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CRYPTOPHYCIN COMPOUNDS AND CONJUGATES THEREOF

20250368632 ยท 2025-12-04

    Inventors

    Cpc classification

    International classification

    Abstract

    The present invention relates to cryptophycin compounds, to new cryptophycin payloads, to new cryptophycin conjugates, to compositions containing them and to their therapeutic use, especially as anticancer agents.

    Claims

    1. A cryptophycin compound of formula (I): ##STR00054## or a stereoisomer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: X represents O or NR.sub.6; R.sub.1 represents a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, preferably methyl; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; or alternatively R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl or (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; R.sub.4, R.sub.5, and R.sub.7 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, preferably a hydrogen or (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl group; or alternatively R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; one of R.sub.6 and R.sub.8 represents a group selected from (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.3, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-OR.sub.11, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SR.sub.11, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S(O)R.sub.11, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(O)(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SSR.sub.11, and (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-COOR.sub.11; and the other is a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, preferably a hydrogen or (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl group; R.sub.9 represents one or more substituents of the phenyl nucleus selected, independently from each other, from: a hydrogen atom, OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkoxy, halogen, N(R.sub.12).sub.2, and N.sup.+(R.sub.12).sub.3; R.sub.10 represents one or more substituents of the phenyl nucleus selected, independently from each other, from: a hydrogen atom, OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkylene-OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkoxy, and (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl; each R.sub.11 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alk(en)yl group; and each R.sub.12 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl group, or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group.

    2. The cryptophycin compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is a compound of formula (I.1): ##STR00055##

    3. The cryptophycin compound of claim 1, wherein: (1) R.sub.1 is methyl; and/or (2) each of R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 represents a hydrogen atom, or one of R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 represents a hydrogen atom and the other one represents a methyl group; or R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached a cyclopropyl group; and/or (3) each of R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 represents a methyl or ethyl group, preferably methyl group, or one represents hydrogen and the other represents methyl or ethyl, or both represent hydrogen, or both combine to form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached a C.sub.3-cycloalkyl group; and/or (4) X is O or NR.sub.6, wherein R.sub.6 represents a hydrogen atom; and/or (5) R.sub.7 represents a hydrogen atom; and/or (6) R.sub.8 represents a group selected from (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.3, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-OR.sub.11, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SR.sub.11, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S(O)R.sub.11, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(O)(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SSR.sub.11, and (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-COOR.sub.11; and R.sub.6 is a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, preferably a hydrogen or (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl group; and/or (7) R.sub.9 represents at least two substituents, one being selected from a methoxy group, NH(C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, N((C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl).sub.2, and N.sup.+((C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl).sub.3 group, preferably being in the 4-position, and the other being selected from a halogen, preferably chlorine, atom, preferably being in the 3-position; and/or (8) R.sub.10 represents a hydrogen atom.

    4. The cryptophycin compound of claim 1, wherein R.sub.1 is methyl, each of R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 represents a hydrogen atom, R.sub.6 represents a hydrogen atom, R.sub.7 represents a hydrogen atom, R.sub.9 represents two substituents selected from a methoxy group and a halogen, preferably chlorine, atom, more preferably 3-chloro-4-methoxy, and R.sub.10 represents a hydrogen atom.

    5. A cryptophycin derivative of formula (II) ##STR00056## or a stereoisomer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: X represents O or NR.sub.6; R.sub.1 represents a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, preferably methyl; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; or alternatively R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl or (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, and R.sub.7 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, preferably a hydrogen or (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl group; or alternatively R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl or (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; R.sub.9 represents one or more substituents of the phenyl nucleus selected, independently from each other, from: a hydrogen atom, OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkoxy, halogen, N(R.sub.12).sub.2, and N.sup.+(R.sub.12).sub.3; R.sub.10 represents one or more substituents of the phenyl nucleus selected, independently from each other, from: a hydrogen atom, OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkylene-OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkoxy, and (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl; each R.sub.12 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl group, or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; Y-L-RCG.sub.1 represents a group of formula: (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-NR.sub.13-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-NR.sub.13C(O)O-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N.sup.+(R.sub.13).sub.2-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-O-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S(O)-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(O)(R.sub.13)-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(R.sub.13)-L-RCG.sub.1, or (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SS-L-RCG.sub.1; R.sub.13 represents a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, preferably methyl; and L represents a linker group selected from bivalent organic groups having a molecular weight of up to 1000, preferably of formula Str-Pep-Sp, wherein Str is connected to RCG.sub.1 and Sp is connected to Y, wherein: Str is a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-group, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-C(O) group, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-NH group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bNH group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bNH group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, or a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, wherein a and b are each independently 0 or an integer of 1 to 4, and n is an integer of 1 to 20; Sp is a spacer unit of formula: ##STR00057## and Pep is a bond, a peptidyl moiety, or a non-peptide chemical moiety selected from the group consisting of: ##STR00058## wherein: W is NH-heterocycloalkylene- or heterocycloalkylene; Z is bivalent heteroaryl, aryl, C(O)(C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene, (C.sub.2-C.sub.6)alkenyl, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylenyl or (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-NH; each R.sub.21 is independently (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, (C.sub.2-C.sub.10)alkenyl, (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylNHC(NH)NH.sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylNHC(O)NH.sub.2 or (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nOH or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nH with n=3 to 50; R.sub.22 and R.sub.23 are each independently H, (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, (C.sub.2-C.sub.10)alkenyl, arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, or (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nOH or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.nH with n=3 to 20, or R.sub.22 and R.sub.23 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form (C.sub.3-C.sub.7)cycloalkyl; and R.sub.24 and R.sub.25 are each independently (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, (C.sub.2-C.sub.10)alkenyl, arylalkyl, or heteroarylalkyl, CH.sub.2O(C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, or R.sub.22 and R.sub.23 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form (C.sub.3-C.sub.7)cycloalkyl; wherein, if Pep is a peptidyl moiety, it optionally comprises or consists of a Gly-Gly, Phe-Lys, Val-Lys, Val-AcLys, Val-Cit, Phe-Phe-Lys, D-Phe-Phe-Lys, Gly-Phe-Lys, Ala-Lys, Val-Ala, Phe-Cit, Leu-Cit, Ile-Cit, Trp-Cit, Phe-Ala, Ala-Phe, Gly-Gly-Gly, Gly-Ala-Phe, Gly-Val-Cit, Glu-Val-Ala, Gly-Phe-Leu-Cit, Gly-Phe-Leu-Gyl, Ala-Leu-Ala-Leu, and Lys-Ala-Val-Cit, preferably a Val-Cit moiety, a Lys--Ala-Val-Cit moiety, a Phe-Lys moiety, a Glu-Val-Ala or a Val-Ala moiety, wherein the side chain of lysine is optionally PEGylated; and RCG.sub.1 represents a reactive group selected from alkenyl, preferably ethenyl, alkynyl, preferably ethynyl, N3 and N-maleimide.

    6. The cryptophycin derivative of claim 5, wherein: (i) L-RCG.sub.1 is of formula: ##STR00059## wherein AA represents any amino acid and n is 2 to 8; or (ii) the group L-RCG.sub.1 is of formula: ##STR00060## wherein Raa is any amino acid side chain; or (iii) the group L-RCG.sub.1 is of formula: ##STR00061## (iv) the group RCG.sub.1-L-Y is a group of formula (IV.1) or (IV.2): ##STR00062## wherein: PEG represents a polyethyleneglycol group; and the N.sup.+(CH.sub.3).sub.2 group in formula (IV.1) may alternatively be a sulfonium or sulfoxonium group, preferably S.sup.+(O)(CH.sub.3) or S.sup.+(CH.sub.3).

    7. A cryptophycin conjugate of formula (III): ##STR00063## or a stereoisomer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: X represents O or NR.sub.6; R.sub.1 represents a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, preferably methyl; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; or alternatively R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl or (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, and R.sub.7 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, preferably a hydrogen or (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl group; or alternatively R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; R.sub.9 represents one or more substituents of the phenyl nucleus selected, independently from each other, from: a hydrogen atom, OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkoxy, halogen, N(R.sub.12).sub.2, and N.sup.+(R.sub.12).sub.3; R.sub.10 represents one or more substituents of the phenyl nucleus selected, independently from each other, from: a hydrogen atom, OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkylene-OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkoxy, and (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl; each R.sub.12 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl group, or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; Y-L-G-Ab represents a group of formula: (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-NR.sub.13-L-G-Ab, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N.sup.+(R.sub.13).sub.2-L-G-Ab, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-O-L-G-Ab, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S(O)-L-G-Ab, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(O)(R.sub.13)-L-G-Ab, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S-L-G-Ab, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(R.sub.13)-L-G-Ab, or (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SS-L-G-Ab; R.sub.13 represents a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; L represents a linker group selected from bivalent organic groups having a molecular weight of up to 1000, preferably of formula Str-Pep-Sp, wherein Str is connected to RCG.sub.1 and Sp is connected to Y, wherein: Str is a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene- group, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-C(O) group, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-NH group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bNH group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bNH group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, or a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, wherein a and b are each independently 0 or an integer of 1 to 4, n is an integer of 1 to 20; Sp is a spacer unit of formula: ##STR00064## and Pep is a bond, a peptidyl moiety, or a non-peptide chemical moiety selected from the group consisting of: ##STR00065## wherein: W is NH-heterocycloalkylene- or heterocycloalkylene; Z is bivalent heteroaryl, aryl, C(O)(C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene, (C.sub.2-C.sub.6)alkenyl, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylenyl or (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-NH; each R.sub.21 is independently (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, (C.sub.2-C.sub.10)alkenyl, (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylNHC(NH)NH.sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylNHC(O)NH.sub.2 or (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nOH or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.nH with n=3 to 50; R.sub.22 and R.sub.23 are each independently H, (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, (C.sub.2-C.sub.10)alkenyl, arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, or (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nOH or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.nH with n=3 to 20, or R.sub.22 and R.sub.23 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form (C.sub.3-C.sub.7)cycloalkyl; and R.sub.24 and R.sub.25 are each independently (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, (C.sub.2-C.sub.10)alkenyl, arylalkyl, or heteroarylalkyl, CH.sub.2O(C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, or R.sub.22 and R.sub.23 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form (C.sub.3-C.sub.7)cycloalkyl; wherein, if Pep is a peptidyl moiety, it optionally comprises or consists of a Gly-Gly, Phe-Lys, Val-Lys, Val-AcLys, Val-Cit, Phe-Phe-Lys, D-Phe-Phe-Lys, Gly-Phe-Lys, Ala-Lys, Val-Ala, Phe-Cit, Leu-Cit, Ile-Cit, Trp-Cit, Phe-Ala, Ala-Phe, Gly-Gly-Gly, Gly-Ala-Phe, Gly-Val-Cit, Glu-Val-Ala, Gly-Phe-Leu-Cit, Gly-Phe-Leu-Gyl, Ala-Leu-Ala-Leu, and Lys-Ala-Val-Cit, preferably a Val-Cit moiety, a Lys-o-Ala-Val-Cit moiety, a Phe-Lys moiety, a Glu-Val-Ala or a Val-Ala moiety, wherein the side chain of lysine is optionally PEGylated; G represents a residue of reactive coupling group RCG.sub.1 after the coupling reaction with RCG.sub.2 of Ab selected from: ##STR00066## and Ab represents an oligopeptide or polypeptide, preferably an antibody or antibody-like molecule, or a small organic group having a molecular weight of 750 or lower, preferably folic acid, DUPA (Glu-urea-Glu), acetazolamide or an analog thereof, or a FAP inhibitor, as a targeting moiety.

