Synthesis of Fjord Region Diol Epoxides as Potential Ultimate Carcinogens of Dibenzo[a,l]pyrene

Dibenzo [a,l]pyrene (DB[a,l]P) is one of the strongest polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon carcinogens known. This paper describes the synthesis of potential ultimate carcinogens of DB[a,l]P: anti- and syn-11,12-dihydroxy-13,14-epoxy-11,12,13,14-tetrahydroDB[a,l]P (DB-[a,l]P-11,12-diol-13,14-epoxides). The method employed is also useful for the preparation of key intermediates for the synthesis of 11,12-dihydroxy-13,14-epoxy-11,12,13,14-tetrahydrobenzo-[g]chrysene (BgC-11,12-diol-13,14-epoxide). Photochemical cyclization of the appropriately substituted phenanthrylphenylethylenes provided 9-carbomethoxy-11-methoxyBgC (4) and 11-methoxyBgC (3). The former was converted by reduction, oxidation, one-carbon chain extension, and cyclization to 11-methoxy DB[a,l]P (7). Compounds 3 and 7 were converted by hydrolysis and oxidation to BgC-11,12-dione (10) and DB[a,l]P-11,12-dione (11), respectively. The diones are the precursors for the synthesis of the corresponding diol epoxides, anti- and syn-DB-[a,l] P-11,12-diol-13,14-epoxides 13 and 14 were prepared in 38% and 55% yields, respectively, from 11. Both diol epoxides had predominantly pseudodiequatorial hydroxyl groups, as seen in other sterically hindered diol epoxides.