Synthesis of argentatin A derivatives as growth inhibitors of human cancer cell lines in vitro

The syntheses of nine argentatin A (1) analogs are described. These compounds were assessed for their ability to inhibit growth in vitro in four human cancer cell lines. In addition, an X-ray study of (16S,17R,20S,24R)-3-oxime-20,24-epoxy-16,25-dihydroxy-cycloartan-3-one led to the determination of the correct stereochemistry of argentatin A.