 2936, 2784, 2103, 1467, 1442, 1346, 1302, 1106, 1027 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.32-7.23 (m, 5 H), 3.81-3.74 (m, 1 H), 3.71-3.55 (m, 5 H), 3.47 (s, 2 H), 3.41-3.19 (m, 9 H), 2.46-2.11 (m, 5 H), 2.18 (s, 3 H), 2.03-0.85 (series of multiplets, 20 H), 0.93 (s, 3 H), 0.93 (d, J=6.35 Hz, 3 H,), 0.67 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 139.54, 129.26, 128.32, 126.97, 81.26, 77.12, 75.17, 67.98, 67.42, 67.00, 62.50, 58.41, 51.61, 51.54, 51.29, 46.66, 46.28, 42.46, 42.32, 39.72, 36.68, 35.76, 35.16, 33.75, 32.38, 30.15, 28.59, 27.85, 27.19, 24.77, 24.15, 23.53, 23.28, 23.22, 18.28, 12.60; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 705.4929 (100%), cacld. 705.4928.

[0178] Compound 8:

[0179] A suspension of 40 (0.109 g, 0.155 mmol) and LiAlH4 (23.5 mg, 0.62 mmol) in THF (20 mL) was stirred under N2 overnight. Na2SO4·10H2O was carefully added and stirred until no grey color persisted. Anhydrous Na2SO4 was added and the white precipitate was filtered out and rinsed with dry THF. After removal of solvent, the residue was dissolved in minimum CH2Cl2 and filtered. The desired product (0.091 g, 94% yield) was obtained as a colorless oil after the solvent was removed. IR (neat) 3371, 3290, 3027, 2938, 2862, 2785, 1586, 1493, 1453, 1377, 1347, 1098 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz)—δ 7.31-7.21 (m, 5 H), 3.65-3.53 (m, 4 H), 3.47 (s, 2 H), 3.42-3.34 (m, 2 H), 3.30 (bs, 1 H), 3.26-3.20 (m,l H), 3.14-3.09 (m, I H), 2.89-2.81 (m, 6 H), 2.39-2.27 (m, 3 H), 2.17 (s, 3 H), 2.15-0.88 (series of multiplets, 29 H), 0.93 (d, J=6.59 Hz, 3 H), 0.92 (s, 3 H), 0.67 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 139.34, 129.16, 128.24, 126.90, 80.75, 76.44, 74.29, 70.58, 69.88, 69.75, 62.47, 58.27, 46.66, 46.47, 42.75, 42.63, 42.51, 42.35, 39.77, 36.87, 35.73, 35.04, 33.77, 32.90, 30.38, 28.71, 27.70, 27.32, 24.89, 24.09, 23.53, 23.36, 23.25, 18.24, 12.62; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 627.5199 (23.3%), cacld. 627.5213.

[0180] Compound 9:

[0181] To a solution of 23 (0.18 g, 0.28 mmol) in dry DMF (4 mL) were added NaH (0.224 g, 60% in mineral oil, 5.60 mmol) and 1-bromo octane (0.48 mL, 2.80 mmol). The suspension was stirred under N2 at 65° C. overnight followed by the introduction of H2O (60 mL) and extraction with ether (4×20 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine and dried over Na2SO4. SiO2 chromatography (hexanes and 5% EtOAc in hexanes) afforded the desired product (0.169 g, 80% yield) as a pale yellowish oil. IR (neat) 2927, 2865, 2099, 1478, 1462, 1451, 1350, 1264, 1105 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 3.69-3.35 (series of multiplets, 15 H), 3.26-3.02 (series of multiplets, 4 H), 2.19-2.02 (m, 3 H), 1.97-1.16 (series of multiplets, 37 H), 1.12-0.99 (m, 2 H), 0.92-0.86 (m, 9 H), 0.65 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 80.69, 79.84, 76.13, 71.57, 71.15, 65.07, 64.49, 64.39, 49.08, 48.99, 48.80, 46.68, 46.45, 42.72, 42.05, 39.88, 35.74, 35.49, 35.36, 35.14, 32.42, 32.03, 30.01, 29.85, 29.81, 29.76, 29.67, 29.48, 29.14, 27.92, 27.80, 27.70, 26.58, 26.42, 23.59, 23.09, 22.92, 22.86, 18.11, 14.31, 12.65; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na−matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 778.5685 (22.1%), cacld. 778.5683. The triazide (0.169 g, 0.224 mmol) and LiAlH4 (0.025 g, 0.67 mmol) were suspended in anhydrous THF (10 mL) and stirred under N2 at room temperature overnight followed by careful introduction of Na2SO4 hydrate. After the grey color disappeared, anhydrous Na2SO4 was added and stirred. The white precipitate was removed by filtration and washed with THF. After removal of solvent, the residue was dissolved in 1M hydrochloric acid and the aqueous solution was extracted with ether (5 mL) once. The aqueous solution was then made basic by adding 20% aqueous NaOH solution followed by extraction with Et2O (4×5 mL). The combined extracts were washed, dried and concentrated. The residue was then subject to SiO2 chromatography (MeOH/CH2Cl2 (1:1) followed by MeOH/CH2Cl2/NH3H2O (4:4:1)) to afford the desired product (0.091 g, 60% yield) as a colorless oil. IR (neat) 3361, 2927, 2855, 1576, 1465, 1351, 1105 cm−1; 1H NMR (CD3OD, 300 MHz) δ 4.86 (bs, 6 H), 3.77-3.72 (m, 1 H), 3.70-3.61 (m, I H), 3.57-3.53 (m, 3 H), 3.43-3.38 (m, 4 H), 3.34-3.27 (m, 2 H), 3.18-3.10 (m, 2 H), 2.84-2.71 (m, 6 H), 2.22-2.07 (m, 3 H), 2.00-1.02 (series of multiplets, 39 H), 0.97-0.88 (m, 9 H), 0.71 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CD3OD, 75 MHz) δ 82.20, 81.00, 77.62, 72.52, 72.06, 68.00, 67.92, 67.39, 48.20, 47.53, 44.26, 43.40, 41.42, 41.15, 40.84, 40.35, 36.88, 36.73, 36.42, 36.11, 34.24, 34.05, 33.94, 33.67, 33.17, 30.95, 30.72, 30.62, 29.81, 29.35, 28.87, 28.79, 27.51, 24.57, 23.90, 23.83, 23.44, 18.76, 14.62, 13.07; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 678.6133 (100%), cacld. 678.6149.

[0182] Compound 10:

[0183] A suspension of 23 (0.126 g, 0.196 mmol) and LiAlH4 (0.037 g, 0.98 mmol) in THF (40 mL) was stirred at room temperature under N2 overnight followed by careful addition of Na2SO4·10H2O. After the grey color in the suspension disappeared, anhydrous Na2S)4 was added and stirred until organic layer became clear. The white precipitate was removed by filtration and washed with twice THF. The THF was removed in vacuo, and the residue was subject to SiO2 chromatography (MeOH/CH2Cl2/NH3H2O (4:4:1)) to afford the desired product (0.066 g, 60% yield) as a colorless oil. IR (neat) 3365, 2933, 2865, 1651, 1471, 1455, 1339, 1103 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3/30% CD 3 OD, 300 MHz) δ 4.43 (bs, 7 H), 3.74-3.68 (m, 1 H), 3.66-3.60 (m, 1 H), 3.57-3.50 (m, 5 H), 3.34-3.25 (M, 2 H), 3.17-3.06 (M, 2 H), 2.84-2.74 (M, 6 H), 2.19-2.01 (M, 3 H), 1.97-0.96 (series of multiplets, 27 H), 0.94 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 3 H), 0.92 (s, 3 H), 0.69 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 80.44, 79.27, 75.77, 66.59, 66.53, 65.86, 62.51, 46.21, 45.84, 42.55, 41.53, 40.09, 39.43, 39.31, 39.02, 35.16, 34.93, 34.86, 34.57, 32.93, 32.71, 31.57, 28.66, 28.33, 27.64, 27.22, 23.04, 22.40, 22.29, 17.60, 11.98; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 566.4889 (8.9%), cacld. 566.4897.

EXAMPLE 5

[0184] Compound 43:

[0185] Compound 41 was prepared following the method reported by D. H. R. Barton, J. Wozniak, S. Z. Zard, A SHORT AND EFFICIENT DEGRADATION OF THE BILE ACID SIDE CHAIN. SOME NOVEL REACTIONS OF SULPHINES AND A-KETOESTERS, Tetrahedron, 1989, vol. 45, 3741-3754. A mixture of 41 (1.00 g, 2.10 mmol), ethylene glycol (3.52 mL, 63 mmol) and p-TsOH (20 mg, 0.105 mmol) was refluxed in benzene under N2 for 16 hours. Water formed during the reaction was removed by a Dean-Stark moisture trap. The cooled mixture was washed with NaHCO3 solution (50 mL) and extracted with Et2O (50 mL, 2×30 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. Removal of the solvent gave the product (1.09 g, 100%) as a white glass. IR (neat) 2939, 2876, 1735, 1447, 1377, 1247, 1074, 1057, 1039 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 5.10 (t, J=2.70 Hz, 1 H), 4.92 (d, J=2.69 Hz, 1 H), 4.63-4.52 (m, 1 H), 3.98-3.80 (m, 4 H), 2.32 (t, J=9.51 Hz, 1 H), 2.13 (s, 3 H), 2.08 (s, 3 H), 2.05 (s, 3 H), 2.00-1.40 (series of multiplets, 15 H), 1.34-0.98 (m, 3 H), 1.20 (s, 3 H), 0.92 (s, 3 H), 0.82 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 170.69, 170.63, 170.47, 111.38, 75.07, 74.23, 70.85, 64.95, 63.43, 49.85, 44.73, 43.39, 41.11, 37.37, 34.84, 34.80, 34.52, 31.42, 29.18, 27.02, 25.41, 24.16, 22.72, 22.57, 22.44, 21.73, 21.63, 13.40; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 521.3106 (38.6%), cacld. 521.3114. The triacetate (1.09 g, 2.10 mmol) was dissolved in MeOH (50 mL). NaOH (0.84 g, 21 mmol) was added to the solution. The suspension was then refluxed under N2 for 24 hours. MeOH was then removed in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in Et2O (100 mL) and washed with H2O, brine, and then dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The desired product (0.80 g, 96% yield) was obtained as white solid after removal of solvent. m.p. 199-200° C. IR (neat) 3396, 2932, 1462, 1446, 1371, 1265, 1078, 1055 cm−1; 1H NMR (10% CD3OD in CDCl3, 300 Mz) δ 4.08-3.83 (series of multiplets, 9 H), 3.44-3.34 (m, 1 H), 2.41 (t, J=9.28 Hz, 1 H), 2.22-2.10 (m, 2 H), 1.96-1.50 (series of multiplets, 12 H), 1.45-0.96 (series of multiplets, 4 H), 1.32 (s, 3 H), 0.89 (s, 3 H), 0.78 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (10% CD3OD in CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 112.11, 72.35, 71.57, 68.09, 64.54, 63.24, 49.36, 45.90, 41.48, 41.45, 39.18, 38.79, 35.29, 34.71, 34.45, 29.90, 27.26, 26.60, 23.65, 22.54, 22.44, 22.35, 13.46; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 417.2622 (87.3%), cacld. 417.2617.

[0186] Compound 44:

[0187] To a round-bottom flask were added 43 (0.80 g, 2.03 mmol) and dry THF (100 mL) followed by the addition of NaH (60% in mineral oil, 0.81 g, 20.3 mmol). The suspension was refluxed under N2 for 30 minutes before the addition of allyl bromide (1.75 mL, 20.3 mmol). After 48 hours of reflux, another 10 eq. of NaH and allyl bromide were added. After another 48 hours, TLC showed no intermediates left. Cold water (50 mL) was added to the cooled suspension. The resulted mixture was extracted with Et2O (60 mL, 2×30 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. SiO2 column chromatography (6% EtOAc in hexanes) gave the desired product (0.94 g, 90% yield) as a pale yellow oil. IR (neat) 30 3076, 2933, 2866, 1645, 1446, 1423, 1408, 1368, 1289, 1252, 1226, 1206, 1130, 1080, 1057 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 6.02-5.84 (m, 3 H), 5.31-5.04 (m, 6 H), 4.12-4.05 (m, 2 H), 4.01-3.81 (m, 7 H), 3.70 (dd, J=12.94, 5.62 Hz, 1 H), 3.55 (t, J=2.56 Hz, 1 H), 3.33 (d, J=2.93 Hz, 1 H), 3.18-3.08 (m, 1 H), 2.65 (t, J=10.01 Hz, 1 H), 2.32-2.14 (m, 3 H), 1.84-1.45 (series of multiplets, 10 H), 1.41-1.22 (m, 3 H), 1.27 (s, 3 H), 1.14-0.92 (m, 2 H), 0.89 (s, 3 H), 0.75 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 136.38, 136.07, 136.00, 116.31, 115.54, 115.38, 112.34, 80.07, 79.22, 75.05, 69.83, 69.34, 68.82, 65.14, 63.24, 48.80, 45.96, 42.47, 42.15, 39.40, 35.55, 35.16, 35.15, 29.04, 28.22, 27.52, 24.21, 23.38, 23.11, 22.95, 22.58, 13.79; HPFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 537.3549 (100%), cacld. 537.3556.

