Rapid access to a pentacyclic library core structure: A microwave assisted approach

High throughput synthetic chemistry continues to develop in response to the challenges set by the genome projects. The ability to prepare large numbers of potentially bioactive compounds requires both technology and robust chemistry. Synthetic approaches that combine the use of microwave irradiation with facile isolation of products are therefore of importance. Here we describe a flexible approach to highly functionalised pentacyclic structures using microwave techniques. A range of pentacycles differing both in substituent patterns and ring size are prepared to exemplify the approach. Rapid access to these structures paves the way for the synthesis of libraries based on these cores.