    8. The cryptophycin conjugate of claim 7, wherein: Ab-G-L-Y is selected from the groups of formula (V.1) and (V.2): ##STR00067## wherein: PEG represents a polyethyleneglycol group; and the N.sup.+(CH.sub.3).sub.2 group in formula (IV.1) may alternatively be a sulfonium or sulfoxonium group, preferably S.sup.+(O)(CH.sub.3) or S.sup.+(CH.sub.3).

    9. The cryptophycin derivative of claim 1, wherein L is a linker of the formula Str-Pep-Sp, wherein: Str is a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene- group, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-C(O) group, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-NH group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bNH group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bNH group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, or a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, preferably a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-C(O) group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, or a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, wherein a and b are each independently 0 or an integer of 1 to 4, n is an integer of 1 to 20; Sp is a spacer unit of formula: ##STR00068## and Pep is a bond, a peptidyl moiety, or a non-peptide chemical moiety selected from the group consisting of: ##STR00069## wherein: W is NH-heterocycloalkylene- or heterocycloalkylene; Z is bivalent heteroaryl, aryl, C(O)(C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene, (C.sub.2-C.sub.6)alkenyl, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylenyl or (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-NH; each R.sub.21 is independently (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, (C.sub.2-C.sub.10)alkenyl, (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylNHC(NH)NH.sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylNHC(O)NH.sub.2 or (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nOH or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.nH with n=3 to 50; R.sub.22 and R.sub.23 are each independently H, (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, (C.sub.2-C.sub.10)alkenyl, arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, or (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nOH or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.nH with n=3 to 20, or R.sub.22 and R.sub.23 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form (C.sub.3-C.sub.7)cycloalkyl; and R.sub.24 and R.sub.25 are each independently (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, (C.sub.2-C.sub.10)alkenyl, arylalkyl, or heteroarylalkyl, CH.sub.2O(C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, or R.sub.22 and R.sub.23 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form (C.sub.3-C.sub.7)cycloalkyl; wherein, if Pep is a peptidyl moiety, it optionally comprises or consists of Gly-Gly, Phe-Lys, Val-Lys, Val-AcLys, Val-Cit, Phe-Phe-Lys, D-Phe-Phe-Lys, Gly-Phe-Lys, Ala-Lys, Val-Ala, Phe-Cit, Leu-Cit, Ile-Cit, Trp-Cit, Phe-Ala, Ala-Phe, Gly-Gly-Gly, Gly-Ala-Phe, Gly-Val-Cit, Glu-Val-Ala, Gly-Phe-Leu-Cit, Gly-Phe-Leu-Gyl, Ala-Leu-Ala-Leu, and Lys-Ala-Val-Cit, preferably a Val-Cit moiety, a Lys--Ala-Val-Cit moiety, a Phe-Lys moiety, a Glu-Val-Ala or a Val-Ala moiety, wherein the side chain of lysine is optionally PEGylated.

    10. (canceled)

    11. A method for the treatment of cancer in a subject, comprising administering to the subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the cryptophycin conjugate of claim 7.

    12. A pharmaceutical composition comprising any one or more of the cryptophycin conjugates of claim 7; and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent, stabilizer and/or carrier.

    13. The cryptophycin derivative of claim 5, wherein L is a linker of the formula Str-Pep-Sp, wherein: Str is a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene- group, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-C(O) group, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-NH group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bNH group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bNH group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, or a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, preferably a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-C(O) group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, or a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, wherein a and b are each independently 0 or an integer of 1 to 4, n is an integer of 1 to 20; Sp is a spacer unit of formula: ##STR00070## and Pep is a bond, a peptidyl moiety, or a non-peptide chemical moiety selected from the group consisting of: ##STR00071## wherein: W is NH-heterocycloalkylene- or heterocycloalkylene; Z is bivalent heteroaryl, aryl, C(O)(C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene, (C.sub.2-C.sub.6)alkenyl, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylenyl or (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-NH; each R.sub.21 is independently (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, (C.sub.2-C.sub.10)alkenyl, (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylNHC(NH)NH.sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylNHC(O)NH.sub.2 or (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nOH or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.nH with n=3 to 50; R.sub.22 and R.sub.23 are each independently H, (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, (C.sub.2-C.sub.10)alkenyl, arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, or (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nOH or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.nH with n=3 to 20, or R.sub.22 and R.sub.23 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form (C.sub.3-C.sub.7)cycloalkyl; and R.sub.24 and R.sub.25 are each independently (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, (C.sub.2-C.sub.10)alkenyl, arylalkyl, or heteroarylalkyl, CH.sub.2O(C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, or R.sub.22 and R.sub.23 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form (C.sub.3-C.sub.7)cycloalkyl; wherein, if Pep is a peptidyl moiety, it optionally comprises or consists of Gly-Gly, Phe-Lys, Val-Lys, Val-AcLys, Val-Cit, Phe-Phe-Lys, D-Phe-Phe-Lys, Gly-Phe-Lys, Ala-Lys, Val-Ala, Phe-Cit, Leu-Cit, Ile-Cit, Trp-Cit, Phe-Ala, Ala-Phe, Gly-Gly-Gly, Gly-Ala-Phe, Gly-Val-Cit, Glu-Val-Ala, Gly-Phe-Leu-Cit, Gly-Phe-Leu-Gyl, Ala-Leu-Ala-Leu, and Lys-Ala-Val-Cit, preferably a Val-Cit moiety, a Lys--Ala-Val-Cit moiety, a Phe-Lys moiety, a Glu-Val-Ala or a Val-Ala moiety, wherein the side chain of lysine is optionally PEGylated.

    14. The cryptophycin conjugate of claim 7, wherein L is a linker of the formula Str-Pep-Sp, wherein: Str is a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene- group, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-C(O) group, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-NH group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bNH group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bNH group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, or a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, preferably a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-C(O) group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, or a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, wherein a and b are each independently 0 or an integer of 1 to 4, n is an integer of 1 to 20; Sp is a spacer unit of formula: ##STR00072## and Pep is a bond, a peptidyl moiety, or a non-peptide chemical moiety selected from the group consisting of: ##STR00073## wherein: W is NH-heterocycloalkylene- or heterocycloalkylene; Z is bivalent heteroaryl, aryl, C(O)(C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene, (C.sub.2-C.sub.6)alkenyl, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylenyl or (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-NH; each R.sub.21 is independently (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, (C.sub.2-C.sub.10)alkenyl, (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylNHC(NH)NH.sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylNHC(O)NH.sub.2 or (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nOH or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.nH with n=3 to 50; R.sub.22 and R.sub.23 are each independently H, (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, (C.sub.2-C.sub.10)alkenyl, arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, or (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nOH or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.nH with n=3 to 20, or R.sub.22 and R.sub.23 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form (C.sub.3-C.sub.7)cycloalkyl; and R.sub.24 and R.sub.25 are each independently (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, (C.sub.2-C.sub.10)alkenyl, arylalkyl, or heteroarylalkyl, CH.sub.2O(C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, or R.sub.22 and R.sub.23 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form (C.sub.3-C.sub.7)cycloalkyl; wherein, if Pep is a peptidyl moiety, it optionally comprises or consists of Gly-Gly, Phe-Lys, Val-Lys, Val-AcLys, Val-Cit, Phe-Phe-Lys, D-Phe-Phe-Lys, Gly-Phe-Lys, Ala-Lys, Val-Ala, Phe-Cit, Leu-Cit, Ile-Cit, Trp-Cit, Phe-Ala, Ala-Phe, Gly-Gly-Gly, Gly-Ala-Phe, Gly-Val-Cit, Glu-Val-Ala, Gly-Phe-Leu-Cit, Gly-Phe-Leu-Gyl, Ala-Leu-Ala-Leu, and Lys-Ala-Val-Cit, preferably a Val-Cit moiety, a Lys--Ala-Val-Cit moiety, a Phe-Lys moiety, a Glu-Val-Ala or a Val-Ala moiety, wherein the side chain of lysine is optionally PEGylated.

    Description

    DETAILED DESCRIPTION

    [0078] If not explicitly indicated otherwise, the terms used herein have the accepted meaning in the field.

    [0079] The term alkenyl group, as used herein, relates to a hydrocarbon group obtained by removing one hydrogen atom from an alkene. The alkenyl group may be linear or branched. Examples that may be mentioned include ethenyl (CHCH.sub.2, also termed vinyl) and propenyl (CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2, also termed allyl). Alkenyl can be preferably C.sub.2-6 alkenyl or C.sub.2a alkenyl or C.sub.2.3 alkenyl. As stated above such groups may be in E or Z configuration and also mixtures of both configurations are included.

    [0080] The term alkoxy group, as used herein relates to the group O-alkyl, in which the alkyl group is as defined below.

    [0081] The term alkyl group, as used herein, relates to a linear or branched saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon-based group obtained by removing a hydrogen atom from an alkane. Examples that may be mentioned include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, neopentyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl and hexyl groups. Alkyl can be preferably C.sub.1-6 alkyl or C.sub.1-4 alkyl or C.sub.1-3 alkyl.

    [0082] The term alkylene group, as used herein, relates to a saturated divalent group of empirical formula C.sub.nH.sub.2n, obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from an alkane. The alkylene group may be linear or branched. Examples that may be mentioned include methylene (CH.sub.2), ethylene (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2), propylene (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2), butylene (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2) and hexylene (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2) groups or the branched groups CH(CHs), C(CH.sub.3).sub.2, CH(CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2), C(CH.sub.3).sub.2CH.sub.2, and C(CH.sub.3).sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, preferably, the alkylene group is of the formula (CH.sub.2).sub.n, n representing an integer, for example 1 to 6; in the ranges of values, the limits are included (e g a range of the type n ranging from 1 to 6 or between 1 and 6 includes limits 1 and 6). (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-OR.sub.11 may thus, for example, be CH(CH.sub.3)OH.