[0188] Compound 45:

[0189] To the solution of 44 (0.94 g, 1.83 mmol) in dry TE (50 mL) was added 9-BBN (0.5M solution in THF, 14.7 mL, 7.34 mmol) and the mixture was stirred under N2 at room temperature for 12 hours before the addition of 20% NaOH solution (4 mL) and 30% H2O2 solution (4 mL). The resulted mixture was then refluxed for an hour followed by the addition of brine (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (4×30 mL). The combined extracts were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. After the removal of solvent, the residue was purified by SiO2 column chromatography (EtOAc followed by 10% MeOH in CH2Cl2) to give the product (0.559 g, 54% yield) as a colorless oil. IR (neat) 3410, 2933, 2872, 1471, 1446, 1367, 1252, 1086 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 4.02-3.52 (series of multiplets, 17 H), 3.41-3.35 (m, 1 H), 3.29 (d, J=2.44 Hz, 1 H), 3.22-3.15 (m, 3 H), 2.58 (t, J=10.01 Hz, 1 H), 2.27-1.95 (m, 3 H), 1.83-1.48 (series of multiplets, 16 H), 1.40-0.93 (series of multiplets, 5 H), 1.27 (s, 3 H), 0.90 (s, 3 H), 0.75 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 112.41, 80.09, 79.09, 76.31, 66.70, 66.02, 65.93, 64.80, 63.26, 61.53, 61.25, 60.86, 48.59, 45.80, 42.51, 41.72, 39.10, 35.36, 35.02, 34.98, 32.87, 32.52, 32.40, 28.88, 27.94, 27.21, 24.33, 23.02, 22.84 (2 C's), 22.44, 13.69; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 591.3881 (100%), cacld. 591.3873.

[0190] Compound 46:

[0191] To a solution of 45 (0.559 g, 0.98 mmol) in acetone (40 mL) and water (4 mL) was added PPTS (0.124 g, 0.49 mmol) and the solution was refluxed under N2 for 16 hours. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Water (40 mL) was then added to the residue and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (40 mL, 2×20 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine, dried and evaporated to dryness. SiO2 column chromatography (8% MeOH in CH2Cl2) of the residue afforded the desired product (0.509 g, 98% yield) as clear oil. IR (neat) 3382, 2941, 2876, 1699, 1449, 1366, 1099 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 3.83-3.72 (m, 8 H), 3.66 (t, J=5.62 Hz, 2 H), 3.54 (bs, 2 H), 3.43-3.28 (m, 4 H), 3.24-3.12 (m, 2 H), 2.26-2.00 (m, 4 H), 2.08 (s, 3 H), 1.98-1.50 (series of multiplets, 15 H), 1.42-0.96 (series of multiplets, 6 H), 0.90 (s, 3 H), 0.62 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 210.49, 78.87 (2 C's), 76.30, 66.86, 66.18, 65.69, 61.74, 61.43, 60.71, 55.31, 48.05, 43.02, 41.58, 39.53, 35.28, 35.09, 34.96, 32.77, 32.70, 32.31, 31.12, 28.72, 27.88, 27.14, 23.47, 22.75, 22.47, 22.34, 13.86; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 547.3624 (100%), cacld. 547.3611.

[0192] Compound 47:

[0193] To a solution of 46 (0.18 g, 0.344 mmol) in dry CH2Cl2 (10 mL) at 0° C. was added Et3N (0.168 mL, 1.20 mmol) followed by the addition of mesyl chloride (0.088 mL, 1.13 mmol). After 10 minutes, H2O (3 mL) and brine (30 mL) were added. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (30 mL, 2×10 mL) and the extracts were washed with brine and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. After removal of solvent, the residue was dissolved in DMSO (5 mL) and NaN3 (0.233 g, 3.44 mmol). The suspension was heated up to 50° C. under N2 for 12 hours. H2O (50 mL) was added to the cool suspension and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (30 mL, 2×10 mL) and the extracts were washed with brine and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. SiO2 column chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 1:5) afforded the product (0.191 g, 88% yield for two steps) as a pale yellow oil. IR (neat) 2933, 2872, 2096, 1702, 1451, 1363, 1263, 1102 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 3.72-3.64 (m, 2 H), 3.55-3.24 (series of multiplets, 11 H), 3.18-3.02 (m, 2 H), 2.22-2.02 (m, 4 H), 2.08 (s, 3 H), 1.95-1.46 (series of multiplets, 15 H), 1.38-0.96 (series of multiplets, 6 H), 0.89 (s, 3 H), 0.62 (s, 3 H); —C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 210.36, 79.69, 79.22, 75.98, 65.08, 64.80, 64.53, 55.31, 48.93, 48.86, 48.76, 48.06, 43.03, 41.91, 39.66, 35.44, 35.31, 35.12, 31.04, 29.77, 29.69, 29.67, 28.99, 28.10, 27.65, 23.60, 22.99, 22.95, 22.50, 14.00; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 622.3820 (100%), cacld. 622.3805.

[0194] Compound 11:

[0195] Compound 47 (0.191 g, 0.319 mmol) was dissolved in dry THF (20 mL) followed by the addition of LiAlH4 (60.4 mg, 1.59 mmol). The grey suspension was stirred under N2 at room temperature for 12 hours. Na2SO4·10H2O powder was carefully added. After the grey color in the suspension disappeared, anhydrous Na2SO4 was added and the precipitate was filtered out. After the removal of solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, MeOH/CH2Clhd 2/28% NH3·H2O 3:3:1). After most of the solvent was rotavapped off from the fractions collected, 5% HCl solution (2 mL) was added to dissolve the milky residue. The resulted clear solution was then extracted with Et2O (2×10 mL). 20% NaOH solution was then added until the solution became strongly basic. CH2Cl2 (20 mL, 2×10 mL) was used to extract the basic solution. The combined extracts were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and removal of solvent gave the desired product (0.115 g, 69% yield) as a colorless oil. From 1H NMR it appears that this compound was a mixture of two stereoisomers at C20 with a ratio of approximately 9:1. The stereoisomers were not separated, but used as recovered. Spectra for the most abundant isomer: IR (neat) 3353, 2926, 2858, 1574, 1470, 1366, 1102 cm−1; 1H NMR (20% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 300 MHz) δ 4.69 (bs, 7 H), 3.76-3.69 (m, 1 H), 3.63-3.53 (m, 5 H), 3.50-3.40 (m, 1 H), 3.29 (bs, 1 H), 3.18-3.07 (m, 2 H), 2.94-2.83 (m, 1 H), 2.81-2.66 (m, 5 H), 2.23-2.06 (m, 4 H), 1.87-1.50 (series of multiplets, 15 H), 1.39-0.96 (series of multiplets, 6 H), 1.11 (d, J=6.10 Hz, 3 H), 0.93 (s, 3 H), 0.75 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (20% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 75 MHz) δ 81.46, 80.67, 77.32, 70.68, 67.90, 67.66, 67.18, 50.32, 47.17, 43.30, 43.06, 40.74, 40.64, 40.38, 40.26, 36.31, 36.28, 35.93, 34.30, 34.02, 33.29, 29.63, 29.31, 28.43, 26.10, 24.67, 24.09, 23.96, 23.50, 13.30 for the major isomer; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 524.4431 (64.2%), cacld. 524.4427.

EXAMPLE 6

[0196] Compound 48:

[0197] To a solution of 23 (0.15 g, 0.233 nmmol) in dry CH2Cl2 (15 mL) at 0° C. was added Et3N (48.8 μL, 0.35 mmol) followed by the addition of CH3SO2Cl (21.7 μL, 0.28 mmol). The mixture was stirred for 15 minutes before H2O (3 mL) was added. Saturated NaCl solution (20 mL) was then added, and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (40 mL, 2×20 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The solvent was rotovapped off and to the residue were added NaBr (0.12 g, 1.17 mmol) and DMF (10 mL). The suspension was heated up to 80° C. under N2 for 2 hours. DMF was removed under vacuum and the residue was chromatographed on silica (EtOAc/hexanes 1:10) to give the desired product (0.191 g, 97% yield) as a pale yellow oil. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 NMz) δ 3.69-3.35 (series of multiplets, 13 H), 3.28-3.02 (series of multiplets, 4 H), 2.18-2.04 (m, 3 H), 2.00-1.60 (series of multiplets, 16 H), 1.58-0.96 (series of multiplets, 11 H), 0.92 (d, J=6.34 Hz, 3 H), 0.89 (s, 3 H), 0.66 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 80.62, 79.81, 76.08, 65.07, 64.50, 64.34, 49.03, 48.98, 48.79, 46.49, 46.46, 42.73, 42.02, 39.85, 35.47, 35.34, 35.12, 34.79, 34.72, 29.82, 29.80, 29.74, 29.11, 27.91, 27.78, 27.69, 23.55, 23.07, 22.88, 18.10, 12.62; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M−H]+) 706.3609 (63.1%), cacld. 706.3591; 704.3616 (52.8%), cacld. 704.3611.

[0198] Compound 49:

[0199] Compound 48 (0.191 g, 0.269 rnmol) and 23 (0.295 g, 0.459 rnmol) was dissolved in DMF (3 mL, distilled over BaO at 6 mm Hg before use) followed by the addition of NaH (0.054 g, 60% in mineral oil). The suspension was stirred under N2 at room temperature for 24 hours. H2O (100 mL) was added to quench excess NaH and the mixture was then extracted with Et2O (40 mL, 3×20 mL) and the combined extracts were washed with brine and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The desired product (0.177 g, 52% yield based on compound 23) was obtained as a pale yellow oil after SiO2 chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 1:6, then 1:2). IR (neat) 2940, 2862, 2095, 1472, 1456, 1362, 1263, 1113 cm−1; 1H NMR(CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 3.68-3.35 (series of multiplets, 26 H), 3.28-3.02 (series of multiplets, 8 H), 2.20-2.04 (m, 6 H), 1.96-1.60 (series of multiplets, 30 H), 1.52-0.98 (series of multiplets, 12 H), 0.91 (d, J=6.59 Hz, 6 H), 0.89 (s, 6 H), 0.65 (s, 6 H); 13C NMR(CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 80.68, 79.83, 76.13, 71.71, 65.06, 64.48, 64.39, 49.08, 48.98, 48.80, 46.64, 46.44, 42.71, 42.04, 39.88, 35.73, 35.49, 35.36, 35.14, 32.41, 29.84, 29.81, 29.76, 29.14, 27.92, 27.78, 27.69, 26.58, 23.59, 23.08, 22.92, 18.12, 12.64.

[0200] Compound 12:

[0201] Compound 49 (0.219 g, 0.173 mmol) was dissolved in dry THF (10 mL) followed by the addition of LiAlH4 (65 mg, 1.73 mmol). The grey suspension was stirred under N2 at room temperature for 12 hours. Na2SO4·10H2O powder was carefully added. After the grey color in the suspension disappeared, anhydrous Na2SO4 was added and the precipitate was filtered out. After the removal of solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, MeOH/CH2Cl2/28% NH3·H2O 2.5:2.5:1). After most of the solvent was rotavapped off from the fractions collected, 5% HCl solution (2 mL) was added to dissolve the milky residue. The resulted clear solution was then extracted with Et2O (2×10 mL). 20% NaOH solution was then added until the solution became strongly basic. CH2Cl2 (20 mL, 2×10 mL) was used to extract the basic solution. The combined extracts were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and removal of solvent gave the desired product (0.147 g, 76% yield) as a white glass. IR (neat) 3364, 3287, 2934, 2861, 1596, 1464, 1363, 1105 cm−1; 1H NMR (20% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 500 MHz) δ 4.74 (bs, 12 H), 3.75-3.70 (m, 2 H), 3.65-3.61 (m, 2 H), 3.57-3.52 (m, 6 H), 3.40 (t, J=3.60 Hz, 4 H), 3.30 (bs, 4 H), 3.16-3.10 (m, 4 H), 2.84-2.73 (m, 12 H), 2.18-2.07 (m, 6 H), 1.97-1.61 (series of multiplets, 30 H), 1.58-0.98 (series of multiplets, 24 H), 0.95 (d, J=6.84 Hz, 6 H), 0.94 (s, 6 H), 0.70 (s, 6 H); 13C NMR (20% CDCl3 in CD30D, 125 MHz) δ 81.70, 80.52, 77.09, 72.34, 67.75 (2 C's), 67.07, 47.80, 47.13, 43.76, 42.87, 41.20, 40.65, 40.58, 40.14, 36.43, 36.25, 36.08, 35.77, 34.15, 33.87 (2 C's), 33.18, 29.55, 28.92, 28.47, 28.42, 27.25, 24.27, 23.54, 23.41, 18.70, 13.07; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 1113.9625 (68.8%), cacld. 1113.9610.

