Abstract

1-Deoxysphingolipids are a class of sphingolipids which lacks the primary hydroxyl group (C1-OH). Hence, it does not get converted/degraded to complex corresponding products like sphingosine- 1-phosphate (SIP), a pro-mitotic. Enigmol, an orally bioavailable 1-deoxyphingolipid has shown potential against various different types of cancer cells along with impressive cytotoxic/ antiproliferative properties. Due to its unique structural properties, Enigmol and its analogs have attracted considerable attention from synthetic organic chemists. This review provides an overview of all the synthetic approaches being followed for the synthesis of Enigmol and its structural analogs.

Keywords: Sphingolipid, 1-deoxysphingolipid, enigmol, aldol reaction, cross metathesis reaction, alkyne zipper reaction.