    [0083] The term antibody, as used herein, refers to an antibody with affinity for a biological target, more particularly a monoclonal antibody. The function of the antibody is to direct the biologically active compound as a cytotoxic compound towards the biological target. The antibody may be monoclonal, polyclonal or multispecific. It may also be an antibody fragment. In various embodiments, it may also be a murine, chimeric, humanized or human antibody. An antibody may be a natural or conventional antibody in which two heavy chains are linked to each other by disulfide bonds and each heavy chain is linked to a light chain by a disulfide bond (also referred to as a full-length antibody). The terms conventional (or full-length) antibody refers both to an antibody comprising the signal peptide (or pro-peptide, if any), and to the mature form obtained upon secretion and proteolytic processing of the chain(s). There are two types of light chain, lambda (i) and kappa (k). There are five main heavy chain classes (or isotypes) which determine the functional activity of an antibody molecule: IgM, IgD, IgG, IgA and IgE. Each chain contains distinct sequence domains. The light chain includes two domains or regions, a variable domain (VL) and a constant domain (CL). The heavy chain includes four domains, a variable domain (VH) and three constant domains (CH1, CH2 and CH3, collectively referred to as CH). The variable regions of both light (VL) and heavy (VH) chains determine binding recognition and specificity to the antigen. The constant region domains of the light (CL) and heavy (CH) chains confer important biological properties such as antibody chain association, secretion, trans-placental mobility, complement binding, and binding to Fc receptors (FcR). The Fv fragment is the N-terminal part of the Fab fragment of an immunoglobulin and consists of the variable portions of one light chain and one heavy chain. The specificity of the antibody resides in the structural complementarity between the antibody combining site and the antigenic determinant. Antibody combining sites are made up of residues that are primarily from the hypervariable or complementarity determining regions (CDRs). Occasionally, residues from non-hypervariable or framework regions (FR) influence the overall domain structure and hence the combining site. Complementarity Determining Regions or CDRs refer to amino acid sequences which together define the binding affinity and specificity of the natural Fv region of a native immunoglobulin binding site. The light and heavy chains of an immunoglobulin each have three CDRs, designated CDR1-L, CDR2-L, CDR3-L and CDR1-H, CDR2-H, CDR3-H, respectively. A conventional antibody antigen-binding site, therefore, includes six CDRs, comprising the CDR set from each of a heavy and a light chain V region. As used herein, the term antibody denotes both conventional (full-length) antibodies and fragments thereof, as well as single domain antibodies and fragments thereof, in particular variable heavy chain of single domain antibodies. Fragments of (conventional) antibodies typically comprise a portion of an intact antibody, in particular the antigen binding region or variable region of the intact antibody, and retain the biological function of the conventional antibody. Examples of such fragments include Fv, Fab, F(ab).sub.2, Fab, dsFv, (dsFv).sub.2, scFv, sc(F-v).sub.2 and diabodies.

    [0084] The function of the antibody, as used herein, is to direct the biologically active compound as a cytotoxic compound towards the biological target.

    [0085] The term aryl group, as used herein relates to a cyclic aromatic group containing between 5 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of aryl groups include phenyl, tolyl, xylyl, naphtyl.

    [0086] The term biological target, as used herein, relates to an antigen (or group of antigens), preferably located at the surface of cancer cells or stromal cells associated with this tumor. These antigens may be, for example, a growth factor receptor, an oncogene product or a mutated tumor suppressant gene product, an angiogenesis-related molecule or an adhesion molecule

    [0087] The term conjugate, as used herein, relates to an antibody-drug conjugate or ADC, i.e. an antibody to which is covalently attached via a linker at least one molecule of a cytotoxic compound, namely the cryptophycin compounds disclosed herein.

    [0088] The term cycloalkyl group as used herein, relates to a cyclic alkyl group comprising between 3 and 6 carbon atoms engaged in the cyclic structure. Examples that may be mentioned include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl groups.

    [0089] The term DAR (drug-to-antibody ratio) refers to an average number of cytotoxic molecules attached via a linker to an antibody.

    [0090] The term halogen, as used herein, relates to any of the four elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.

    [0091] The term heteroaryl group, as used herein, relates to an aryl group containing between 2 to 10 carbon atoms and between 1 to 5 heteroatoms such as nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur engaged in the ring and connected to the carbon atoms forming the ring. Examples of heteroaryl groups include pyridyl, pyrimidyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl, indolyl, imidazo-pyridyl, and pyrazolyl.

    [0092] The term heterocycloalkyl group, as used herein, relates to a cycloalkyl group containing between 2 to 8 carbon atoms and between 1 to 3 heteroatoms, such as nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur engaged in the ring and connected to the carbon atoms forming the ring. Examples include aziridinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothiofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, azetidinyl, oxetanyl and pyranyl.

    [0093] The term linker, as used herein, relates to a group of atoms or a single bond that can covalently attach a cytotoxic compound to an antibody in order to form a conjugate.

    [0094] The term payload, as used herein, relates to a cytotoxic compound to which is covalently attached a linker.

    [0095] The term reactive chemical group, as used herein, relates to a group of atoms that can promote or undergo a chemical reaction.

    [0096] The term about, as used herein in relation to numerical values, refers to said numerical value 10%, preferably 5%.

    [0097] The term PEG, as used herein, relates to polyethylene glycol including residues thereof linked to another molecule, typically via an oxygen atom. Such PEG moieties typically contain 2 to 100 ethylene glycol units, for example 2 to 50 or 2 to 40 or 3 to 30.

    [0098] The present invention relates to novel cryptophycin compounds. These compounds differ from known compounds in that they are differently functionalized to allow attachment of another moiety, typically a targeting moiety, usually via a linker moiety. Specifically, the compounds are functionalized in unit D or unit C of the cryptophycin structure, preferably unit D. It has been found that this position allows simple modification without significantly impairing activity of said compounds, i.e. their cytotoxicity, and, in various instances, even provides for increased cytotoxicity over coupling via different attachment points. The compounds of the invention can be synthesized in an efficient manner by existing methodologies.

    [0099] Specifically, the inventors have identified cryptophycin compounds of formula (I)

    ##STR00008## [0100] or stereoisomer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, [0101] wherein [0102] X represents O or NR.sub.6; [0103] R.sub.1 represents a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, preferably methyl; [0104] R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; or alternatively R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; [0105] R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R.sub.3 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N(R.sub.11).sub.2 group or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.3 group or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-OR.sub.11 group or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SR.sub.11 group or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.2 group or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S(O)R.sub.11 group or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(O)(R.sub.11).sub.2 group or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SSR.sub.11 group or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-COOR.sub.11 group; or alternatively R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 or R.sub.7 and R.sub.3 form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; with the proviso that at least one of R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R.sub.3 represents a group selected from (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.3, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-OR.sub.11, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SR.sub.11, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S(O)R.sub.11, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(O)(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SSR.sub.11, and (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-COOR.sub.11, and the others represent a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, preferably a hydrogen or (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl group; [0106] R.sub.9 represents one or more substituents of the phenyl nucleus selected, independently from each other, from: a hydrogen atom, OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkoxy, halogen, N(R.sub.12).sub.2, or N.sup.+(R.sub.12).sub.3; [0107] R.sub.10 represents one or more substituents of the phenyl nucleus selected, independently from each other, from: a hydrogen atom, OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkylene-OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkoxy and (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl; [0108] each R.sub.11 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alk(en)yl group; and [0109] each R.sub.12 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl group or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group.

    [0110] As described above, also encompassed are free bases of these compounds or acid addition salts thereof, such as acid addition salts with pharmaceutically acceptable acids. It is further understood that these compounds encompass all possible stereoisomers thereof, in particular enantiomers and diastereomers as well as mixtures thereof, including racemic mixtures.

    [0111] In various preferred embodiments, the compound of formula (I) has a specific stereochemistry at the carbon atom bearing the R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 residues, and is a compound of formula (I.1)

    ##STR00009##

    [0112] In said compound, the definitions of R.sub.1R.sub.10 and X are as set forth above. It is again understood that said compound of formula (I.1) includes all possible stereoisomers thereof, in particular enantiomers and diastereomers as well as mixtures thereof, including racemic mixtures, that arise from other asymmetric carbon atoms in the structure.

    [0113] In the compounds of formula (I) and (I.1), R.sub.1 may be lower alkyl, i.e. C.sub.1-4 alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, and t-butyl. In exemplary embodiments it is methyl or ethyl, such as methyl.

    [0114] In various embodiments of the compounds, each of R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 may represent a hydrogen atom. In certain embodiments, it may however be preferred that not both of R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are hydrogen. In some embodiments, one of R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 thus represents a hydrogen atom and the other one represents an alkyl group, for example lower alkyl, i.e. C.sub.1-4 alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, and t-butyl. In exemplary embodiments, it is methyl or ethyl, such as methyl. In various embodiments, both of R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are C.sub.1-4 alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, and t-butyl, preferably ethyl or methyl, most preferably methyl. While both may be selected independently, in various embodiments they are identical alkyl groups, such as methyl. In still other embodiments, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 combine to form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached a cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl group. Particularly preferred cycloalkyl is a cyclopropyl group.

    [0115] R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N(R.sub.11).sub.2 group or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.3 group or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-OR.sub.11 group or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SR.sub.11 group or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.2 group or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S(O)R.sub.11 group or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(O)(R.sub.11).sub.2 group or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SSR.sub.11 group or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-COOR.sub.11 group; or alternatively R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 or R.sub.7 and R.sub.3 form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group. These groups, with the exception of hydrogen and (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, represent the reactive groups that allow attachment to another molecule, such as a targeting molecule, optionally via a linker group. Accordingly, said definition includes the proviso that at least one or only one of R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R.sub.3 represents a group selected from (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.3, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-OR.sub.11, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SR.sub.11, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S(O)R.sub.11, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(O)(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SSR.sub.11, and (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-COOR.sub.11, while the others represent a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, preferably a hydrogen or (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl group. The limitation that only one of these residues can be selected from the list of functional groups above provides for molecules that have only one functionality for attachment to another molecule and thus to avoid undesired side reactions. While it is preferred that only one of these residues is selected from the list of functional groups defined above, in certain embodiments it may also be possible that two or more of these residues, for example any 2, 3, 4 or 5 thereof, are such a functional group.

    [0116] In various embodiments, one of R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R.sub.3 represents a group selected from (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkylene-N(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkylene-N.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.3, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkylene-OR.sub.11, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkylene-SR.sub.11, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkylene-S.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkylene-S(O)R.sub.11, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkylene-S.sup.+(O)(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkylene-SSR.sub.11, and (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkylene-COOR.sub.11, for example (CH.sub.2).sub.pN(R.sub.11).sub.2, (CH.sub.2).sub.pN.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.3, (CH.sub.2).sub.pOR.sub.11, (CH.sub.2).sub.p-1CHOR.sub.11CH.sub.3, (CH.sub.2).sub.pSR.sub.11, (CH.sub.2).sub.pS.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.2, (CH.sub.2).sub.pS(O)R.sub.11, (CH.sub.2).sub.pS.sup.+(O)(R.sub.11).sub.2, (CH.sub.2).sub.pSSR.sub.11, and (CH.sub.2).sub.pCOOR.sub.11, wherein p is 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1, 2 or 3, more preferably 1 or 2.