EXAMPLE 7

[0202] Compounds 116a-d:

[0203] Representative procedure: preparation of 116b. NaH (0.06 g, 60% in mineral oil, 1.49 mmol) and propyl bromide (0.136mL, 1.49 mmol) were added to a DMF solution of compound 23 (described in Li et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1998, 120, 2961) (0.096 g, 0.149 mmol). The suspension was stirred under N2 for 24 hr. H2O (20 mL) was added, and the mixture was extracted with hexanes (3×10 mL). The combined extracts were dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated in vacuo. Silica gel chromatography (10% EtOAc in hexanes) afforded the desired product (92 mg, 90% yield) as a pale yellow oil. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 500 MHz) δ 3.68-3.64 (m, 1 H), 3.61-3.57 (m, 1 H), 3.52 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2 H), 3.49 (bs, 1 H), 3.463.35 (m, 10 H), 3.25 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1 H), 3.23-3.19 (m, 1 H), 3.16-3.11 (m, 1 H), 3.09-3.03 (m, 1 H), 2.17-2.03 (m, 3 H), 1.95-1.55 (m, 17 H), 1.51-1.40 (m, 4 H), 1.38-1.17 (m, 5 H), 1.11-0.96 (m, 3 H), 0.93-0.89 (m, 9 H), 0.65 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 80.64, 79.79, 76.08, 72.67, 71.59, 65.01, 64.44, 64.33, 49.04, 48.94, 48.75, 46.61, 46.40, 42.68, 42.00, 39.83, 35.72, 35.45, 35.30, 35.10, 32.38, 29.81, 29.77, 29.72, 29.09, 27.88, 27.76, 27.65, 26.52, 23.55, 23.12, 23.04, 22.87, 18.06, 12.60, 10.79; BRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e : ([M+Na]+) 708.4910 (23.5%), cacld. 708.4920.

[0204] Compounds 111-113:

[0205] Representative procedure: preparation of 112. Compound 116b (0.092 g, 0.134 mmol) was dissolved in THF (10 mL) followed by the addition of LiAlH4 (0.031 g, 0.81 mmol). The suspension was stirred under N2 for 12 hr. Na2SO4·10H2O (˜1 g) was then carefully added. After the gray color in the suspension dissipated, anhydrous Na2SO4 was added, and the precipitate was removed by filtration. Concentration and silica gel chromatography (CH2Cl2/MeOH/28% NH3·H2O 12: 6 :1, then 10: 5:1) yielded a glass which was dissolved in 1M HCl (2 mL). The resulting clear solution was washed with Et2O (2×10 mL). 20% NaOH solution was added to the aqueous phase until the solution became strongly basic. CH2Cl2 (3×10 mL) was used to extract the basic solution. The combined extracts were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated in vacuo to give the desired product (0.045 g, 55% yield) as a white glass. 112: 1H NMR (˜20% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 500 MHz) δ 4.73 (bs, 6 H), 3.74-3.70 (m, 1 H), 3.65-3.61 (m, 1 H), 3.55 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2 H), 3.42-3.38 (m, 4 H), 3.33-3.30 (m, 2 H), 3.16-3.10 (m, 2 H), 2.83-2.73 (m, 6 H), 2.18-2.06 (m, 3 H), 1.96-1.20 (series of multiplets, 26 H), 1.12-0.98 (m, 3 H), 0.95-0.92 (m, 9 H), 0.70 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (˜20% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 75 MHz) δ 81.67, 80.49, 77.04, 73.44, 72.28, 67.77, 67.71, 67.06, 47.74, 47.08, 43.75, 42.82, 41.21, 40.60, 40.56, 40.12, 36.47, 36.19, 36.04, 35.74, 34.09, 33.82, 33.78, 33.16, 29.49, 28.87, 28.43, 27.18, 24.22, 23.66, 23.49, 23.40, 18.64, 13.04, 11.03; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 608.5348 (100%), cacld. 608.5330. 111: 1H NMR (˜20% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 500 MHz) δ 4.79 (bs, 6H), 3.743.71 (m, 1 H), 3.66-3.62 (m, 1 H), 3.55 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2 H), 3.52 (bs, 1 H), 3.38-3.28 (series of multiplets, 4 H), 3.33 (s, 3 H), 3.16-3.10 (m, 2H), 2.83-2.72 (m, 6 H), 2.19-2.07 (m, 3 H), 1.97-1.62 (series of multiplets, 15 H), 1.58-1.20 (series of multiplets, 9 H), 1.13-0.98 (m, 3 H), 0.95 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 3 H), 0.93 (s, 3 H), 0.70 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (˜20% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 75 MHz) δ 81.82, 80.65, 77.20, 74.43, 67.85, 67.18, 58.90, 47.80, 47.22, 43.91, 43.01, 41.31, 40.78, 40.69, 40.22, 36.63, 36.35, 36.18, 35.86, 34.27, 33.97, 33.26, 29.60, 29.03, 28.58, 28.53, 27.14, 24.33, 23.61, 23.45, 18.68, 13.06; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e : ([M+Na]+) 602.4855 (100%), cacld. 602.4873. 113: 1H NMR (˜50% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 500 MHz) δ 4.08 (bs, 6 H), 3.71-3.67 (m, 1 H), 3.62-3.58 (m, 1 H), 3.53 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2 H), 3.49 (bs, 1 H), 3.43-3.38 (m, 4 H), 3.31-3.27 (m, 2 H), 3.14-3.07 (m, 2 H), 2.83-2.73 (m, 6 H), 2.16-2.03 (m, 3 H), 1.93-1.17 (series of multiplets, 30 H), 1.10-0.96 (m, 3 H), 0.93-0.89 (m, 9 H), 0.67 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (˜50% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 75 MHz) δ 80.51, 79.35, 75.85, 71.29, 70.83, 66.73, 66.62, 65.96, 46.68, 45.98, 42.59, 41.63, 40.20, 39.53, 39.43, 39.21, 35.34, 35.04, 35.00, 34.71, 33.11, 32.90, 32.82, 32.00, 29.15, 28.49, 28.15, 27.75, 27.35, 26.22, 23.18, 22.60, 22.45, 22.34, 17.77, 13.75, 12.22; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e : ([M+H]+) 636.5679 (100%), cacld. 636.5669.

EXAMPLE 8

[0206] Compound 124

[0207] Compound 47 (0.256 g, 0.489 mmol) was dissolved in CH2Cl2 (10 mL), and cooled to 0° C. followed by the addition of Na2HPO4 (0.69 g, 4.89 mmol) and urea-hydrogen peroxide complex (UHP) (0.069 g, 0.733 mmol). Trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) (0.138 mL, 0.977 mmol) was then added dropwise. The suspension was stirred for 12 hr, and additional UHP (23 mg, 0.25 mmol) and TFAA (0.069 mL, 0.49 mmol) were added. After another 12 hr, H2O (30 nlL) was added, and the resulting mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine (50 mL), dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, and concentrated in vacuo. SiO2 chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 1:5) afforded the desired product (0.145 g, 55% yield) as a colorless oil. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 5.21 (dd, J=9.3 and 7.3 Hz, 1 H), 3.70-3.57 (m, 2 H), 3.55 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2 H), 3.43-3.37 (mn, 6 H), 3.32-3.25 (m, 3 H), 3.17-3.02 (m, 2 H), 2.28-2.05 (m, 4 H), 2.03 (s, 3 H), 1.86-1.19 (series of multiplets, 19 H), 0.97 (dd, J=14.5 and 3.3 Hz, 1 H), 0.90 (s, 3 H), 0.78 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 171.08, 79.71, 78.03, 75.72, 75.53, 65.41, 65.04, 64.53, 48.79, 48.70, 46.49, 41.92, 39.44, 37.81, 35.45, 35.22, 35.10, 29.73, 29.63, 28.89, 28.33, 27.50, 27.34, 23.39, 22.97, 22.92, 21.28, 12.72; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e : ([M−H]+) 614.3798 (24.5%), cacld. 614.3778.

[0208] Compound 106

[0209] Compound 124 (0.145 g, 0.236 mmol) was dissolved in CH2Cl2 (2 mL) and MeOH (1 mL). 20% NaOH solution (0.2 mL) was added. The mixture was stirred for 12 hr, and anhydrous Na2SO4 was used to remove water. After concentration in vacuo, the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (EtOAc / hexanes 1:3) to afford the desired product (0.124 g, 92% yield) as a colorless oil. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 4.29 (bs, 1 H), 3.69-3.60 (m, 2 H), 3.52 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2 H), 3.45-3.32 (m, 8 H), 3.26 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1 H), 3.17-3.02 (m, 2 H), 2.19-1.94 (m, 4 H), 1.90-1.62 (series of multiplets, 13 H), 1.57-1.20 (series of multiplets, 7 H), 0.97 (dd, J=14.3 and 3.1 Hz, 1 H), 0.90 (s, 3 H), 0.73 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 79.69, 78.03, 75.47, 73.38, 65.46, 65.00, 64.47, 48.87, 48.68, 46.83, 41.93, 39.71, 37.87, 35.43, 35.20, 35.09, 29.96, 29.69, 29.59, 29.53, 28.89, 28.44, 27.48, 23.72, 22.91, 22.71, 11.77. The alcohol (0.124 g, 0.216 mmol) was dissolved in dry THF (20 mL) followed by the addition of LiAlH4 (33 mg, 0.866 minol). The gray suspension was stirred under N2 for 12 hr. Na2SO4·10 H2O (˜2 g) was carefully added. After the gray color in the suspension dissipated, anhydrous Na2SO4 was added and the precipitate was removed by filtration. After the removal of solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography (SiO2, MeOH / CH2Cl2 / 28% NH3·H2O 2.5: 2.5:1). After concentration of the relevant fractions, 1M HCl (2 mL) was added to dissolve the milky residue. The resulting clear solution was washed with Et2O (2×10 mL). To the aqueous phase, 20% NaOH solution was added until the solution became strongly basic. CH2Cl2 (20 mL, 2×10 mL) was used to extract the basic solution. The combined extracts were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and removal of solvent gave the desired product (0.050 g, 47% yield) as a colorless oil. 1H NMR (20% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 300 MHz) δ 4.77 (s, 7 H), 4.25 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 1 H), 3.75-3.68 (m, 1 H), 3.66-3.58 (m, 1 H), 3.55 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2 H), 3.48-3.41 (m, 1 H), 3.34 (bs, 1 H), 3.30 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1 H), 3.17-3.08 (m, 2 H), 2.86-2.70 (m, 6 H), 2.20-1.91 (m, 4 H), 1.88-1.16 (series of multiplets, 19 H), 1.00 (dd, J=14.2 and 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 0.93 (s, 3 H), 0.73 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (20% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 75 MHz) δ 80.62, 79.12, 76.74, 73.77, 68.50, 67.79, 67.17, 47.69, 43.04, 40.76, 40.64, 40.62, 40.22, 39.01, 36.32, 36.25, 35.94, 34.27, 33.97, 33.72, 30.13, 29.53, 28.43, 24.48, 23.58, 23.40, 12.38; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e : ([M+H]+) 496.4108 (100%), cacld. 496.4114.

EXAMPLE 9

[0210] Compound 126

[0211] Compound 125 (2.30 g, 3.52 mmol) was dissolved in MeOH (50 mL) and CH2Cl2 (100 mL). A small amount of Et3N was added, and the solution was cooled to −78° C. Ozone was bubbled through the solution until a blue color persisted. Me2S (4 mL) was introduced followed by the addition of NaBH4 (0.266 g, 0.703 mmol) in MeOH (10 mL). The resulting solution was allowed to warm and stir overnight. The solution was concentrated in vacuo, and brine (60 mL) was added. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (40 ml, 2×30 mL), and the combined extracts were washed with brine and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. Silica gel chromatography (EtOAc) afforded the product (1.24 g, 76% yield) as a white solid. m.p. 219-220 ° C; 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 5.10 (t, J=2.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.90 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1 H), 3.73-3.59 (m, 2 H), 3.56-3.44 (m, 1 H), 2.13 (s, 3 H), 2.09 (s, 3 H), 2.07-0.95 (series of multiplets, 23 H), 0.91 (s, 3 H), 0.83 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 3 H), 0.74 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 170.84, 170.82, 75.63, 71.77, 71.03, 60.73, 48.10, 45.26, 43.54, 41.16, 38.78, 37.89, 35.00, 34.43, 32.26, 31.50, 30.60, 29.07, 27.50, 25.70, 22.96, 22.71, 21.81, 21.63, 18.18, 12.35; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 465.3197 (20%), cacld. 465.3216.

