Synthesis of model compounds of some biogenetic precursors of aflatoxin B1

Abstract
The synthesis of analogues of various natural products occurring during the biosynthesis of the notorious hepatocarcinogen aflatoxin B1(1) is described. These natural products are versiconol (21), versiconol acetate (22), versicolorin C (23), versiconal acetate (4), and 4-[2,3-dihydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)propyl]-3,8-dihydroxy-1-methoxyxanthone (24). The synthesis of an analogue of versiconal (5) is also described.