    [0117] In various embodiments, wherein the compounds of the invention have the stereochemistry of formula (I.1), the functional group is not in the position of R.sub.7. In such embodiments, the functional group is preferably in the R.sub.3 position.

    [0118] In various embodiments, each of R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 represents a methyl or ethyl group, preferably methyl group, or one represents hydrogen and the other represents methyl or ethyl or both represent hydrogen or both combine to form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached to form a cycloalkyl group, such as a cyclopropyl group.

    [0119] In various embodiments, X is O or NR.sub.6, wherein R.sub.6 represents a hydrogen atom or (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, such as methyl or ethyl, preferably hydrogen or methyl, more preferably hydrogen.

    [0120] R.sub.7 may represent a hydrogen atom or (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, such as methyl or ethyl, preferably hydrogen or methyl, more preferably hydrogen.

    [0121] In various embodiments, R.sub.3 represents a group selected from (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.3, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-OR.sub.11, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SR.sub.11, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S(O)R.sub.11, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(O)(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SSR.sub.11, and (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-COOR.sub.11. In some embodiments, R.sub.3 may be (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.3, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SR.sub.11, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S(O)R.sub.11, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(O)(R.sub.11).sub.2, or (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SSR.sub.11. In specific embodiments, R.sub.3 may be (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N(R.sub.11).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.3, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SR.sub.11, or (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(R.sub.11).sub.2. In all such embodiments of R.sub.3, R.sub.7 is preferably hydrogen.

    [0122] In various embodiments, R.sub.9 represents one or at least two substituents. Generally, in such embodiments, R.sub.9 is selected from a methoxy group or a N((C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl).sub.2 or N.sup.+((C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl).sub.3 group, preferably being in the 4-position, and/or a halogen, preferably chlorine, atom, preferably being in the 3-position. In various embodiments, R.sub.9 represent 2 different substituents, one being selected from a methoxy group or a N((C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl).sub.2 or N.sup.+((C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl).sub.3 group, preferably being in the 4-position, and the other being a halogen, preferably chlorine, atom, preferably being in the 3-position.

    [0123] In some embodiments, R.sub.10 represents a single substituent selected from the given list, preferably a hydrogen atom. This results in the phenyl ring of unit A of the cryptophycin structure being unsubstituted.

    [0124] All of the above described more specific embodiments of R.sub.1R.sub.10 and X may be present individually or in combination.

    [0125] In various embodiments, R.sub.11 is hydrogen or methyl. In various embodiments, wherein R.sub.11 is attached to a nitrogen atom, at least one R.sub.11 may not be hydrogen, for example methyl. In various other embodiments, in particular where R.sub.11 is attached to an oxygen atom, R.sup.11 may be an alkenyl group, such as ethenyl (vinyl) or 2-propenyl (allyl).

    [0126] In various embodiments, not all or no R.sub.12 is hydrogen.

    [0127] Accordingly, in various embodiments, R.sub.1 is methyl, each of R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 represents a hydrogen atom, R.sub.6 represents a hydrogen atom, R.sub.7 represents a hydrogen atom, R.sub.9 represents two substituents selected from a methoxy group and a halogen, preferably chlorine, atom, more preferably 3-chloro-4-methoxy (relative to the phenyl ring to which these are attached), and R.sub.10 represents a hydrogen atom. In such embodiments, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.3 and X may be as defined above, preferably R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 may be methyl and X is NH. In such embodiments, R.sub.3 may be as defined above, but may, in various embodiments, not be CH.sub.2N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 or CH.sub.2COOH.

    [0128] In various embodiments listed above, R.sub.3 represents (CH.sub.2).sub.pN(R.sub.13).sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.pSR.sub.13(CH.sub.2).sub.pOR.sub.13, (CH.sub.2).sub.p-1CHOR.sub.13CH.sub.3, or (CH.sub.2).sub.pS(O)R.sub.13 wherein p is 1, 2, 3 or 4, such as 1, 2 or 3, or 1 or 2, and R.sub.13 is preferably hydrogen or methyl. In such embodiments, the N atom or S atom may also be positively charged and be the corresponding ammonium, sulfonium or sulfoxonium group bearing an additional R.sub.13.

    [0129] The present invention also relates to cryptophycin derivatives that are obtainable using the compounds of formula (I) or (I.1). These may also be referred to as cryptophycin payloads and may be compounds of formula (I) or (I.1) or stereoisomer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, [0130] wherein [0131] X represents O or NR.sub.6; [0132] R.sub.1 represents a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, preferably methyl; [0133] R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; or alternatively R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; [0134] R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group or -Y-L-RCG.sub.1; or alternatively R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 or R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; with the proviso that one of R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 represents-Y-L-RCG.sub.1, and the others represent a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, preferably a hydrogen or (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl group; [0135] R.sub.9 represents one or more substituents of the phenyl nucleus selected, independently from each other, from: a hydrogen atom, OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkoxy, halogen, N(R.sub.12).sub.2, or N.sup.+(R.sub.12).sub.3; [0136] R.sub.10 represents one or more substituents of the phenyl nucleus selected, independently from each other, from: a hydrogen atom, OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkylene-OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkoxy and (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl; [0137] each R.sub.12 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl group or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; [0138] Y-L-RCG.sub.1 represents a group of formula: (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-NR.sub.13-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N.sup.+(R.sub.13).sub.2-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-O-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S(O)-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(O)(R.sub.13)-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(R.sub.13)-L-RCG.sub.1, or (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SS-L-RCG.sub.1; [0139] R.sub.13 represents a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; [0140] L represents a linker group; and RCG.sub.1 represents a reactive group.

    [0141] While the Y-L-RCG.sub.1 group may be any one of one of R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R.sub.8, in the following the invention is described in more detail based on embodiments, wherein R.sub.8 is -Y-L-RCG.sub.1. While this is one specific exemplary embodiment, all alternative embodiments in which any other of the residues is said group are still considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

    [0142] In various embodiments, such cryptophycin derivatives or payloads may be compounds of formula (II)

    ##STR00010## [0143] or stereoisomers or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, [0144] wherein [0145] X represents O or NR.sub.6; [0146] R.sub.1 represents a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, preferably methyl; [0147] R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; or alternatively R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; [0148] R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, and R.sub.7 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, preferably a hydrogen or (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl group; or alternatively R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; [0149] R.sub.9 represents one or more substituents of the phenyl nucleus selected, independently from each other, from: a hydrogen atom, OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkoxy, halogen, N(R.sub.12).sub.2, or N.sup.+(R.sub.12).sub.3; [0150] R.sub.10 represents one or more substituents of the phenyl nucleus selected, independently from each other, from: a hydrogen atom, OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkylene-OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkoxy and (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl; [0151] each R.sub.12 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl group or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; [0152] Y-L-RCG.sub.1 represents a group of formula: (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-NH-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-NR.sub.13-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-NR.sub.13C(O)O-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N.sup.+(R.sub.13).sub.2-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-O-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S(O)-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(O)(R.sub.13)-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S-L-RCG.sub.1, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(R.sub.13)-L-RCG.sub.1, or (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SS-L-RCG.sub.1; [0153] R.sub.13 represents a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; [0154] L represents a linker group; and RCG.sub.1 represents a reactive group.

    [0155] In these compounds, R.sub.13 is preferably methyl.

    [0156] In various embodiments, L represents a linker group selected from bivalent organic groups having a molecular weight of up to 1000. In various embodiments, L is a (cleavable) self-immolating linker. In specific embodiments, L is a linker of the formula Str-Pep-Sp, wherein Str is connected to RCG.sub.1 and Sp is connected to Y, in the form of RCG.sub.1-Str-Pep-Sp-Y-. Such embodiments are described in further detail below.

    [0157] The present invention is further directed to conjugates that are obtainable using the compounds of formula (II). These may be compounds of formula (I) or (I.1) or stereoisomer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, [0158] wherein [0159] X represents O or NR.sub.6; [0160] R.sub.1 represents a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, preferably methyl; [0161] R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; or alternatively R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; [0162] R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group or -Y-L-G-Ab; or alternatively R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 or R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; with the proviso that one of R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 represents-Y-L-G-Ab, and the others represent a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, preferably a hydrogen or (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl group; [0163] R.sub.9 represents one or more substituents of the phenyl nucleus selected, independently from each other, from: a hydrogen atom, OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkoxy, halogen, N(R.sub.12).sub.2, or N.sup.+(R.sub.12).sub.3; [0164] R.sub.10 represents one or more substituents of the phenyl nucleus selected, independently from each other, from: a hydrogen atom, OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkylene-OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkoxy and (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl; [0165] each R.sub.12 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl group or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; [0166] Y-L-G-Ab represents a group of formula: (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-NR.sub.13-L-G-Ab, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N.sup.+(R.sub.13).sub.2-L-G-Ab, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-O-L-G-Ab, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S(O)-L-G-Ab, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(O)(R.sub.13)-L-G-Ab, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S-L-G-Ab, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(R.sub.13)-L-G-Ab, or (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SS-L-G-Ab; [0167] R.sub.13 represents a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; [0168] L represents a linker group; [0169] G represents the product of reaction between RCG.sub.1, a reactive chemical group present at the end of the linker and RCG.sub.2, an orthogonal reactive chemical group present on Ab; and [0170] Ab represents a peptide moiety, preferably an oligopeptide or polypeptide moiety, preferably an antibody or antibody-like molecule, or a small molecule, such as folic acid, DUPA (Glu-urea-Glu), acetazolamide and analogs thereof, or FAP (fibroblast activation protein) inhibitors, as a targeting moiety.

    [0171] In such embodiments, L may be as defined above, i.e. a linker group selected from bivalent organic groups having a molecular weight of up to 1000. In various embodiments, L is a (cleavable) self-immolating linker.