[0212] Compound 127

[0213] Compound 126 (1.24 g, 2.67 mmol) was dissolved in MeOH (30 mL), and NaOH (0.54 g, 13.4 mmol) was added. The suspension was refluxed under N2 for 24 hr. The MeOH was removed in vacuo followed by the addition of H2O (50 mL). The precipitate was filtered, washed with H20 and then dried in vacuo to give a white solid (1.02 g). This solid was dissolved in DMF (40 mL) followed by the sequential addition of NEt3 (1.12 mL, 8.02 mmol), DMAP (16.3 mg, 0.13 mmol) and trityl chloride (1.49 g, 5.34 mmol). The suspension was stirred under N2 for 12 hr and then heated up to 50° C. for 24 hr. H2O (100 mL) was added to the cooled suspension, and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine (100 mL), dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, and concentrated in vacuo. Silica gel chromatography (EtOAc) afforded the product (1.20 g, 72% yield) as a pale yellow glass. To this glass was added dry THF (80 mL) and NaH (60% in mineral oil, 0.77 g, 19.3 mmol). The suspension was refluxed under N2 for half an hour before the introduction of allylbromide (1.67 mL, 19.3 mmol). After 48 hr at reflux, another 10 eq. of NaH and allylbromide were introduced. After another 48 hr, the reaction mixture was cooled and H2O (100 mL) was slowly added. The resulting mixture was extracted with hexanes (3×50 mL), and the combined extracts were washed with brine (100 mL) and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. Silica gel chromatography (5% EtOAc in hexanes) afforded the product (1.27 g, 64% yield for all three steps) as a clear glass. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.46-7.43 (m, 6 H), 7.29-7.16 (m, 9 H), 5.98-5.81 (mn, 3 H), 5.29-5.18 (m, 3 H), 5.14-5.03 (m, 3 H), 4.11-3.97 (m, 4 H), 3.75-3.67 (mn, 2 H), 3.49 (bs, 1 H), 3.32-3.13 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1 H), 3.20-3.13 (m, 2 H), 3.00 (m, 1 H), 2.33-2.12 (m, 3 H), 2.03-0.92 (series of multiplets, 19 H), 0.88 (s, 3 H), 0.78 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3 H), 0.65 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 144.71, 136.08, 136.04, 135.94, 128.80, 127.76, 126.86, 116.30, 115.57, 86.53, 80.77, 79.20, 74.96, 69.42, 69.34, 68.81, 62.00, 46.87, 46.48, 42.67, 42.11, 39.90, 36.15, 35.50, 35.14, 35.10, 33.23, 28.99, 28.09, 27.75, 27.56, 23.36, 23.32, 23.12, 18.24, 12.66; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 765.4875 (100%), cacld. 765.4859.

[0214] Compound 128

[0215] To a THF (40 mL) solution of 127 (1.27 g, 1.71 mmol) was added 9-BBN (0.5M solution in THF, 17.1 mL). The mixture was stirred for 12 hr before the addition of NaOH (20% solution, 10 mL) and H2O2 (30% solution, 10 mL). The resulted mixture was refluxed for 1 hr followed by the addition of brine (100 mL) and extraction with EtOAc (4×30 mL). The combined extracts were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated in vacuo. Silica gel chromatography (5% MeOH in CH2Cl2) afforded the product (1.26 g, 93% yield) as a clear glass. 1H NMR (5% CD3OD in CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 7.46-7.43 (m, 6 H), 7.32-7.20 (m, 9 H), 3.94 (s, 3 H), 3.78-3.56 (m, 10 H), 3.48 (bs, 1 H), 3.32-3.26 (m, 2 H), 3.24-3.12 (m, 3 H), 3.00 (dd, J=8.2 and 6.1 Hz, 1 H), 2.23-1.96 (m, 3 H), 1.90-0.95 (series of multiplets, 25 H), 0.90 (s, 3 H), 0.77 (d, J 6.6 Hz, 3 H), 0.66 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (5% CD3OD in CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 144.52, 128.64, 127.64, 126.76, 86.43, 80.55, 79.31, 77.65, 77.23, 76.80, 76.06, 66.17, 66.01, 65.41, 61.93, 61.20, 60.73, 60.39, 47.29, 46.08, 42.65, 41.62, 39.49, 36.02, 35.10, 34.89, 34.77, 32.89, 32.71, 32.41, 32.26, 28.68, 27.70, 27.51, 27.19, 23.26, 22.66, 22.50, 18.23, 12.34; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e : ([M+Na]+) 819.5169 (100%), cacld. 819.5099.

[0216] Compound 129

[0217] To a CH2Cl2 (50 mL) solution of compound 128 (1.26 g, 1.58 mmol) at 0° C. was added Et3N (0.92 mL, 6.60 mmol) followed by mesyl chloride (0.47 mL, 6.05 mmol). After 15 minutes, H2O (10 mL) was followed by brine (80 mL). The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (60 mL, 2×30 mL) and the combined extracts were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. After removal of solvent in vacuo, the residue was dissolved in DMSO (10 mL) and NaN3 (1.192 g, 18.3 mmol) was added. The suspension was heated to 60° C. under N2 overnight. H2O (100 nL) was added, and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3×40 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. Removal of the solvent in vacuo afforded a pale yellow oil. The oil was dissolved in MeOH (10 mL) and CH2Cl2 (20 mL) and TsOH (17.4 mg, 0.092 mmol) was added. After 12 hr, saturated aqueous NaHCO3 (20 mL) and brine (50 mL) were added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3×40 mL).The combined extracts were washed with brine (50 mL) and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. Silica gel chromatography (EtOAc / hexanes 1:3) afforded the desired product (0.934, 94%) as a pale yellow oil. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 500 MHz) δ 3.75-3.70 (m, 1 H), 3.68-3.63 (m, 2 H), 3.62-3.57 (m, 1 H), 3.53 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2 H), 3.50 (bs, 1 H), 3.46-3.38 (m, 6 H), 3.26 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1 H), 3.24-3.20 (m, 1 H), 3.16-3.12 (m, 1 H), 3.10-3.04 (m, 1 H), 2.17-2.04 (m, 3 H), 1.96-1.63 (m, 14 H), 1.53-1.45 (m, 3 H), 1.35-1.20 (m, 7 H), 1.08-1.00 (m, 1 H), 0.97-0.88 (m, 1 H), 0.94 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3 H), 0.89 (s, 3 H), 0.67 (s, 3 H); C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 80.64, 79.81, 76.06, 65.05, 64.49, 64.34, 61.03, 49.02, 48.98, 48.78, 46.93, 46.53, 42.76, 42.01, 39.83, 39.14, 35.46, 35.33, 35.12, 32.97, 29.79, 29.73, 29.10, 27.90, 27.68, 23.56, 23.06, 22.88, 18.24, 12.60; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e ([M+Na]+) 652.4285 (100%), cacld. 652.4295.

[0218] Compound 109

[0219] Compound 129 (0.245 g, 0.391 mmol) was dissolved in THF (30 mL) followed by the addition of LiAIH4 (59 mg, 1.56 mmol). The gray suspension was stirred under N2 12 hr. Na2SO4·10H2O powder (˜1 g) was carefully added. After the gray color in the suspension dissipated, anhydrous Na2SO4 was added and the precipitate was removed by filtration. After the removal of solvent, the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (CH2Cl2 / MeOH / 28% NH3·H2O 10: 5:1 then 10:5:1.5). The solvent was removed from relevant fractions, and 1M HCl (4 mL) was added to dissolve the residue. The resulting clear solution was extracted with Et2O (3×10 mL). 20% NaOH solution was added until the solution became strongly basic. CH2Cl2 (4×10 mL) was used to extract the basic solution. The combined extracts were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, and removal of solvent in vacuo gave the desired product (0.15 g, 71% yield) as a colorless oil. 1H NMR (˜20% CD3OD in CDCl3, 500MHz) δ 4.73 (bs, 7 H), 3.74-3.70 (m, 1 H), 3.65-3.60 (m, 2 H), 3.56-3.52 (m, 4 H), 3.31-3.28 (m, 2 H), 3.16-3.09 (m, 2 H), 2.82-2.71 (m, 6 H), 2.19-2.06 (m, 3 H), 1.97-1.66 (series of multiplets, 15 H), 1.58-1.48 (m, 3 H), 1.38-0.98 (m, 7 H), 0.96 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3 H), 0.93 (s, 3 H), 0.71 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (˜20% CD3OD in CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 81.80, 80.60, 77.17, 67.88, 67.86, 67.18, 60.73, 48.11, 47.28, 43.93, 42.99, 41.34, 40.76, 40.72, 40.24, 39.70, 36.33, 36.18, 35.86, 34.29, 33.99, 33.96, 33.83, 29.60, 29.00, 28.57, 28.54, 24.33, 23.59, 23.48, 18.86, 13.04; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e : ([M+H]+) 552.4756 (100%), cacld. 552.4772.

EXAMPLE 10

[0220] Compound 130

[0221] o-NO2C6H4SeCN (0.094 g, 0.21 mmol) and Bu3P (0.095 mL, 0.38 mmol) were stirred in dry THF (5 mL) at 0° C. for ½ hr followed by the addition of compound 129 (0.10 g, 0.159 mmol) in THF (2 mL). The suspension was stirred for 1 hr followed by the addition of H2O2 (30% aqueous solution, 2 mL). The mixture was stirred for 12 hr followed by extraction with hexanes (4×10 mL). The combined extracts were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The desired product (0.035 g, 36% yield) was obtained as pale yellowish oil after silical gel chromatography (10% EtOAc /hexanes). 1H NMR (CDCl3, 500 MHz) δ 5.73-5.66 (ddd, J=17.1, 10.2, 8.3 Hz, 1 H), 4.90 (dd, J=17.1, 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 4.82 (dd, J=10.2 Hz, 1.96 Hz, 1 H), 3.68-3.64 (m, 1 H), 3.62-3.58 (m, 1 H), 3.54-3.26 (m, 9 H), 3.25-3.22 (m, 2 H), 3.15-3.11 (m, 1 H), 3.10-3.04 (m, 1 H), 2.17-1.62 (series of multiplets, 18 H), 1.51-1.43 (m, 2 H), 1.35-1.18 (m, 4 H), 1.06-0.91 (m, 2 H), 1.02 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 3 H), 0.90 (s, 3 H), 0.68 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 145.50, 111.72, 80.60, 79.82, 76.09, 65.06, 64.50, 64.45, 49.05, 48.97, 48.79, 46.43, 46.13, 42.76, 42.03, 41.30, 39.84, 35.49, 35.34, 35.15, 29.82, 29.80, 29.75, 29.11, 28.00, 27.84, 27.68, 23.56, 23.08, 22.95, 19.79, 12.87; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e : ([M+Na]+) 634.4167 (90.6%), cacld. 634.4169.

[0222] Compound 108

[0223] Compound 130 (0.105 g, 0.172 mmol) was dissolved in CH2Cl2 (5 mL) and MeOH (5 mL) at −78° C. O3 was bubbled into the solution for ca. 20 min. Me2S (1 mL) was added followed, and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in THF (15 mL), and LiAlH4 (0.033 g, 0.86 mmol) was added. The suspension was stirred for 12 hr. Na2SO4·10H2O (˜2 g) was carefully added. After the gray color of the suspension dissipated, anhydrous Na2SO4 was added and the precipitate was removed by filtration. Concentration and silica gel chromatography (CH2Cl2 / MeOH / 28% NH3·H2O 10: 5:1.5 then 9:6:1.8) yielded a white glass. To this material was added 1 M HCl (4 mL). The resulting clear solution was washed with Et2O (3×10 mL). 20% NaOH solution was added to the aqueous phase until the solution became strongly basic. CH2Cl2 (4×10 mL) was used to extract the basic solution. The combined extracts were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and removal of solvent gave the desired product (0.063g, 68% yield) as a colorless oil. 1H NMR (˜10% CD3OD in CDCl3, 500 MHz) δ 4.76 (bs, 7 H), 3.75-3.71 (m, 1 H), 3.66-3.62 (m, 1 H), 3.58-3.52 (m, 4 H), 3.33-3.29 (m, 2 H), 3.22 (dd, J=10.5 and 7.6 Hz, 1 H), 3.15-3.09 (m, 2 H), 2.81 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2 H), 2.76-2.71 (m, 4 H), 2.19-2.08 (m, 3 H), 2.00-1.66 (series of multiplets, 14 H), 1.58-1.45 (m, 3 H), 1.40-1.08 (m, 5 H), 1.03 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3 H), 1.02-0.96 (m, 1 H), 0.93 (s, 3 H), 0.72 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (˜10% CD3OD in CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 81.74, 80.64, 77.23, 67.95, 67.87, 67.18, 47.32, 44.59, 43.72, 43.01, 41.26, 40.80, 40.71, 40.23, 40.02, 36.36, 36.20, 35.87, 34.27, 33.99, 33.90, 29.60, 29.05, 28.58, 28.08, 24.49, 23.62, 23.46, 16.84, 13.12; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e : ([M+H]+) 538.4578 (4.7%), cacld. 538.4584.

EXAMPLE 11

[0224] Compound 132

[0225] Compound 115 (0.118 g, 0.183 mmol) was dissolved in dry CH2Cl2 (10 mL), and SO3 pyridine complex (0.035 g, 0.22 mmol) was added. The suspension was stirred for 12 hr. The solvent was removed in vacuo to give white powder. To the white powder was added 1M HCl (10 mL) and the resulting mixture was extracted with CH2Cl2 (4×10 mL). The combined extracts were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The desired product (0.11 g, 84%) was obtained as a pale yellow oil after silica gel chromatography (10% MeOH in CH2Cl2). 1H NMR (˜10% CD3OD in CDCl3, 500 MHz) δ 4.03 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2 H), 3.69-3.65 (m, 1 H), 3.62-3.58 (m, 1 H), 3.55 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2 H), 3.51 (bs, 1 H), 3.46-3.38 (m, 6 H), 3.27 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1 H), 3.26-3.21 (m, 1 H), 3.18-3.07 (m, 2 H), 2.18-2.03 (m, 3 H), 1.95-1.47 (series of multiplets, 19 H), 1.40-0.96 (series of multiplets, 9 H), 0.92 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3 H), 0.91 (s, 3 H), 0.66 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (˜10% CD3OD in CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 80.43, 79.68, 75.87, 69.30, 64.82, 64.32, 64.14, 48.78, 48.73, 48.50, 46.44, 46.21, 42.49, 41.76, 39.61, 35.36, 35.17, 35.06, 34.85, 31.73, 29.53, 29.46, 29.44, 28.84, 27.68, 27.48, 27.38, 25.91, 23.30, 22.75, 22.66, 17.70, 12.32; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e : ([M−H+2Na]+) 768.3831 (100%), cacld. 768.3843. The azides were reduced by treating the triazide (0.11 g, 0.15 mmol) with Ph3P (0.20 g, 0.77 mmol) in THF (10 mL) and H2O (1 mL). The mixture was stirred for 3 days. The solvent was removed in vacuo, and the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (CH2Cl2/MeOH/28% NH3·H2O 12:6:1 then 10: 5:1.5) to afford the desired product (0.077 g, 78% yield) as a glass. HCl in Et2O (1M, 0.5 mL) was added to the glass to give the corresponding HCl salt. 1H NMR (˜10% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 500 MHz) δ 4.81 (s, 10 H), 4.07-3.97 (m, 2 H), 3.82 (bs, 1 H), 3.71 (bs, 1 H), 3.65 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2 H), 3.57 (bs, 1 H), 3.37-3.30 (m, 2 H), 3.22-3.02 (m, 8 H), 2.12-1.71 (series of multiplets, 17 H), 1.65-1.01 (series of multiplets, 13 H), 0.97 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3 H), 0.94 (s, 3 H), 0.73 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (˜10% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 75 MHz) δ 81.89, 80.58, 77.50, 70.04, 66.71, 66.56, 66.02, 47.11, 46.76, 44.20, 42.66, 40.50, 39.60, 39.40, 36.24, 36.11, 35.89, 35.67, 32.28, 29.38, 29.23, 29.10, 28.94, 28.49, 26.06, 24.21, 23.46, 23.30, 18.50, 12.86; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e : ([M+Na]+) 668.4271 (100%), cacld. 668.4258.

[0226] Compound 133

[0227] The mesylate derived from 23 (0.19 g, 0.264 mmol) was stirred with excess octyl amine (2 mL) at 80° C. for 12 hr. After removal of octylamine in vacuo, the residue was chromatographed (silica gel, EtOAc / hexanes 1:4 with 2% Et3N) to afford the desired product (0.19 g, 95% yield) as a pale yellow oil. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ—3.69-3.37 (series of multiplets, 11 H), 3.26-3.00 (m, 4 H), 2.61-2.53 (m, 4 H), 2.20-2.02 (m, 3 H), 1.98-0.99 (series of multiplets, 40 H), 0.92-0.85 (m, 9 H), 0.65 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 80.60, 79.74, 76.05, 64.97, 64.40, 64.28, 50.79, 50.25, 49.00, 48.90, 48.71, 46.47, 46.34, 42.65, 41.96, 39.80, 35.77, 35.41, 35.27, 35.05, 33.73, 31.96, 30.25, 29.76, 29.74, 29.67, 29.39, 29.05, 27.84, 27.61, 27.55, 26.70, 23.50, 23.00, 22.82, 22.79, 18.06, 14.23, 12.54; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+H]+) 755.6012 (100%), cacld. 755.6024._The triazide (0.18 g, 0.239 numol) was dissolved in THF (10 mL) and EtOH (10 mL). Lindlar catalyst (44 mg) was added, and the suspension was shaken under H2 (50 psi) for 12 hr. After removal of the solvent in vacuo, the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (CH2Cl2/MeOH/28% NH3·H2O 10:5:1, then 10:5:1.5). To the product, 1M HCl (2 mL) and the resulting clear solution was extracted with Et2O (2×10 mL). 20% NaOH solution was added until the solution became strongly basic. CH2Cl2 (20 mL, 2×10 mL) was used to extract the basic solution. The combined extracts were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, and removal of solvent in vacuo gave the desired product (0.114 g, 68% yield) as a clear oil. 1H NMR (˜20% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 500 MHz) δ 4.79 (bs, 7 H), 3.74-3.70 (m, 1 H), 3.66-3.61 (m, 1 H), 3.56-3.51 (m, 3 H), 3.31-3.29 (m, 2 H), 3.16-3.09 (m, 2 H), 2.88-2.72 (m, 6 H), 2.59-2.51 (m, 4 H), 2.18-2.07 (m, 3 H), 1.97-1.66 (series of multiplets, 14 H), 1.62-0.97 (series of multiplets, 25 H), 0.95 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 3 H), 0.93 (s, 3 H), 0.89 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 3 H), 0.70 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (˜20% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 75 MHz) δ 81.82, 80.63, 77.23, 67.85, 67.19, 51.20, 50.69, 47.82, 47.24, 43.92, 43.01, 41.30, 40.80, 40.68, 40.22, 36.74, 36.38, 36.20, 35.87, 34.66, 34.15, 33.87, 32.90, 30.54, 30.39, 30.30, 29.64, 29.03, 28.59, 28.41, 26.96, 24.37, 23.65, 23.48, 18.75, 14.63, 13.09; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e : ([M+H]+) 677.6309 (46.6%), cacld. 677.6309.

[0228] Compound 134

[0229] Compound 133 (0.08 g, 0.12 mmol) was dissolved in CHCl3 (5 mL) and MeOH (5 mL), aminoiminosulfonic acid (0.045 g, 0.36 mmol) was added, and the suspension was stirred for 12 hr. The solvent was removed in vacuo, and the residue was dissolved in 1M HCl (6 mL) and H2O (10 mL). The solution was washed with Et2O (3×5 mL), and 20% NaOH solution was then added dropwise until the solution became strongly basic. The basic mixture was extracted with CH2Cl2 (4×5 mL). The combined extracts were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated in vacuo to give the desired product (0.087 g, 91% yield) as a white glass. 1H NMR (˜20% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 500 MHz) δ 4.96 (bs, 13 H), 3.74-3.68 (m, 1 H), 3.65-3.50 (m, 4 H), 3.38-3.18 (series of multiplets, 10 H), 2.60-2.50 (m, 4 H), 2.15-1.99 (m, 3 H), 1.88-1.72 (m, 14 H), 1.60-0.99 (series of multiplets, 25 H), 0.94 (bs, 6 H), 0.89 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 3 H), 0.71 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (˜20% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 75 MHz) δ 159.00, 158.87, 158.72, 81.68, 79.93, 76.95, 66.59, 65.93, 65.45, 50.82, 50.40, 47.64, 46.94, 43.67, 42.27, 40.18, 39.25, 36.19, 35.66, 35.40, 34.21, 32.45, 30.51, 30.26, 30.18, 30.10, 29.86, 29.35, 28.71, 28.15, 28.00, 26.87, 23.94, 23.44, 23.23, 23.12, 18.61, 14.42, 12.98; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e : ([M+H]+) 803.6958 (18.4%), cacld. 803.6953.

[0230] Compound 135

[0231] The mesylate derived from 23 (0.092 g, 0.128 mmol) was dissolved in DMSO (2 mL) followed by the addition of NaN3 (0.0167 g, 0.256 mmol). The suspension was heated to 70° C. for 12 hr. H2O (20 mL) was added to the cooled suspension, and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc/hexanes (1:1) (20 mL, 3×10 mL). The combined extracts were washed with brine (30 mL), dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, and concentrated in vacuo to give the product (0.081 g, 95% yield) as a pale yellow oil. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 300 MHz) δ 3.69-3.36 (m, 11 H), 3.25-3.02 (m, 6 H), 2.20-2.02 (m, 3 H), 1.97-1.60 (m, 15 H), 1.55-0.98 (m, 13 H), 0.92 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 3 H), 0.89 (s, 3 H), 0.66 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3, 75 MHz) δ 80.59, 79.77, 76.03, 65.01, 64.46, 64.30, 52.12, 48.99, 48.95, 48.76, 46.44, 46.42, 42.70, 41.99, 39.82, 35.56, 35.44, 35.31, 35.09, 33.09, 29.79, 29.77, 29.71, 29.08, 27.88, 27.78, 27.66, 25.65, 23.53, 23.03, 22.85, 18.00, 12.58; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e: ([M+Na]+) 691.4512 (100%), cacld. 691.4496. The tetraazide (0.081 g, 0.12 mmol) was dissolved in THF (5 mL) and EtOH (10 mL). Lindlar catalyst (30 mg) was added, and the suspension was shaken under H2 (50 psi) for 12 hr. After removal of the solvent in vacuo, the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (CH2Cl2/ MeOH / 28% NH3·H2O 5:3:1, then 2:2:1). To the product, 1 MHCl (2 mL) was added, and the resulting solution was washed with Et2O (2×10 nL). 20% NaOH solution was added to the aqueous phase until the solution became strongly basic. CH2Cl2 (10 mL, 2×5 mL) was used to extract the basic solution. The combined extracts were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, and concentration in vacuo gave the desired product (0.044 g, 64% yield) as a colorless oil. 1H NMR (˜20% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 500 MHz) δ 4.79 (bs, 8 H), 3.74-3.70 (m, 1 H), 3.66-3.62 (m, 1 H), 3.56-3.52 (m, 3 H), 3.31-3.27 (m, 2 H), 3.16-3.10 (m, 2 H), 2.82-2.70 (m, 6 H), 2.64-2.54 (m, 2 H), 2.19-2.07 (m, 3 H), 1.99-1.66 (series of multiplets, 14 H), 1.58-0.96 (series of multiplets, 13 H), 0.96 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3 H), 0.93 (s, 3 H), 0.70 (s, 3 H); 13C NMR (˜20% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 75 MHz) δ 81.96, 90.76, 77.33, 67.92, 67.26, 47.84, 47.33, 44.04, 43.24, 43.15, 41.40, 40.91, 40.78, 40.29, 36.82, 36.48, 36.28, 35.96, 34.39, 34.11, 30.59, 29.69, 29.13, 28.68, 28.64, 24.43, 23.69, 23.48, 18.77, 13.06; HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e : ([M+H]+) 565.5041 (100%), cacld. 565.5057.

EXAMPLE 12

[0232] Compounds 203a-b, 207a-c, 208a-c, 209a-c, and 210a-b

[0233] BOC-glycine was reacted with DCC, DMAP and cholic acid derivative 201 (Scheme 11) to give triester 202a in good yield. A similar reaction incorporating BOC-β-alanine was also successful, giving 202b. Deprotection of 202a and 202b with HCl in dioxane, followed by purification (SiO2 chromatography with a CH2Cl2MeOH/NH4OH eluent), gave triesters 203a and 203b in good yield.

[0234] Triamides of glycine and β-alanine (207a and 207b, respectively) were formed using the same reaction conditions (Scheme 12). Triamides with α-branched amino acids could also be formed. For example, under the conditions described, a triamide with bis-BOC-lysine side chains was formed (compound 207c). The C24 esters of 207a-c were hydrolyzed with LiOH in THF and methanol to give alcohols 208a-c. Deprotection using HCl in dioxane (208a-c) gave triamides 209a-c in good yield. In addition, alcohols 208a and 208b were mesylated and reacted with benzylmethyl amine. Deprotection of the resulting compounds with HCl in dioxane gave triamides 210a and 210b (Scheme 12). The antibacterial properties of these compounds are summarized in Table 14.

EXAMPLE 13

[0235] Compound 302

[0236] Compound 308 (5β-cholanic acid 3,7,12-trione methyl ester) was prepared from methyl cholate and pyridinium dichromate in near quantitative yield from methyl cholate. Compound 308 can also be prepared as described in Pearson et al., J. Chem. Soc. Perkins Trans. l 1985, 267; Mitra et al., J. Org. Chem. 1968, 33, 175; and Takeda et al., J. Biochem. (Tokyo) 1959, 46, 1313. Compound 308 was treated with hydroxyl amine hydrochloride and sodium acetate in refluxing ethanol for 12 hr (as described in Hsieh et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. 1995, 3, 823), giving 309 in 97% yield.

[0237] A 250 ml three neck flask was charged with glyme (100 ml); to this was added 309 (1.00 g, 2.16 mmol) and sodium borohydride (2.11 g, 55.7 mmol). TiCl4 (4.0 mL, 36.4 mmol) was added to the mixture slowly under nitrogen at 0° C. The resulting green mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours and then refluxed for another 12 h. The flask was cooled in an ice bath, and ammonium hydroxide (100 mL) was added. The resulting mixture was stirred for 6 hours at room temperature. Conc. HCl (60 mL) was added slowly, and the acidic mixture was stirred for 8 hours. The resulting suspension was made alkaline by adding solid KOH. The suspension was filtered and the solids were washed with MeOH. The combined filtrate and washings were combined and concentrated in vacuo. The resulting solid was suspended in 6% aqueous KOH (100 mL) and extracted with CH2Cl2 (4×75 mL). The combined extracts were dried over NA2SO4, and solvent was removed in vacuo to give 1.14 g of a white solid. The mixture was chromatographed on silica gel (CH2Cl2/MeOH/NH4OH 12:6:1) giving 302 (0.282 g, 33% yield), 3 (0.066 g, 8% yield), 4 (0.118 g, 14% yield).

[0238] Compound 302: m.p. 200-202° C.; 1H NMR (˜10% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 300 MHz) δ 4.81 (bs, 7 H), 3.57-3.49 (m, 2 H), 3.14 (t, J=3.2 Hz, 1 H), 2.97 (bs, 1 H), 2.55-2.50 (m, 1 H), 2.15-2.10 (m, 1 H), 1.95-1.83 (m, 3 H), 1.74-0.99 (series of multiplets, 20 H), 1.01 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3 H), 0.95 (s, 3 H), 0.79 (s, 3 H); 13CNMR (−10% CDCl3 in CD3OD, 75 MHz) δ 63.28, 55.01, 52.39, 49.20, 48.69, 47.00, 43.24, 42.77, 41.03, 40.27, 36.82, 36.35, 35.75, 35.12, 32.77, 31.36, 30.10, 28.54, 27.88, 26,96, 24.35, 23.38, 18.18, 14.23, HRFAB-MS (thioglycerol+Na+matrix) m/e; ([M+H]+) 392.3627 (100%); cacld. 392.3641.

EXAMPLE 14

[0239] Compounds of formula I can also be prepared as shown in the following example. 20

EXAMPLE 15

[0240] Testing of Compounds with Gram-Negative Bacteria

[0241] MIC and MBC Measurements

[0242] General:

[0243] Microorganisms. Reference strains were purchased from the American Type Culture Collection (Rockville, Md.) or Bactrol disks from Difeo Laboratories (Detroit, Mich.). The following specific ATCC strains were used: 10798 Escherichia coli, 25922 Escherichia coli, 13883 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 27853 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 14028 Salmonella typhimurium, 29212 Enterococcus faecalis, 25923 Staphylococcus aureus, 19615 Streptococcus pyogenes, and 90028 Candida albicans. Bacterial strains were maintained on Mueller-Hinton agar plates, and Candida albicans was maintained on Sabouraud Dextrose agar plates.

[0244] Tryptic soy broth (TSB) was made by dissolving 27.5 grams of tryptic soy broth without dextrose (DIFCO Laboratories) in 1 liter of deionized water and sterilizing at 121° C. for 15 minutes. Solid agar (TSA) plates were made by dissolving 6.4 grams of tryptic soy broth and 12 grams of agar (purified grade, Fischer Scientific) in 800 mL of deionized water and sterilizing at 121° C. for 20 minutes. Aliquots (20 mL) of the homogeneous solution were then poured in sterile plastic petri dishes (100×15 mm, Fisher Scientific). Solutions of compounds were made by dissolving the HCl salt of the respective compound into an appropriate amount of deionized and sterilized water followed by microfiltration.

[0245] Representative procedure for measuring MIC and MBC values:

[0246] A suspension was prepared of E. coli (ATCC 10798) containing ˜106 CFU (colony forming units)/mL from a culture incubated in TSB at 37° C. for 24 hours. Aliquots of 1 mL of the suspension were added to test tubes containing 1 mL TSB and incrementally varied concentrations of cholic acid derivatives and/or erythromycin or novobiocin. In the sensitization experiments, erythromycin or novobiocin were added minutes later than the cholic acid derivatives. The samples were subjected to stationary incubation at 37° C. for 24 hours. Sample turbidity was determined by measuring absorption at 760 nm (HP 8453 UV-Visible Chemstation, Hewlett Packard). Additionally, an alliquot from each of the samples showing no measurable turbidity was subcultured on TSA plates (alliquots were diluted to provide fewer than 300 CFU). Colonies that grew on the subculture after overnight incubation were counted and the number of CFU/mL in the samples were calculated. The calculated values were compared to the number of CFU/mL in the original inoculum. MIC values were determined as the concentrations of the studied compounds at which the number of CFU/mL remained constant or decreased after incubation for 24 hours. The MBC values were determined as the lowest concentrations of the studied compounds that allowed less than 0.1% of the original bacterial suspension to survive.

EXAMPLE 16

[0247] Demonstration of Membrane Disrupting Properties of the Cholic Acid Derivatives

[0248] Using a technique described by J. M. Shupp, S. E. Travis, L. B. Price, R. F. Shand, P. Keim, RAPID BACTERIAL PERMEABILIZATION REAGENT USEFUL FOR ENZYME ASSAYS, Biotechniques, 1995, vol. 19, 18-20, we have shown that the cholic acid derivatives increase the permeability of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. The values for half maximum luminescence (indicating permeabilization of the outer membrane allowing luciferin to enter the cell) for 2 is 7 μg/mL and for 10 is 33 μg/mL. These values correspond to the measured MICs of 2 and 10.

[0249] Results

[0250] PMB is known to have membrane permeabilization and bactericidal properties. PMB has a hydrophobic acyl group and a macrocylic heptapeptide containing a D amino acid and four diaminobutyric acid (DAB) residues. One of the DAB side chains is involved in forming the macrocylic ring, leaving the other three side chains with free amines. Thus, PMB has an array of amines oriented on one face, or plane, of a hydrophobic scaffolding. It has been suggested that the primary role of the macrocylic ring is to orient the amine groups in a specific arrangement necessary for binding the lipid A portion of LPS. The relative spatial orientation of these primary amine groups is the same in the cholic acid derivatives as in PMB.

[0251] The stereochemistry of the steroid backbone results in different activities of the cholic acid derivatives (compare 2 and 8, Tables 1, 2, 6 and 7). Compounds with guanidine groups attached to the steroid have lower MIC values than compounds containing amine groups (compare 1, 2, 4 and 5, compare Tables 1-8). The length of the tether between the amine or guanidine groups and the steroid backbone also influences activity (compare 1-3, Tables 1, 2, 6 and 7). Ester tethers between amine groups and the steroid backbone provide compounds with MIC values that are higher than the corresponding compounds containing ether tethers (compare 1, 2, 6 and 7, Tables 1 and 2).

[0252] The group attached to the backbone at C-20 or C-24 also influences the activity of the cholic acid derivatives. A long carbon chain attached to the steroid via an ether linkage at C-24 lowers the MIC of the compound as compared to the compound with a hydroxyl group at C-24 (compare 2, 9 and 10, Tables 1, 2, 6 and 7). Short chains of carbon or oxygen attached at C-20 decrease the MIC values of the cholic acid derivatives (compare 10 and 11, Tables 1 and 2). Covalently linking the cholic acid derivatives increases the activity of the compounds (compare 10 and 12, Tables 1 and 2).

[0253] Ability to permeabilize outer membrane

[0254] Compounds 11, 106, and 108-114 (FIG. 1) were tested for antibiotic activity. They were also tested for the ability to permeabilize the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, causing sensitization to hydrophobic antibiotics that cannot cross the outer membrane. The permeabilization of the outer membrane was measured using erythromycin and novobiocin. These antibiotics are active against Grain-positive bacteria, but inactive against Gram-negative bacteria, due to the barrier formed by the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria.

[0255] Most of the experiments were performed with Escherichia coli K-12 strain ATCC 10798; however, to demonstrate that the activity of the cholic acid derivatives was not species dependent, the activity of selected compounds was also measured with Pseudomonas aenuginosa (ATCC 27853). The MICs of erythromycin and novobiocin against E. coli (ATCC 10798) at 70 and >500 μg/mL were measured. The threshold measure of permeabilization was the concentration of the cholic acid derivatives required to lower the MIC of either erythromycin or novobiocin to 1 μg/mL.

[0256] Results of the MIC, MBC and permeabilization (with erythromycin) measurements are shown in FIG. 2 (in FIG. 2, Compound A is polymyxin B nonapeptide). As FIG. 2 illustrates, the MIC and MBC values of the compounds dropped dramatically as the length of the side chain extending from C-17 increased. The apparent role of the hydrophobic steroid side chain is to facilitate membrane insertion and self-promoted transport after initial association with the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria (as shown in FIG. 3). Outer membrane permeabilization occurs as a result of association with the lipid A on the outer leaflet of the membrane. Permeabilization of the outer membrane alone does not cause cell death, suggesting that the compounds must pass through the outer membrane to kill bacteria. This ability to traverse the outer membrane, and thereby disrupt the cytoplasmic membrane, is required for the compounds to have lethal activity.

[0257] As observed, compounds lacking a hydrophobic side chain are less effective in killing bacteria. It is hypothesized that these compounds are capable of permeabilizing the outer membrane (i.e., associating with the lipid A on the outer leaflet of the membrane), but incapable of crossing through the outer membrane.

[0258] The fractional inhibition concentration (FIC) values of the compounds, were calculated using erythromycin and novobiocin as the secondary compounds. With the exception of 114, the compounds displayed FIC values of less than 0.5 with erythromycin, with some values near 0.05 (Table 9).

[0259] Details from studies with novobiocin are also shown in Table 9. The fact that results with erythromycin and novobiocin were comparable demonstrates that the activity of the cholic acid derivatives is not antibiotic-dependent. Similar trends were observed with E. coli (ATCC 10798) and P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), although, as expected, P. aeruginosa was more resistant than E. coli. These results suggest that the activity of the compounds tested is not species-dependent.

[0260] Compounds with hydrophobic alkylaminoalkyl side chains were prepared (compounds 133 and 134, FIG. 4). As observed with other compounds, the incorporation of guanidine groups (in 134) increased the activity of the cholic acid derivatives as compared to compounds containing primary amines. As a control, 135 (FIG. 4), which did not have a hydrophobic side chain, was prepared. The MIC of the control (135) was relatively high, as expected, as was the MBC (FIG. 5). In contrast, the MICs of 133 and 134 were very low; in fact they rivaled PMB in activity. Notably, the MBCs of 133, 134, and PMB were very similar to the MICs; that is, at a threshold concentration these compounds killed all of the bacteria in solution.

[0261] As an additional means of demonstrating the membrane disrupting capabilities of the cholic acid derivatives 133 and 134, a luciferin/luciferase-based cell lysis assay was used (as described in Willardson et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 1998, 64, 1006 and Schupp et al., Biotechniques 1995, 19, 18). In this assay, E. coli containing an inducible luciferase coding plasmid was incubated with the inducing agent (toluene), then treated with a lysis buffer containing either PMB or one of the cholic acid derivatives, and Triton X-100. Luciferin and ATP were then added. Cell lysis resulted in luminescence. The concentrations of the membrane disrupting agents (PMB and the cholic acid derivatives) were varied, and the resulting luminescence was measured. In the absence of the membrane disrupting agents, no luminescence was observed.

[0262] The MICs of 133, 134 and PMB and the concentrations required for half maximal luminescence are shown in FIG. 6. As is the case with the MIC values, the compounds 133 and 134 rival PMB in activity in the luminescence assay.

[0263] Effect of sulfate group

[0264] To observe if the presence of a sulfate group at C-24 in a cholic acid derivative would increase the activity of the compounds, 132 (shown in FIG. 7) was tested. The MIC of 132 with E. coli (ATCC 10798) was 60 μg/nL. The concentration required to lower the MIC of erythromycin to 1 μg/mL was 4.0 μg/mL with the same strain. The antibiotic and permeabilization activities of 132 were lower than those of the parent alcohol 110 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0265] Additional experiments

[0266] Additional experiments were carried out using compounds 1, 2, 5, 106, 10, 112, 133, and 134. MIC and MBC data for these compounds with representative strains of Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms are shown in Table 10. For comparison purposes, the MICs of PMB with various organisms were also measured and are presented in Table 10.

[0267] In addition to PMB, compounds 1, 2, 5, 106, 10, 112, 133, and 134 share some features with other steroid antibiotics. For example, squalamine includes a steroid nucleus and a polyamine side chain (Moore et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 1993, vol. 90, 1354-1358). It is proposed that squalamine incorporates into lipid bilayers and thus disrupts the bacterial membrane. In squalamine, the polar polyamine functionality is located at the distal end of the molecule, leaving a hydrophobic core. In 1, 2, 5, 106, 10, 112, 133, and 134, the amines are located on one side of the steroid, giving compounds that are facially amphiphilic. An additional series of compounds related to 1, 2, 5, 106, 10, 112, 133, and 134 includes cholic acid derivatives with amines at C-24 (e.g., 140 in FIG. 7). In contrast to 1, 2, 5, 106, 10, 112, 133, and 134, these compounds have been shown to have only weak antibacterial activity against Gram-positive strains and no activity against Gram-negative strains.

