Nicolaou, Kyriacos

A synthesis of two deoxy Lewis X pentaosyl GSLs is also reported [107]. Kyriacos Nicolaou [108], Samuel Danishefsky [109-111], and Khushi Matta [112] have reported the synthesis of the main sLex antigen. A fully automated enzymatic synthesis of sLex derivatives in 4 days and 16% overall yield from a simple GlcNac-linked aminooxy-functionalized G7 dendrimer is recently reported [113]. 

The search for biologically active compounds (natural and synthetic) continued to be a significant inspiration for organic synthesis. Asymmetric catalysis, new synthetic reactions, and advances in separation techniques (HPLC) and analytical techniques (NMR and mass spectrometry) support these advances. In 1995, Kyriacos Costa (K.C.) Nicolaou (1946- ) at Scripps Research Institute reported the total synthesis of brevetoxin B (see the figure on page 375). This toxic substance is produced by algae in red tide and is very deadly to fish. It binds to sodium channels in membranes of muscle and nerve cells producing an excessive influx of Na. ... 

---