    [0172] While the Y-L-G-Ab group may be any one of one of R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R.sub.8, in the following the invention is described in more detail based on embodiments, wherein R.sub.8 is Y-L-G-Ab. While this is one specific exemplary embodiment, all alternative embodiments in which any other of the residues is said group are still considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

    [0173] In various embodiments, these conjugates are compounds of formula (III)

    ##STR00011## [0174] or stereoisomers or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, [0175] wherein [0176] X represents O or NR.sub.6; [0177] R.sub.1 represents a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, preferably methyl; [0178] R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; or alternatively R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; [0179] R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, and R.sub.7 represent, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, preferably a hydrogen or (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl group; or alternatively R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 form together with the carbon atom to which they are attached a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; [0180] R.sub.9 represents one or more substituents of the phenyl nucleus selected, independently from each other, from: a hydrogen atom, OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkoxy, halogen, N(R.sub.12).sub.2, or N.sup.+(R.sub.12).sub.3; [0181] R.sub.10 represents one or more substituents of the phenyl nucleus selected, independently from each other, from: a hydrogen atom, OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkylene-OH, (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkoxy and (C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl; [0182] each R.sub.12 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)cycloalkyl group or a (C.sub.3-C.sub.6)heterocycloalkyl group; [0183] Y-L-Ab represents a group of formula: (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-NR.sub.13-L-G-Ab, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N.sup.+(R.sub.13).sub.2-L-G-Ab, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-O-L-G-Ab, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S(O)-L-G-Ab, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(O)(R.sub.13)-L-G-Ab, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S-L-G-Ab, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(R.sub.13)-L-G-Ab, or (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SS-L-G-Ab; [0184] R.sub.13 represents a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group; [0185] L represents a linker group; [0186] G represents the product of reaction between RCG.sub.1, a reactive chemical group present at the end of the linker and RCG.sub.2, an orthogonal reactive chemical group present on Ab; and Ab may be a peptide moiety, for example an oligopeptide or polypeptide moiety, such as an antibody or antibody-like molecule, or a small molecule, such as folic acid (targeting folate receptor), DUPA (Glu-urea-Glu), acetazolamide and analogs thereof (targeting carbonic anhydrase IX), or FAP inhibitors (targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein). Such moieties may function, for example, as a targeting moiety.

    [0187] All embodiments for R.sub.1 to R.sub.7 and R.sub.9 to R.sub.10 and X disclosed above in relation to the compounds of formulae (I) and (I.1) also apply to the compounds of formula (II) and (III).

    [0188] The attachment between the cryptophycin payload/derivative described herein, in particular those of formula (II), and the peptide moiety or small molecule Ab, in order to obtain the conjugates of the invention, in particular those of formula (III), are produced by means of the reactive chemical group RCG.sub.1 present on the payload that is reactive towards a reactive group RCG.sub.2 present on Ab, i.e. the peptide moiety or small molecule, for example an antibody. The reaction between RCG1 and RCG2 ensures the attachment of the cryptophycin compound, i.e. the payload or derivative, as defined herein, including those of formula (II) to the peptide moiety or small molecule by formation of a covalent bond.

    [0189] In the conjugates of the invention, such as those of formula (III), parts of RCG.sub.1 and RCG.sub.2 can remain, for example as G, forming the attachment between the linker and the antibody.

    [0190] In various embodiments, RCG.sub.1 is alkenyl, such as ethenyl, alkynyl, such as ethynyl, N.sub.3 or N-maleinimide.

    [0191] Generally, examples of RCG.sub.1 include, without limitation, [0192] (i) C(O)Z.sub.aR.sub.a wherein Z.sub.a represents a single bond, O or NH, preferably O, and R.sub.a represents a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl, (C.sub.3-C.sub.7)cycloalkyl, alkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl or (C.sub.3-C.sub.7)heterocycloalkyl group. The aryl group may be substituted by 1 to 5 groups selected from halogen, in particular F, alkyl, alkoxy, nitro and cyano groups; [0193] (ii) one of the following reactive groups, the maleimido

    ##STR00012## group; the haloacetamido group N(R.sub.14)C(O)CH.sub.2Br or N(R.sub.14)C(O)CH.sub.2I with R.sub.14 representing a hydrogen atom or a (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkyl group, more specifically methyl; Cl; N.sub.3; OH, SH, NH.sub.2; CCH or an activated CC such as a cyclooctyne moiety like

    ##STR00013## an O-alkyl hydroxylamine or a Pictet-Spengler reaction substrate, such as

    ##STR00014## described in Agarwal et al. (Bioconjugate Chem 2013, 24, 846-851).

    [0194] In various embodiments, Z.sub.aR.sub.a may represent OH, OCH.sub.3, OCH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2,

    ##STR00015## (ONHS) or

    ##STR00016##

    wherein M is hydrogen or a cation, such as sodium or potassium, or

    ##STR00017##

    wherein GI represents at least one electroinductive group, such as nitro of halogen, preferably fluorine, with exemplary groups being

    ##STR00018##

    Another type of C(O)Z.sub.aR.sub.a includes

    ##STR00019##

    [0195] Examples of RCG2 include, without limitation, those described by Garnett et al. (Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews 2001, 53, 171-216). Exemplary groups include, without limitation, [0196] (i) epsilon-amino groups of lysines borne by the side chains of lysine residues that are present in the peptide moiety or antibody; [0197] (ii) alpha-amino groups of N-terminal amino acids of peptide moieties, such as antibody heavy and/or light chains; [0198] (iii) saccharide groups that may, for example, be present in glycosylated peptides/proteins, such as the antibody hinge region; [0199] (iv) the thiols of cysteines present in peptide moieties, such as antibodies, that may be engineered or generated by reducing disulfide bonds; [0200] (v) amide groups, such as those present in the side chains of glutamine or asparagine in peptides or proteins, including antibodies; and [0201] (vi) aldehyde groups, optionally introduced using formylglycine generating enzyme.

    [0202] More recently, other conjugation approaches have been considered, for instance the introduction of cysteines by mutation (Junutula J. R., et al., Nature Biotechnology 2008, 26, 925-932), the introduction of unnatural amino acids allowing other types of chemistry (Axup J. Y., et al., PNAS 2012, 109, 40, 16101-16106) or the conjugation on antibody glycans (Zhou Q., et al., Bioconjugate Chem. 2014, 25, 510-520). Another approach for site-specific modifications of antibodies is based on enzymatic labeling using for example bacterial transglutaminase (Jeger S., et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2010, 49, 9995-9997; Strop P., et al., Chem. Biol. 2013, 20, 161-167) or formylglycine generating enzyme (Hudak J. E., et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2012, 51, 4161-4165). For a review of site-specific conjugation strategies, see Agarwal P. and Bertozzi C. R., Bioconjugate Chem 2015, 26, 176-192. These conjugation technologies may also be applied to cryptophycin payloads described in the present invention.

    [0203] It is also possible to chemically modify the peptide moiety, such as an antibody, so as to introduce novel reactive chemical groups RCG2. Thus, it is well known to those skilled in the art how to modify an antibody with the aid of a modifying agent introducing for example activated disulfide, thiol, maleimido or haloacetamido groups (see especially WO2005/077090 page 14 and WO2011/001052). The modification makes it possible to improve the conjugation reaction and to use a wider variety of groups RCG1. More particularly, in the case where RCG1 is of the type (ii) above, it is possible to chemically modify the antibody using an adequate modifying agent or to introduce one or more unnatural amino acids so as to introduce the adequate functions RCG2.

    [0204] For example: [0205] when RCG1 represents a N-hydroxysuccinimidyl ester, RCG2 represents a NH.sub.2 group; [0206] when RCG1 represents a maleimido or haloacetamido function or a Cl group, RCG2 may be a SH group; [0207] when RCG1 represents a N.sub.3 group, RCG2 may be a CCH group or an activated CC such as a cyclooctyne moiety; [0208] when RCG1 represents a OH or NH.sub.2 group, RCG2 may be a carboxylic acid or amide function; [0209] when RCG1 represents a SH group, RCG2 may be a maleimido or haloacetamido function; [0210] when RCG1 represents a CCH function or an activated CC, RCG2 may be a N.sub.3 group; [0211] when RCG1 represents a O-alkyl hydroxylamine function or a Pictet-Spengler reaction substrate, RCG2 may be an aldehyde or ketone function.

    [0212] Examples of G that result from reaction of RCG1 and RCG2 include, without limitation,

    ##STR00020##

    [0213] In various embodiments of the cryptophycin derivatives/payloads of the invention, in particular those of formula (II), or the conjugates of the invention, in particular those of formula (III), L is a linker of the formula Str-Pep-Sp, wherein Str is a stretcher unit, Pep is a bond, a peptidyl moiety or non-peptide linker unit, and Sp is a spacer unit. The linker is preferably oriented such that the Sp spacer unit is attached to the cryptophycin moiety. The Pep unit is preferably oriented such that the N-terminus is attached to the Str unit and the C-terminus to the Sp unit.

    [0214] Str may be a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene- group, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-C(O) group, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-NH group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bNH group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bNH group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, or a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, wherein a and b are independently 0 or an integer of 1 to 4, and n is an integer of 1 to 20. In such embodiments, RCG.sub.1 is connected to the alkylene or CH.sub.2 group, i.e. in the form of RCG.sub.1-(C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-, RCG.sub.1-(C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-C(O), RCG.sub.1-(C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-NH, RCG.sub.1-(CH.sub.2).sub.a(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bNH, RCG.sub.1-(CH.sub.2).sub.a(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bNH, -RCG.sub.1-(CH.sub.2).sub.a(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O), or RCG.sub.1- (CH.sub.2).sub.a(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O). In various embodiments, Str may be a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-C(O) group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, or a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group.

    [0215] In various embodiments, Sp may be a spacer unit of formula

    ##STR00021##

    wherein n is 1, 2, 3 or 4, for example 1 or 2, and R.sub.15 is H or C.sub.1-6 alkyl, such as methyl.

    [0216] In such embodiments, Pep is connected to the left side and Y to the right side.

    [0217] Pep may be a bond, a peptidyl moiety, or a non-peptide chemical moiety.

    [0218] Suitable non-peptide chemical moieties may be selected from the group consisting of:

    ##STR00022## [0219] wherein [0220] W is NH-heterocycloalkylene- or heterocycloalkylene; [0221] Z is bivalent heteroaryl, aryl, C(O)(C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene, (C.sub.2-C.sub.6)alkenyl, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene or (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-NH; [0222] each R.sub.21 is independently (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, (C.sub.2-C.sub.10)alkenyl, (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylNHC(NH)NH.sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylNHC(O)NH.sub.2 or (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nOH or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.nH with n=3 to 50; [0223] R.sub.22 and R.sub.23 are each independently H, (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, (C.sub.2-C.sub.10)alkenyl, arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, or (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nOH or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.nH with n=3 to 20, or R.sub.22 and R.sub.23 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form (C.sub.3-C.sub.7)cycloalkyl; and [0224] R.sub.24 and R.sub.25 are each independently (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, (C.sub.2-C.sub.10)alkenyl, arylalkyl, or heteroarylalkyl, CH.sub.2O(C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkyl, or R.sub.22 and R.sub.23 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form (C.sub.3-C.sub.7)cycloalkyl.

    [0225] In various embodiments, Pep is a peptidyl moiety and comprises or consists of 1 to 10 amino acids, typically 2 to 4 amino acids linked by peptide bonds. The amino acids may be in D or L configuration and may comprise natural and unnatural amino acids, in particular proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic amino acids. If not indicated otherwise, amino acids in L configuration are used in all concrete examples. It is however understood that any of these L-amino acids may be replaced by the corresponding D-amino acid. Said amino acids may be selected from, without limitation, alanine (Ala), beta-alanine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, 2-amino-2.cyclohexylacetic acid, 2-amino-2-phenylacetic acid, arginine (Arg), asparagine (Asn), aspartic acid (Asp), citrulline (Cit), cysteine (Cys), alpha,alpha-dimethyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid, beta,beta-dimethyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamine (Gln), glutamic acid (Glu), glycine (Gly), histidine (His), isoleucine (lie), leucine (Leu), lysine (Lys), epsilon-acetyl-lysine (AcLys), methionine (Met), ornithine (Orn), phenylalanine (Phe), proline (Pro), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr), and valine (Val). In various embodiments, the amino acids are selected from alanine, citrulline, glutamine, glycine, epsilon.acetyl-lysine, valine, lysine and beta-alanine. In various embodiments, the Pep moiety may be a dipeptide, tripeptide or tetrapeptide, such as Gly-Gly, Phe-Lys, Val-Lys, Val-AcLys, Val-Cit, Phe-Phe-Lys, D-Phe-Phe-Lys, Gly-Phe-Lys, Ala-Lys, Val-Ala, Phe-Cit, Leu-Cit, Ile-Cit, Trp-Cit, Phe-Ala, Ala-Phe, Gly-Gly-Gly, Gly-Ala-Phe, Gly-Val-Cit, Glu-Val-Ala, Gly-Phe-Leu-Cit, Gly-Phe-Leu-Gly, Ala-Leu-Ala-Leu, and Lys-Ala-Val-Cit. In all these peptides, Ala may be replaced by beta-alanine. In various embodiments, the Pep moiety is a Val-Cit moiety, a Lys-p-Ala-Val-Cit moiety, a Phe-Lys moiety, a Glu-Val-Ala or a Val-Ala moiety.

    [0226] In various embodiments, the amino acids in the Pep moiety may be further modified, in particular by side chain modifications. One exemplary modification is PEGylation, i.e. attachment of a polyethylene glycol moiety, typically comprising 2 to 25 units. In some embodiments, amino groups in the side chain are modified, such as those of lysine. PEGylation, for example by attachment of the PEG moiety to the terminal side chain amino group of lysine, can be achieved using routine methods (See, e.g., Veronese F M. Peptide and protein PEGylation: a review of problems and solutions. Biomaterials. 2001; 22(5):405-417; Tan H, et al. Curr Pharm Des. 2018; 24(41):4932-4946; Bumbaca, B. et al. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2019; 34(1):42-54). For this reaction, the PEG is typically activated with NHS forming N-hydroxylsuccinimide (NHS) functionalized polyethylene glycol (PEG-NHS). The terminal end of the PEG moiety may be capped, for example with a methoxy group.

    [0227] In various embodiments of the cryptophycin derivatives of the present invention, in particular those of formula (II), RCG.sub.1 is a maleimido

    ##STR00023##

    group and L is a group of formula Str-Pep-Sp. In such embodiments, the Str unit is attached to the maleimino group and preferably a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-C(O) group, a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, or a (CH.sub.2).sub.a(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.n(CH.sub.2).sub.bC(O) group, wherein a and b are independently 0 or an integer of 1 to 4, preferably a is 1 to 4, for example 2 to 4, and b is 0 or 1, and n is an integer of 1 to 20, preferably a a (C.sub.1-C.sub.10)alkylene-C(O) group, preferably a C.sub.4-7 alkylene-C(O), more preferably linear C.sub.5C(O) alkylene group, such as maleimidocaproyl. In these embodiments, RCG.sub.1 is coupled to the left side of the Str unit, i.e. the alkylene or CH.sub.2 unit. In such embodiments, Pep is a peptidyl moiety, preferably selected from Gly-Gly, Phe-Lys, Val-Lys, Val-AcLys, Val-Cit, Phe-Phe-Lys, D-Phe-Phe-Lys, Gly-Phe-Lys, Ala-Lys, Val-Ala, Phe-Cit, Leu-Cit, Ile-Cit, Trp-Cit, Phe-Ala, Ala-Phe, Gly-Gly-Gly, Gly-Ala-Phe, Gly-Val-Cit, Glu-Val-Ala, Gly-Phe-Leu-Cit, Gly-Phe-Leu-Gyl, Ala-Leu-Ala-Leu, and Lys-Ala-Val-Cit or the respective beta-alanine variants thereof, more preferably selected from a Val-Cit moiety, a Lys--Ala-Val-Cit moiety, a Phe-Lys moiety, a Glu-Val-Ala moiety or a Val-Ala moiety, most preferably a Lys--Ala-Val-Cit moiety, with Lys optionally being PEGylated. All of these peptides are given in N- to C-terminal orientation, with Str attached to N-terminus (such as via the C(O) unit) and Sp attached to the C-terminus (such as via the NH unit).

    [0228] In various embodiments, Sp may be a spacer unit of formula

    ##STR00024##

    wherein n is 1, 2, 3 or 4, for example 1 or 2, and R.sub.15 is H or C.sub.10.6 alkyl, such as methyl, and wherein the NH group is attached to the C-terminus of the Pep moiety. In sp3, the (CH.sub.2).sub.n group may be replaced by another linking group, such as branched alkylene, a heteroalkylene moiety or a cyclic group.

    [0229] In these embodiments, Y is preferably (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-N.sup.+(R.sub.13).sub.2, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(R.sub.13), (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-S.sup.+(O)(R.sub.13) if Sp is (sp1) or (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-NR.sub.13, (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-O if Sp is (sp2) or (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-O if Sp is (sp3). Alternatively, mixed disulfide formation (C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene-SS(C.sub.1-C.sub.6)alkylene- is possible and may, in some embodiments, even represent the Y-L moiety. It is generally preferred that if Sp is of the formula of sp1, Y comprises a charged heteroatom. In case Sp is sp3, it is preferred that the diamine moiety comprises carbamate groups on both ends. In sp3 the methylene moiety between the two amino groups may also be replaced by other linkers. In case Sp is sp2, the Y moiety is typically uncharged. In all these embodiments, the functional group of Y, i.e. the heteroatom, is attached to Sp (the right side of the depicted formulae).

    [0230] In various embodiments, -L-RCG.sub.1 is of formula:

    ##STR00025##

    wherein AA represents any amino acid and n is 2 to 10, for example 2 to 8 or 2 to 6 or 2 to 5, or 2, 3 or 4. The amino acids are linked by peptide bonds and are in this formula in C to N-terminal orientation, i.e. the C-terminus is linked to NH via a peptide bond and the N-terminus is linked to C(O) via a peptide bond. In such embodiments, the Sp unit on the left side of the formula (-phenyl-NH) may also be replaced by any one of sp1, sp 2 and sp3, as defined above, with the NH group of sp1, sp2 or sp3 being attached to the (AA)n group.

    [0231] In these embodiments, the amino acids may be selected from, without limitation, alanine (Ala), beta-alanine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, 2-amino-2.cyclohexylacetic acid, 2-amino-2-phenylacetic acid, arginine (Arg), asparagine (Asn), aspartic acid (Asp), citrulline (Cit), cysteine (Cys), alpha,alpha-dimethyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid, beta,beta-dimethyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamine (Gln), glutamic acid (Glu), glycine (Gly), histidine (His), isoleucine (lie), leucine (Leu), lysine (Lys), epsilon-acetyl-lysine (AcLys), methionine (Met), ornithine (Orn), phenylalanine (Phe), proline (Pro), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr), and valine (Val). In various embodiments, the amino acids are selected from alanine, citrulline, glutamine/glutamic acid, glycine, epsilon-acetyl-lysine, valine, lysine and beta-alanine. Further embodiments of amino acids that may be used in such a linker are described in the examples. In various embodiments, the Pep moiety may be a dipeptide, tripeptide or tetrapeptide, such as Gly-Gly, Phe-Lys, Val-Lys, Val-AcLys, Val-Cit, Phe-Phe-Lys, D-Phe-Phe-Lys, Gly-Phe-Lys, Ala-Lys, Val-Ala, Phe-Cit, Leu-Cit, Ile-Cit, Trp-Cit, Phe-Ala, Ala-Phe, Gly-Gly-Gly, Gly-Ala-Phe, Gly-Val-Cit, Glu-Val-Ala, Gly-Phe-Leu-Cit, Gly-Phe-Leu-Gyl, Ala-Leu-Ala-Leu, and Lys-Ala-Val-Cit. In all these peptides, Ala may be replaced by beta-alanine. In various embodiments, the Pep moiety is a Val-Cit moiety, a Lys-p-Ala-Val-Cit moiety, a Phe-Lys moiety, a Glu-Val-Ala or a Val-Ala moiety. All peptide linker blocks disclosed in the examples are considered preferred embodiments in the sense of the present invention and may be combined with any other RCG1 or Y moiety, as more generally described herein.

    [0232] In some embodiments, the group L-RCG.sub.1 is of formula

    ##STR00026##

    wherein Raa is any amino acid side chain, in particular a side chain of the above-disclosed amino acids. The beta-alanine unit in these groups may be replaced by a bond or by another amino acid to be selected from the above list. In these groups, the phenyl-NH moiety may be replaced by any one of sp1, sp2 or sp3.

    [0233] In still further embodiments, the group L-RCG.sub.1 is of formula

    ##STR00027##

    wherein PEG is a poly(ethylene glycol) unit, for example of the formula (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.p(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.q, wherein p is 1 to 20 and q is 0 or 1. In these groups, the phenyl-NH moiety may be replaced by any one of sp1, sp2 and sp3.

    [0234] In all the above embodiments, Y and RCG1 are selected from those disclosed herein, including the preferred embodiments disclosed herein. RCG1 may for example be maleimido or ethynyl.

    [0235] The respective moieties RCG1-L-Y may thus, in various embodiments, be groups of the formula (IV.1) or (IV.2):

    ##STR00028##

    [0236] The peptidyl linkers/peptide moieties used in these formulae (Lys--Ala-Val-Cit moiety) may be replaced by any of those disclosed above, namely a dipeptide, tripeptide or tetrapeptide, such as Gly-Gly, Phe-Lys, Val-Lys, Val-AcLys, Val-Cit, Phe-Phe-Lys, D-Phe-Phe-Lys, Gly-Phe-Lys, Ala-Lys, Val-Ala, Phe-Cit, Leu-Cit, Ile-Cit, Trp-Cit, Phe-Ala, Ala-Phe, Gly-Gly-Gly, Gly-Ala-Phe, Gly-Val-Cit, Glu-Val-Ala, Gly-Phe-Leu-Cit, Gly-Phe-Leu-Gyl, Ala-Leu-Ala-Leu, and Lys-Ala-Val-Cit. In some embodiments, the peptidyl linker may be the Glu-Val-Ala linker. In all these, Ala may be replaced by beta-alanine.

    [0237] In the compounds of formula (IV.1), the ammonium nitrogen (N.sup.+(CH.sub.3).sub.2) may also be replace by a sulfonium or sulfoxonium group, for example of the formula S.sup.+(CH.sub.3) or S.sup.+(O)(CH.sub.3).

    [0238] The embodiments, where the peptide linking group shown in formulae IV.1 and IV.2 is replaced by any other peptide group listed above, this may be combined with the replacement of the ammonium group in formula IV.1 with the sulfonium or sulfoxonium group, as described above. For example, if in formula IV.1 or iV.2 the peptidyl linker is Glu-Ala-Val, the ammonium group in formula IV.1 may be replaced by S.sup.+(CH.sub.3) or S.sup.+(O)(CH.sub.3).

    [0239] All embodiments of L disclosed above for the compounds of formula (II) also apply to the compounds of formula (III). Suitable linkers and their chemistry are also described in more detail in WO 2016/090050 A1, which is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.

    [0240] Exemplary moieties Ab-G-L-Y can, in various embodiments, be selected from the groups of formula (V.1) and (V.2):

    ##STR00029##

    [0241] In the compounds of formula (V.1), the ammonium nitrogen (N.sup.+(CH.sub.3).sub.2) may also be replaced by a sulfonium or sulfoxonium group, for example of the formula S.sup.+(CH.sub.3) or S.sup.+(O)(CH.sub.3).

    [0242] The L-RCG.sub.1 moiety may, in various embodiments where Y comprises a SS group, be (CH.sub.2).sub.nC(O)NH(CH.sub.2).sub.n-RCG.sub.1, with each n independently being 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. In such embodiments, RCG.sub.1 may be ethynyl. The corresponding reaction products where RCG.sub.1 has reacted with RCG.sub.2-Ab are also encompassed.

    [0243] In the conjugates of the invention, in particular those of formula (III), (V.1) and (V.2), Ab represents a peptide moiety, for example an oligopeptide or polypeptide moiety, such as an antibody or antibody-like molecule.

    [0244] Alternatively, it may be or a small molecule, for example a small organic molecule, such as folic acid, DUPA (Glu-urea-Glu), acetazolamide and analogs thereof, or FAP inhibitors.

    [0245] In various embodiments, Ab functions as a targeting moiety. In these embodiments, the Ab moiety facilitates delivery of the molecule, in particular the cryptophycin payload, to its site of action, typically a tissue or cell type that is specifically recognized and bound by the Ab moiety. The function of the Ab moiety is thus to direct the biologically active compound as a cytotoxic compound towards the biological target.

    [0246] Alternatively, Ab may itself be a biologically active compounds, such as a pharmaceutically active compound, or a tag that allows detection or labeling.

    [0247] The term peptide, as used in this context, relates to a polymer of at least 2 amino acids, typically proteinogenic amino acids selected from the 20 naturally occurring proteinogenic amino acids Gly, Ala, Val, Leu, lie, Phe, Met, Cys, His, Lys, Arg, Glu, Asp, Gln, Asn, Ser, Thr, Pro, Trp and Tyr, that are linked by a peptide bond and coupled to the linker moiety, for example, via the moiety G (resulting from reaction of RCG1 with RCG2). Oligopeptide, as used herein, relates to peptides of 3 to 50 amino acids, while polypeptide relates to peptides of more than 50 amino acids in length. In various embodiments, the polypeptide may be an antibody. The antibody may be monoclonal, polyclonal or multispecific. It may also be an antibody fragment. In various embodiments, it may also be a murine, chimeric, humanized or human antibody. The antibody may be a IgM, IgD, IgG (e g. IgG1, igG2, IgG3, IgG4), IgA (IgA1, IgA2) or IgE antibody or a hybrid form. Suitable antibodies encompass both conventional (full-length) antibodies and fragments thereof, as well as single domain antibodies and fragments thereof, in particular variable heavy chain of single domain antibodies Fragments of (conventional) antibodies typically comprise a portion of an intact antibody, in particular the antigen binding region or variable region of the intact antibody, and retain the biological function of the conventional antibody. Examples of such fragments include Fv, Fab, F(ab).sub.2, Fab, dsFv, (dsFv).sub.2, scFv, sc(Fv).sub.2 and diabodies.

    [0248] Antibody-like molecules may function similar to antibodies but are structurally no antibodies. Such molecules include, for example and without limitation, anticalins, aptamers and the like. They may chemically be peptides or include peptide moieties, but may also be non-peptide compounds, such as nucleic acids and derivatives thereof.

    [0249] Oligopeptides that may be used as moieties Ab, include, without limitation, various peptide hormones, such as somatostatin and analogs thereof, such as octreotide.

    [0250] The Ab moiety may be a peptide or small molecule that may, in various embodiments, include amino acid moieties. Small molecule, as used in this context, relates to small organic molecules that are for example up to 1500 Da in size. Examples for such a compound are DUPA (Glu-urea-Glu; 2-[3-(1,3-dicarboxypropyl)ureido]pentanedioic acid) or EUK (Glu-urea-Lys). It is known that such Glu-ureido-based peptides target prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), an antigen expressed in certain prostate cancers. Other examples of small molecules that function as targeting moieties include, amongst others, folic acid, HDAC (histone deacetylase) inhibitors, such as Givinostat, Panobinostat, and Vorinostat, KSP (kinesin spindle protein) inhibitors, such as 2-propylamino-2,4-diaryl-2,5-dihydropyrroles, ARRY-520, etc. It is known that folate receptors are overexpressed in a large number of tumors, rendering folic acid a suitable targeting moiety for targeting tumor cells. Further examples include acetazolamide and analogs thereof, such as N-methyl-acetazolamide or 5-amino-2-sulfonamide-1,3,4-thiadiazole, as well as Fibroblast Activating Protein (FAP) inhibitors, including without limitation, UAMC1110, N-(4-quinolinoyl)-Gly-(2-cyanopyrrolidines), FAPI-04 and derivatives thereof, Talabostat. FAP inhibitors may also include antibodies, such as sibrotumzumab.

    [0251] Generally, the Ab moiety may direct the molecule to an antigen of choice. Such antigens include, for example, tumor-associated antigens (TAA), cell surface receptor proteins and other cell surface molecules, transmembrane proteins, signaling proteins, cell survival regulatory factors, cell proliferation regulatory factors, molecules associated with (for e.g., known or suspected to contribute functionally to) tissue development or differentiation, lymphokines, cytokines, molecules involved in cell cycle regulation, molecules involved in vasculogenesis and molecules associated with (for e.g., known or suspected to contribute functionally to) angiogenesis. The tumor-associated antigen may be a cluster differentiation factor (i.e., a CD protein). An antigen to which a compound/conjugate of the invention is capable of binding may be a member of a subset of one of the above-mentioned categories, wherein the other subset(s) of said category comprise other molecules/antigens that have a distinct characteristic (with respect to the antigen of interest).

    [0252] Various polypeptide (antigen) targets, in particular TAAs, for the targeting moieties (Ab) of the present invention, in particular antibodies and antibody-like molecules, include, but are not limited to the following polypeptides CLL1; BMPR1B; E16; STEAP1; 0772P; MPF; NaPi2b; Sema 5b; PSCA hlg; ETBR, MSG783; STEAP2, TrpM4; CRIPTO; CD21; CD79b; FcRH2; HER2; NCA; MDP; IL20R.sub.a; Brevican; EphB2R; ASLG659; PSCA; GEDA; BAFF-R; CD22, CD79a; CXCR5; HLA-DOB; P2X5; CD72; LY64; FcRH1; IRTA2; TENB2; PMEL17; TMEFF1; GDNF-Ral; Ly6E; TMEM46, Ly6G6D; LGR5; RET; LY6K; GPR19; GPR54; ASPHD1; Tyrosinase; TMEM118; GPR172A; MUC16 and CD33. These targets and suitable antibodies, such as anti-CD33; anti-NaPi2b and anti-CD21 antibodies, are described in more detail in WO 2016/090050 A1, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other suitable antibodies include those already approved and marketed as anti-cancer drugs, such as bevacizumab, rituximab, trastuzumab, gemtuzunab, alemtuzumab, cetuximab, ibritumomab, tositumomab, panitumumab, catumaxomab, ofatumumab, ipilimumab, and brentuximab vedotin.

    [0253] The Ab moieties of the invention comprise a reactive group RCG2 or may be designed, engineered or synthesized to comprise such a reactive group orthogonal to the reactive group RCG1 present on the linker. In particular peptides, oligopeptides and polypeptides, such as antibodies, may be modified or designed to comprise such reactive groups, typically as side chains or amino acids that are easily accessible at the surface of the molecule.

    [0254] Accordingly, in various embodiments, the compounds of the invention include antibody-drug conjugates comprising cysteine engineered antibodies where one or more amino acids of a wild-type or parent antibody are replaced with a cysteine amino acid. Any form of antibody may be so engineered, i.e. mutated. Mutants with replaced (engineered) cysteine (Cys) residues are evaluated for the reactivity of the newly introduced, engineered cysteine thiol groups. The thiol reactivity value is a relative, numerical term in the range of 0 to 1.0 and can be measured for any cysteine engineered antibody. Thiol reactivity values of cysteine engineered antibodies may be in the ranges of 0.6 to 1.0; 0.7 to 1.0; or 0.8 to 1.0. To prepare a cysteine engineered antibody by mutagenesis, DNA encoding an amino acid sequence variant of the starting polypeptide is prepared by a variety of methods known in the art. These methods include, but are not limited to, preparation by site-directed (or oligonucleotide-mediated) mutagenesis, PCR mutagenesis, and cassette mutagenesis of an earlier prepared DNA encoding the polypeptide. Variants of recombinant antibodies may be constructed also by restriction fragment manipulation or by overlap extension PCR with synthetic oligonucleotides. Mutagenic primers encode the cysteine codon replacement(s). Standard mutagenesis techniques can be employed to generate DNA encoding such mutant cysteine engineered antibodies. General guidance can be found in Sambrook et al Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989.

    [0255] Cysteine amino acids may be engineered at reactive sites in an antibody and which do not form intrachain or intermolecular disulfide linkages (U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,521,541; 7,723,485; WO2009/052249). The engineered cysteine thiols may react with linker reagents or the linker-drug intermediates of the present invention which have thiol-reactive, electrophilic groups such as maleimide or alpha-halo amides to form ADC with cysteine engineered antibodies (ThioMabs) and the drug (D) moiety. The location of the drug moiety can thus be designed, controlled, and known. The drug loading can be controlled since the engineered cysteine thiol groups typically react with thiol-reactive linker reagents or linker-drug intermediates in high yield. Engineering an antibody to introduce a cysteine amino acid by substitution at a single site on the heavy or light chain gives two new cysteines on the symmetrical antibody. A drug loading near 2 can be achieved and near homogeneity of the conjugation product ADC. Cysteine engineered antibodies of the invention preferably retain the antigen binding capability of their wild type, parent antibody counterparts. Thus, cysteine engineered antibodies are capable of binding, preferably specifically, to antigens. Cysteine engineered antibodies may be prepared for conjugation with linker-drug intermediates by reduction and reoxidation of intrachain disulfide groups.

    [0256] The present invention also encompasses the use of the cryptophycin compounds, derivatives and conjugates disclosed herein as a pharmaceutical, in particular the use of the conjugates of the present disclosure. The compounds, derivatives and conjugates for use as a pharmaceutical thus form one further aspect of the invention.

    [0257] The cryptophycin compounds, derivatives and conjugates of the invention, in particular the conjugates, may be used as a pharmaceutical for treating cancer. The invention thus also covers methods for the treatment of cancer, typically in a subject in need thereof, by administrating an effective amount, typically a therapeutically effective amount, of the compounds, derivatives and conjugates disclosed herein.

    [0258] As used herein, unless defined otherwise in a claim, the term treatment refers to alleviating the specified condition, eliminating or reducing one or more symptoms of the condition, slowing or eliminating the progression of the condition.

    [0259] As used herein, unless defined otherwise in a claim, the term effective amount means that amount of a drug or pharmaceutical agent that will elicit the biological or medical response of a tissue, system, animal, or human that is being sought, for instance, by a researcher or clinician.

    [0260] As used herein, unless defined otherwise in a claim, the term therapeutically effective amount means any amount which, as compared to a corresponding subject who has not received such amount, results in treatment of a disease, disorder, or side effect, or a decrease in the rate of advancement of a disease or disorder. The term also includes within its scope amounts effective to enhance normal physiological function. For use in therapy, therapeutically effective amounts of a compound/conjugates of the invention, as well as salts thereof, may be administered as the raw chemical. Additionally, the active ingredient may be presented as a pharmaceutical composition.

    [0261] In still another aspect, the invention features a pharmaceutical composition comprising any one or more of the cryptophycin compounds, derivatives or conjugates disclosed herein, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent, stabilizer and/or carrier. Suitable diluents, carriers, excipients or stabilizers are known to those skilled in the art and for example described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (1980) 16th edition, Osol, A. Ed.

    [0262] The phrase pharmaceutically acceptable salt, as used herein, refers to pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic salts of an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) or a linker-cryptophycin moiety or the cryptophycin compounds disclosed herein. Exemplary salts include, but are not limited, to sulfate, citrate, acetate, oxalate, chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate, bisulfate, phosphate, acid phosphate, isonicotinate, lactate, salicylate, acid citrate, tartrate, oleate, tannate, pantothenate, bitartrate, ascorbate, succinate, maleate, gentisinate, fumarate, gluconate, glucuronate, saccharate, formate, benzoate, glutamate, methanesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, and pamoate (i.e., 1,1-methylene-bis-(2-hydroxy-3-naphthoate)) salts. A pharmaceutically acceptable salt may involve the inclusion of another molecule such as an acetate ion, a succinate ion or other counterion. The counterion may be any organic or inorganic moiety that stabilizes the charge on the parent compound.

    [0263] Furthermore, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt may have more than one charged atom, in its structure. Instances where multiple charged atoms are part of the pharmaceutically acceptable salt can have multiple counter ions. Hence, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt can have one or more charged atoms and/or one or more counterion. Other salts, which are not pharmaceutically acceptable, may be useful in the preparation of compounds of this invention and these should be considered to form a further aspect of the invention. These salts, such as oxalic or trifluoroacetate, while not in themselves pharmaceutically acceptable, may be useful in the preparation of salts useful as intermediates in obtaining the compounds of the invention and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

    [0264] Compounds, such as conjugates, of the present invention may exist in solid or liquid form. In the solid state, it may exist in crystalline or noncrystalline form, or as a mixture thereof.

    [0265] The skilled artisan will appreciate that pharmaceutically acceptable solvates may be formed for crystalline or non-crystalline compounds. In crystalline solvates, solvent molecules are incorporated into the crystalline lattice during crystallization. Solvates may involve non-aqueous solvents such as, but not limited to, ethanol, isopropanol, DMSO, acetic acid, ethanolamine, or ethyl acetate, or they may involve water as the solvent that is incorporated into the crystalline lattice. Solvates wherein water is the solvent incorporated into the crystalline lattice are typically referred to as hydrates. Hydrates include stoichiometric hydrates as well as compositions containing variable amounts of water. The invention includes all such solvates. The skilled artisan will further appreciate that certain compounds of the invention that exist in crystalline form, including the various solvates thereof, may exhibit polymorphism (i.e. the capacity to occur in different crystalline structures). These different crystalline forms are typically known as polymorphs. The invention includes all such polymorphs. Polymorphs have the same chemical composition but differ in packing, geometrical arrangement, and other descriptive properties of the crystalline solid state. Polymorphs, therefore, may have different physical properties such as shape, density, hardness, deformability, stability, and dissolution properties. Polymorphs typically exhibit different melting points, IR spectra, and X-ray powder diffraction patterns, which may be used for identification. The skilled artisan will appreciate that different polymorphs may be produced, for example, by changing or adjusting the reaction conditions or reagents, used in making the compound. For example, changes in temperature, pressure, or solvent may result in polymorphs. In addition, one polymorph may spontaneously convert to another polymorph under certain conditions. Compounds of the present invention or a salt thereof may exist in stereoisomeric forms (e.g., it contains one or more asymmetric carbon atoms). The individual stereoisomers (enantiomers and diastereomers) and mixtures of these are included within the scope of the present invention.

    [0266] Pharmaceutical formulations of therapeutic antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) of the invention are typically prepared for parenteral administration, i.e. bolus, intravenous, intratumor injection with a pharmaceutically acceptable parenteral vehicle and in a unit dosage injectable form. An antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) having the desired degree of purity is optionally mixed with pharmaceutically acceptable diluents, carriers, excipients or stabilizers (Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (1980) 16th edition, Osol, A. Ed.), in the form of a lyophilized formulation or an aqueous solution.

    [0267] All documents cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

    EXAMPLES

    [0268] The examples which follow describe the preparation of certain compounds in accordance with the invention. These examples serve only as means of illustration and not limitation.

    [0269] Retrosynthetic disconnection of cryptophycin derivatives leads to four units, namely units A-D. The unit A, an ,-unsaturated 5-hydroxycarboxylic acid with four contiguous stereocenters and a benzylic epoxide, is the synthetically most challenging fragment. The native unit B constitutes a D-tyrosine derivative, where the D-configuration is crucial for the high biological activity, while modifications of the aromatic ring are tolerable to some extent. Unit C is an -monoalkylated or ,-dialkylated -alanine, while the unit D represents a L-leucic acid.

    ##STR00030##

    Example 1: Synthesis of Cryptophycin Compounds of the Invention

    General Procedure GP I

    [0270] Unit D (1.5 eq.) and building block ABC A3 (1.0 eq.) were dissolved in abs. tetrahydrofuran (20 mL/mmol) under argon protective atmosphere and cooled in an ice bath. Triethylamine (11 eq.), 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (0.2 eq.) were added followed by 2,4,6-trichlorobenzoyl chloride (2.4 eq) added over 10 minutes. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0 C. Reaction progress was monitored by TLC. After complete conversion was achieved, citric acid (10 wt %, 105 mL/mmol) was added and the solution was extracted with ethyl acetate (490 mL/mmol). The combined organic phases were washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (90 mL/mmol) and brine (90 mL/mmol), dried over magnesium sulfate and the volatile components removed.

    General Procedure GP II

    [0271] The protected open chain cryptophycin (1 eq.) was dissolved in a solution of HCl in dioxane (4 M, 20 mL/mmol), water (1.0 mL/mmol) was added and the solution was stirred at 0 C. for 1.5 hours. The solvent was removed and the obtained colourless solid was dried under high vacuum. This was dissolved in dimethylformamide (60 mL/mmol) and diisopropylethylamine (3 eq.) and HATU (1.5 eq.) were added. The solution was stirred for 5 hours at room temperature and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The solid obtained was taken up in ethyl acetate (800 mL/mmol) and washed with water (2200 mL/mmol), saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (3240 mL/mmol) and brine (320 mL), dried over magnesium sulfate and the solvent removed.

    General Procedure GP III

    [0272] Cryptophycin diol (1 eq.) was dissolved in dichloromethane (abs., 40 mL/mmol) and under argon protective atmosphere and ice bath cooling trimethylorthoformate (100 eq.) and pyridinium p-toluene sulfonate (2.5 eq.) were added and the reaction solution was stirred for 3 hours. Filtration over silica (dichloromethane:ethyl acetate: 1:1) and subsequent drying in high vacuum yielded the product.

    General Procedure GP IV

    [0273] Cryptophycin orthoester (1 eq.) was dissolved in dichloromethane (15 mL/mmol) and acetyl bromide solution (0.5 M in DCM, 2.5 eq.) was added and stirred for 5 hours at room temperature. The reaction solution was added to sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (half sat., 250 mL). The aqueous phase was extracted with dichloromethane (320 mL), the combined organic phases were dried over magnesium sulfate and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The crude product was dried overnight under high vacuum.

    General Procedure GP V

    [0274] An emulsion of abs. ethylene glycol (2.5 mL), abs. DME (5.0 mL) and potassium carbonate (210 mg, 1.51 mmol) was freshly prepared over 3 molecular sieve (320 mg) and homogenised by vortex and ultrasound.

    General Procedure GP VI

    [0275] Potassium carbonate emulsion made according to GP V, homogenised by constant (6.5 eq.) shaking was added to the bromide-formate intermediate (1 eq.) and the mixture was stirred for 6 minutes at RT and then diluted with abs. dichloromethane (100 mL/mmol).

    [0276] The solution was added to cold potassium hydrogen sulfate solution (0.5 wt %, 100 mL/mmol) and the phases were immediately separated and dried over magnesium sulfate. The aqueous phase was extracted with dichloromethane (320 mL/mmol) and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure.

    General Procedure GP VII

    [0277] The resin was swollen with DCM (20 min) and washed several times with DMF (1-10). Fmoc was removed using a mixture of piperidine/DMF (2:8+0.1 M HOBt, 2+(10 to 20)+(10 to 20) min. Coupling of the corresponding Fmoc-amino acids (4 eq.) was performed using N,N-diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC, 4 eq.) and ethyl cyano-(hydroxylimino)-acetate (Oxyma, 4 eq.) in DMF for 2-20 h at rt. If necessary, couplings were performed several times. If necessary, capping was performed using Ac.sub.2O (10 eq.) and pyridine (10 eq.) in DMF for (220 min) at rt. After each coupling, capping or deprotection step, the resin was washed with DMF (3-10) and DCM (3-10).

    ##STR00031##

    H-uA[acetonide]-uB-OMe A1

    [0278] (2S,3S)-2-((4R,5R)-2,2-dimethyl-5-phenyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)hex-5-en-3-ol (unit A) and methyl (R)-2-acrylamido-3-(3-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)propanoate (unit B) were synthesised according to the literature. (N. Sewald et al., Org. