Regio- and stereoselective modification of steviol by photochemical reactions

Abstract

In recent decades, stevioside and its derivative steviol have garnered attention for their diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular effects. This has sparked interest among organic chemists to explore synthesizing analogues of both compounds. Steviol's structure, featuring an exocyclic carbon-carbon double bond, offers ample opportunities for synthetic alterations like reduction, epoxidation, and various addition reactions. Our research focuses on modifying the steviol backbone using readily available thiol compounds through photoinitiated thiol-ene coupling. Moving forward, we aim to investigate the biological effects of these synthesized compounds through collaborative efforts.