[0268] The cholic acid derivatives 1, 2, 5, 106, 10, 112, 133, and 134 display a range of activities, some with submicrogram per milliliter MICs. With many organisms, MIC and MBC values are very similar, especially with the most active compounds. Some of the compounds have lethal activity, presumably due to disruption of the cytoplasmic membrane. Others have only sublethal activity, due to permeabilization of the outer membrane.

[0269] Compounds lacking a hydrophobic chain (e.g., 106 and 10) have high MIC values, but are effective permeabilizers of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Because these compounds lack a hydrophobic chain, they have sublethal, but not lethal activity against these bacteria. Compounds with hydrophobic chains (e.g., 133 and 134) have lethal activity.

[0270] The hemolytic behavior of the cholic acid derivatives 1, 2, 5, 106, 10, 112, 133, and 134 suggests that they can act as membrane-disrupting agents, and their antimicrobial activity likely involves membrane disruption. With Gram-negative strains, the target of inactivity is expected to be the cytoplasmic membrane. Compounds such as 106 and 10 ineffectively cross the outer membrane and do not display lethal activity. The hydrophobic chains in 133 and 134 may facilitate self-promoted transport across the outer membrane, allowing them to disrupt the cytoplasmic membrane.

[0271] The results shown in Table 10 indicate that the presence of a hydrophobic chain is much less important for lethal activity against Gram-positive strains. Without the requirement for crossing an outer membrane, compounds lacking a hydrophobic chain extending from C-17 can effectively kill Gram-positive bacteria.

[0272] Various tether lengths were investigated to determine the optimal spacing of the amine or guanidine groups from the steroid. It was found that three carbon tethers gave compounds that were more effective than those with two carbon tethers (e.g., compare the MICs of 1 with those of 2. The resultant increase in antibiotic activity upon substitution of guanidine groups for amines suggests a central role for amine/guanidine-phosphate interactions.

[0273] The nature of the group attached to the steroid backbone at C-17 greatly influenced the activity of the compounds with Gram-negative bacteria. For example, the differences among the MIC and MBC values for 106, 10, and 112 were notable. This trend was also observed in the MIC and MCB values of 2 and 5, as compared to those of 133 and 134 (in this comparison, the benzyl groups in 2 and 5 are expected to be less hydrophobic than the octyl chains found in 133 and 134). The influence of the group attached to the steroid at C-17 is less pronounced with Gram-positive strains; e.g., 5 and 134 have similar MIC values with Staphylococcus aureus.

[0274] To measure permeabilization, the FIC values for compounds 1, 2, 5, 106, 10, 112, 133, and 134 with erythromycin, novobiocin, and rifampicin were determined. Concentrations of 0.5, 1.0 or 3.0 μg/mL of these antibiotics were used, and the concentrations of the cholic acid derivatives required to inhibit bacterial growth of Gram-negative strains were determined. The concentrations required for bacterial growth inhibition and the FIC values are shown in Tables 11-13. Interestingly, the MIC values of the compounds do not directly correlate with their ability to permeabilize the outer membrane. For example, compounds 106 and 10 have relatively high MIC values, but are potent permeabilizers. Nearly all of the compounds demonstrated FIC values of less than 0.5, with some less than 0.03. The cholic acid derivatives that give relatively high FIC values (i.e., 5, 133, and 134) are themselves potent antibiotics.

[0275] Ester and amide side chains

[0276] Additional compounds, for example, compounds with amide and ester side chains, were tested. Compounds 203b, 6, and 210a (Scheme 12) displayed potent synergism with erythromycin and novobiocin (Table 14). In the triester series (203a, 203b, 6, and 7), the β-alanine derived compounds are more active than those derived from glycine. Substitution at C24 had minimal effect on the activity of these compounds (compare 203b and 7).

[0277] Triamides 209a-c (Scheme 12) were less active than the esters, possibly due to conformational constraints imposed by the amide bonds. With the triamides, substitution at C24 had significant effects on the activity of the compounds (compare 209a and 210a, Table 14). In this series, the glycine derivative was more active than the corresponding β-alanine derivative.

[0278] The relative lack of synergism displayed by the lysine derivative may be attributable to the length of the side chain. As a control, compound 211 (FIG. 8), a derivative of 209c lacking the α-amino group, was prepared; this compound was less active than 209c as a permeabilizer. Compound 206 also proved to be ineffective as a permeabilizer. These results suggest that the optimal length for the tether between the steroid and the amine functionality is between zero and six atoms.

TABLE 1
Measurement of MIC and MBC values of
1-12 with E. coli (ATCC 10798)
Compound	MIC (μg/mL)	MBC (μg/mL)
1	20	34
2	7	16
3	6	a
4	5	10
5	2	4
6	65	a
7	28	a
8	46	a
9	3	10
10	36	60
11	140	>160
12	4	4
a Value not measured.

[0279]

TABLE 2
Measurement of the concentrations of
1-12 required to lower the MIC of erythromycin
from 70 μg/mL to 1 μg/mL with E. coli (ATCC 10798).
Compound	MIC (μg/mL)	MBC (μg/mL)
1	2	20
2	1	10
3	1.5	a
4	1.5	10
5	1	3
6	22	a
7	2.5	a
8	10	a
9	3	3
10	2	50
11	40	>160
12	1.5	2.5
a Value not measured.

[0280]

TABLE 3
Measurement of the concentrations of 1, 2, 4 and 5
required to lower the MIC of novobiocin from
>500 μg/mL to 1 μg/mL with E. coli (ATCC 10798).
Compound	MIC (μg/mL)	MBC (μg/mL)
1	20	34
2	7	16
4	5	10
5	2	4
11	40	140
12	2.5	a
a Value not measured.

[0281]

TABLE 4
Measurement of MIC and MBC values of
1, 2, 4 and 5 with E. coli (ATCC 25922).
Compound	MIC (μg/mL)	MBC (μg/mL)
1	25	40
2	10	20
4	6	9
5	2	4

[0282]

TABLE 5
Measurement of the concentrations of 1, 2, 4 and 5
required to lower the MIC of erythromycin from
60 μg/mL to 1 μg/mL with E. coli (ATCC 25922).
Compound	MIC (μg/mL)	MBC (μg/mL)
1	2	14
2	1	5
4	1	5
5	1.5	1.5

[0283]

TABLE 6
Measurement of MIC and MBC values of
1-5, 8-12 with P. aureginosa (ATCC 27853).
Compound	MIC (μg/mL)	MBC (μg/mL)
1	15	>50
2	9	40
3	16	a
4	15	40
5	6	15
8	50	a
9	8	a
10	23	a
a Value not measured.

[0284]

TABLE 7
Measurement of the concentrations of 1-5, 8-12
required to lower the MIC of erythromycin from
240 μg/mL to 5 μg/mL with P. aureginosa (ATCC 27853).
Compound	MIC (μg/mL)	MBC (μg/mL)
1	8	45
2	4	25
3	6	a
4	5	40
5	3	10
8	40	a
9	5	a
10	7	a
a Value not measured.

[0285]

TABLE 8
Measurement of the concentrations of 1, 2, 4 and 5
required to lower the MIC of novobiocin from
>500 μg/mL to 1 μg/mL with P. aureginosa (ATCC 27853).
Compound MIC (μg/mL)
1        6
2        4
4        6
5        6

[0286]

TABLE 9
Com-	MIC	MBC	(a)	(b)		(d)
pound	(μg/mL)	(μg/mL)	(μg/mL)	(μg/mL)	FICc	(μg/mL)	FICe
106	140	>200	30	160	0.23	50	0.36
11	140	>160	20	180	0.16	40	0.29
108	70	140	4.0	140	0.071	12	0.17
109	70	120	4.0	80	0.071	15	0.22
110	36	60	2.0	50	0.070	4.0	0.11
111	30	33	1.0	20	0.048	2.0	0.069
112	12	17	0.4	4.0	0.048	0.8	0.085
113	3.0	5.0	0.8	2.0	0.28	1.0	0.27
114	3.0	10	3.0	3.0	1.0	n.d.	n.d.
Table 9 MIC, MBC, permeabilization and FIC data with Escherichia coli (ATCC 10798). (a) Concentration required to lower the MIC of erythromycin from 70 to 1 μg/mL. (b) MBC with 1 μg/mL erythromycin. (c) FIC values with erythromycin. (d) Concentration required to lower the MIC of novobiocin from >500 to 1 μg/mL. (e) FIC values with novobiocin.

[0287]

	TABLE 10
	1 (μg/mL)	2 (μg/mL)	5 (μg/mL)	106 (μg/mL)	10 (μg/mL)	112 (μg/mL)	133 (μg/mL)	134 (μg/mL)	PMB (1)
ORGANISM	MIC	MBC	MIC	MBC	MIC	MBC	MIC	MBC	MIC	MBC	MIC	MBC	MIC	MBC	MIC	MBC	MIC	MBC
Gum-negative rods
Escherichia coli	22	22	5.1	6.8	1.4	3.8	80	90	36	40	6.6	7.4	3.0	3.0	0.31	0.37	1.8	1.8
ATCC 25922
Klebsiella	24	>36	14	17	3.0	6.7	>100	100	47	50	23	27	2.6	5.8	0.84	3.0	53	68
pneumonia
ATCC 13883
Pseudomonas	26	38	11	>17	5.9	9.9	85	97	21	36	4.6	6.4	2.0	3.2	2.0	2.9	0.20	3.9
aeruginosa
ATCC 27853
Salmonella	21	>25	13	16	2.2	3.8	>100	>100	43	>17	86	90	26	6.7	0.81	1.8	nm	nm
typhimurium
ATCC 14028
Gram-positive cocci
Enterococcus	4.9	50	3.4	19	2.2	16	12	>100	3.3	19	3.1	4.7	3.1	5.5	3.0	5.8	40	>100
faecalis
ATCC 29212
Staphylococcus	3.1	5.7	1.0	4.7	0.6	3.2	8.6	54	2.0	9.2	0.55	4.2	0.4	2.0	0.59	1.4	26	>100
aureaus
ATCC 25923
Streptococcus	3.0	4.4	2.0	2.3	2.0	2.1	18	37	4.2	5.8	2.4	3.0	2.3	2.9	3.5	3.5	9.0	16.3
pyogenes
ATCC 19615
Candida albicans	49	>50	30	42	11	50	75	92	14	29	41	45	31	45	53	76
ATCC 90028
MHC	78	58	26	>100	100	5.9	29	9.0

[0288]

	TABLE 11
	1	2	5	106	10	112	133	134
		μg/		μg/		μg/		μg/		μg/		μg/		μg/		μg/
ORGANISM	a	mL	FIC	mL	FIC	mL	FIC	mL	FIC	mL	FIC	mL	FIC	mL	FIC	mL	FIC
Escherichia coli	30	2.5	0.15	0.23	0.078	0.38	0.31	3.2	0.013	1.5	0.074	0.59	0.12	1.2	0.42	0.37	0.36
ATCC 25922
Klebsiella pneumonia	33	1.0	0.072	0.25	0.048	0.15	0.080	3.6	0.66	0.21	0.035	0.1	0.035	0.11	0.073	0.18	0.24
ATCC 13883
Pseudomonas aeruginosa	>100	6.6	0.29	2.4	0.25	2.3	0.42	16	0.22	2.1	0.13	1.0	0.59	0.35	0.21	0.70	0.42
ATCC 27853
Salmonella typhimurium	61	3.6	0.19	2.0	0.17	0.46	0.23	7.1	0.088	0.87	0.037	0.20	0.019	0.72	0.29	0.34	0.44
ATCC 14028

[0289]

	TABLE 12
	1		2		106		10		112
ORGANISM	a	μg/mL	FIC	μg/mL	FIC	μg/mL	FIC	μg/mL	FIC	μg/mL	FIC
Escherichia coli ATCC 25922	41	0.35	0.041	0.33	0.089	4.7	0.084	0.30	0.033	0.40	0.085
Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 13883	75	4.7	0.21	0.49	0.048	8.9	0.10	0.73	0.029	0.19	0.022
Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853	>100	3.9	0.16	2.9	0.27	30	0.36	5.3	0.26	0.72	0.17
Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028	>100	4.4	0.22	4.5	0.36	8.4	0.094	1.8	0.052	0.39	0.015

[0290]

	TABLE 13
	1		2		106		10		112
ORGANISM	a	μg/mL	FIC	μg/mL	FIC	μg/mL	FIC	μg/mL	FIC	μg/mL	FIC
Escherichia coli ATCC 25922	76	0.74	0.099	0.80	0.22	4.2	0.12	0.70	0.085	0.81	0.19
Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 13883	19	0.40	0.043	0.12	0.035	1.8	0.044	0.16	0.030	0.11	0.031
Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853b	26	1.5	0.096	0.50	0.086	11	0.17	0.84	0.083	0.50	0.15
Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028b	21	0.84	0.089	0.39	0.079	1.4	0.064	0.55	0.063	0.10	0.051

[0291]

	TABLE 14
	Compound	MIC (μg/mL)	a (μg/mL)	b (μg/mL)
	203a	85	18	55
	203b	80	4	10
	6	85	15	40
	7	70	3	13
	209a	>100	25	75
	209b	>100	40	75
	209c	85	45	60
	210a	80	6	18
	210b	100	15	40
	a concentration of the cholic acid derivatives required to lower the MIC of erythromycin to 1 μg/ML.
	b concentration of the cholic acid derivatives required to lower the MIC of novobiocin to 1 μg/ML.

[0292] Other Embodiments

[0293] All of the features disclosed in this specification may be combined in any combination. Each feature disclosed in this specification may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only an example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0294] From the above description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of the present invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. For examples, salts, esters, ethers and amides of novel steroid compounds disclosed herein are within the scope of this invention. Thus, other embodiments are also within the claims.

Claims

1. A compound according to formula I

2. The compound of claim 1, wherein at least one of the following pairs is deleted and the valency of the ring carbon atoms at these deleted positions is completed with a double bond: R5 and R9; R8 and R10; and R13and R14.

3. The compound of claim 1, wherein at least three of R1 through R14 are independently selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkyloxy, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkylcarboxy, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkylaminocarbonyl, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkylcarboxamido, H2N-HC(Q5)-C(O)—O—, H2N-HC(Q5)-C(O)—N(H)—, (C1-C10) azidoalkyloxy, (C1-C10) cyanoalkyloxy, P.G.—HN—C(Q5)-C(O)—O—, (C1-C10) guanidinoalkyloxy, and (C1-C10) guanidinoalkylcarboxy.

4. The compound of claim 3, wherein the 3 of R1 through R14 independently selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkyloxy, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkylcarboxy, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkylaminocarbonyl, H2N-HC(Q5)-C(O)—O—, H2N-HC(Q5)-C(O)—N(H)—, (C1-C10) azidoalkyloxy, (C1-C10) cyanoalkyloxy, P.G.—HN—C(Q5)-C(O)—O—, (C1-C10) guanidinoalkyloxy, and (C1-C10) guanidinoalkylcarboxy.

5. The compound of claim 1, wherein the second steroid is a compound of formula I.

6. The compound of claim 1, wherein the linking group is (C1-C10) alkyl-oxy-(C1-C10) alkyl.

7. The compound of claim 1, wherein: none of R5, R8, R9, R13, and R14 is deleted.

8. The compound of claim 1, wherein: each of R3, R7, and R12 is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkyloxy, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkylcarboxy, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkylaminocarbonyl, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkylcarboxamido, H2N-HC(Q5)-C(O)—O—, H2N-HC(Q5)-C(O)—N(H)—, (C1-C10) azidoalkyloxy, (C1-C10) cyanoalkylcarboxy, P.G.—HN—C(Q5)-C(O)—O—, (C1-C10) guanidinoalkyloxy, and (C1-C10) guanidinoalkylcarboxy, where Q5 is a side chain of any amino acid, P.G. is an amino protecting group; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

9. The compound of claim 8, wherein: R1, R2, R4, R5, R6, R8, R10, R11, R13, R14, R15, and R16 are hydrogen.

10. The compound of claim 9, wherein: R17 is —CR18R19R20, where each of R18, R19, and R20, is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) alkyl, (C1-C10) hydroxyalkyl, (C1-C10) alkyloxy-(C1-C10) alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, (C1-C10) haloalkyl, (C2-C6) alkenyl, (C2-C6) alkynyl, oxo, and a linking group attached to a second steroid.

11. The compound of claim 8, wherein: each of R3, R7, and R12, is independently selected from the group consisting of —O—(CH2)n-NH2, —O—CO-(CH2)n-NH2, —O—(CH2)n-NH-C(NH)-NH2, —O—(CH2)n-N3, —O—(CH2)n-CN, where n is 1 to 3, and —O—C(O)-HC(Q5)-NH2, where Q5 is a side chain of any amino acid.

12. The compound of claim 8, wherein: each of R3, R7, and R12, is —O—(CH2)n-NH2, where n is 1 to 4.

13. The compound of claim 12, wherein R17 is -CH(CH3)(CH2)3—O—(CH2)n-CH3, wherein n is 0-7.

14. The compound of claim 12, wherein R17 is —CH(CH3)—(CH2)n-OH, wherein n is 0-2.

15. The compound of claim 8, wherein: each of R3, R7, and R12 is independently selected from the group consisting of —O—C(O)-(CH2)n-NH2, where n is 1 or 2.

16. The compound of claim 8, wherein: each of R3, R7, and R12 independently are selected from the group consisting of —O—(CH2)n-NH-C(NH)-NH2, where n is 1 to 3.

17. The compound of claim 8, wherein: each of R3, R7, and R12, independently are selected from the group consisting of —O—C(O)-HC(Q5)-NH2, where Q5 is a side chain of any amino acid.

18. The compound of claim 1, wherein R17 is -CH(CH3)(CH2)3—NH—(CH2)7CH3.

19. The compound of claim 18, wherein R3, R7, and R12 are -O(CH2)3-NH2.

20. The compound of claim 18, wherein R3, R7, and R12 are -O(CH2)3—NH—C(═NH)NH2.

21. The compound of claim 1, wherein R3, R7, and R12 are —O—C(O)-(CH2)n-NH2, wherein n is 1-5.

22. The compound of claim 21, wherein R17 is —C(CH3)(CH2)3—OH.

23. The compound of claim 21, wherein R17 is —C(CH3)(CH2)3—N(CH3)Bn.

24. The compound of claim 1, wherein R3, R7, and R12 are —NH—C(O)—CH(Q5)—NH2, wherein Q5 is the side chain of glycine, the side chain of alanine, or the side chain of lysine.

25. The compound of claim 1, wherein R3, R7, and R12 are —NH—C(O)—(CH2)n—NH2, wherein n is 1-5.

26. The compound of claim 1 having the following formula:

27. The compound of claim 1 having the following formula:

28. The compound of claim 1 having the formula:

29. The compound of claim 1 having the formula:

30. The compound of claim 1 having the formula:

31. The compound of claim 1 having the formula:

32. The compound of claim 1 having the formula:

33. The compound of claim 1 having the formula:

34. The compound of claim 1 having the formula:

35. The compound of claim 1 having the formula:

36. A method of preparing the compound according to formula I

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the electrophile is allylbromide.

38. A method of producing a compound of formula I:

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the guanidino producing electrophile is HSO3—C(NH)—NH2.

40. A method of preparing the compound according to formula I

41. A method of preparing the compound (A):

42. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a compound of claim 1.

43. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 42, wherein the composition includes additional antibiotics.

44. A method of treating a microbial infection of a host by administering to the host an effective amount of an anti-microbial composition comprising a compound according to claim 1.

45. The method of claim 44 in which the host is a human.

46. The method of claim 44 in which the anti-microbial composition further comprises a second anti-microbial substance to be delivered into a microbial cell.

47. The method of claim 46 in which the second anti-microbial substance is an anti-biotic.

48. The method of claim 44 or claim 45 or claim 46 in which the infection is a bacterial infection.

49. The method of claim 48 in which the infection is a infection a Gram-negative bacterial infection.

50. The method of claim 48 in which the bacterial infection is an infection with a bacterium characterized by an outer membrane comprising a substantial percentage of lipid A.

51. A method of enhancing cell permeability by administering to the cell a permeability enhancing amount of the compound of claim 1.

52. The method of claim 51 further comprising administering to the cell a substance to be introduced into the cell.

53. The method of claim 52 in which the cell is a bacterium.

54. The method of claim 53 in which the bacterium is a Gram-negative bacterium.

55. The method of claim 53 in which the bacterium is characterized by an outer membrane comprising a substantial percentage of lipid A.

56. The method of claim 51 in which the cell is a sperm cell and the compound is part of a spermicidal composition.

57. A method of identifying compounds effective against a microbe comprising administering a candidate compound and a compound according to claim 1 to the microbe and determining whether the candidate compound has a static or toxic effect on the microbe.

58. The method of claim 57 in which the microbe is a bacterium.

59. The method of claim 58 in which the bacterium is a Gram-negative bacterium.

60. The method of claim 58 in which the bacterium is characterized by an outer membrane comprising a substantial percentage of lipid A.

61. A method of microbial growth control comprising contacting a microbe with an effective amount of anti-microbial composition comprising a compound according to claim 1.

62. The method of claim 61 in which the anti-microbial composition further an anti-microbial substance.

63. The method of claim 62 in which the substance is a disinfectant or an antibiotic.

64. A composition of matter comprising the compound of claim 1 in combination with a substance to be introduced into a cell.

65. The composition of claim 64 in which the substance to be introduced into a cell is an anti-microbial substance.

66. The composition of claim 64 in which the compound and the substance are mixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

67. The composition of claim 65 in which the anti-microbial substance is an antibiotic.

68. A compound comprising a ring system of at least 4 fused rings, each of the rings having from 5-7 atoms, the ring system having two faces, wherein the compound comprises 3 chains attached to the same face of the ring system, each of the chains containing a nitrogen-containing group, wherein the nitrogen-containing group is separated from the ring system by at least one atom, and wherein the nitrogen-containing group is an amino group or a guanidino group.

69. The compound of claim 68, wherein each of the nitrogen-containing groups is separated from the steroid backbone by at least two atoms.

70. The compound of claim 69, wherein each of the nitrogen-containing groups is separated from the steroid backbone by at least three atoms.

71. The compound of claim 70, wherein each of the nitrogen-containing groups is separated from the steroid backbone by at least four atoms.

72. The compound of claim 68, wherein the nitrogen-containing group is a primary amino group.

73. The compounds of claim 68, wherein the nitrogen-containing group is a guanidino group.

74. The compound of claim 68, wherein the compound further comprises a hydrophobic group attached to the steroid backbone.

75. The compound of claim 74, wherein the hydrophobic group is selected from the group consisting of a substituted (C3-10) aminoalkyl group, a (C1-10) alkyloxy (C3-10) alkyl group, and a (C1-10) alkylamino (C3-10)alkyl group.

76. The compound of claim 68, wherein at least one of the chains is —O—(CH2)n-NH2, wherein n is 1-4.

77. The compound of claim 68, wherein at least one of the chains is —O—(CH2)n—NH—C(═NH)-NH2, wherein n is 1-4.

78. The compound of claim 68, wherein at least one of the chains is —O—C(O)-(CH2)n-NH2, wherein n is 1-4.

79. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a compound of claim 68.

80. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 79, wherein the composition includes an additional antibiotic.

81. A method of treating a microbial infection of a host by administering to the host an effective amount of an anti-microbial composition comprising a compound according to claim 68.

82. The method of claim 81 in which the host is a human.

83. The method of claim 81 in which the anti-microbial composition further comprises a second anti-microbial substance to be delivered into a microbial cell.

84. A method of enhancing cell permeability by administering to the cell a permeability enhancing amount of the compound of claim 68.

85. The method of claim 84 further comprising administering to the cell a substance to be introduced into the cell.

86. The method of claim 85 in which the cell is a bacterium.

87. The method of claim 86 in which the bacterium is a Gram-negative bacterium.

88. A method of identifying compounds effective against a microbe comprising administering a candidate compound and a compound according to claim 68 to the microbe and determining whether the candidate compound has a static or toxic effect on the microbe.

89. A method of microbial growth control comprising contacting a microbe with an effective amount of anti-microbial composition comprising a compound according to claim 68.

90. The compound of claim 68, wherein the compound has the formula V, wherein each of the three chains containing nitrogen-containing groups is independently selected from the group consisting of R1 through R4, R6, R7, R11, R12, R15, R16, R17, and R18 defined below,

91. The compound of claim 90, wherein at least two of m, n, p, and q are 1.

92. The compound of claim 90, wherein at least three of m, n, p, and q are 1.

93. The compound of claim 90, wherein at least three of R1 through R4, R6, R7, R11, R12, R15, R16, R17, and R18 are a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) aminoalkyloxy.

94. The compound of claim 90, wherein at least three of R1 through R4, R6, R7, R11, R12, R15, R16, R17, and R18 are a (C1-C10) guanidinoalkyloxy.

95. The compound of claim 90, wherein R17 is a substituted (C1-C10) aminoalkyl.

96. The compound of claim 90, wherein R17 is a substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C10) alkylamino-(C1-C10) alkyl.

97. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a compound of claim 90.

98. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 97, wherein the composition includes an additional antibiotic.

99. A method of treating a microbial infection of a host by administering to the host an effective amount of an anti-microbial composition comprising a compound according to claim 90.

100. The method of claim 99 in which the host is a human.

101. The method of claim 99 in which the anti-microbial composition further comprises a second anti-microbial substance to be delivered into a microbial cell.

102. A method of enhancing cell permeability by administering to the cell a permeability enhancing amount of the compound of claim 90.

103. The method of claim 102 further comprising administering to the cell a substance to be introduced into the cell.

104. The method of claim 103 in which the cell is a bacterium.

105. The method of claim 104 in which the bacterium is a Gram-negative bacterium.

106. A method of identifying compounds effective against a microbe comprising administering a candidate compound and a compound according to claim 90 to the microbe and determining whether the candidate compound has a static or toxic effect on the microbe.

107. A method of microbial growth control comprising contacting a microbe with an effective amount of anti-microbial composition comprising a compound according to claim 90.