Evaluation of Phenolic Protecting Groups Using Microwave Synthesis and Progress Towards a Benzosuberene Anti-Cancer Agent

According to an epidemiology survey conducted by the American Cancer Society, about 1,596,670 new cancer cases were expected to be diagnosed in the year 2011. Cancer is a term used to categorize diseases in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and are able to invade normal tissue in the body. Most cancers can be classified into broad categories such as carcinoma, sarcoma, leukemia, lymphoma, and central nervous system cancers. Synthetic chemistry plays a key role in terms of the discovery of new anti-cancer agents. Robust protecting group strategies are paramount in successful target-directed synthetic campaigns. This study investigates the use of a microwave technique compared to conventional heating in the installation of selected phenolic protecting groups. In addition, this thesis covers the progress made towards the synthesis of a new functionalized benzosuberene anti-cancer agent.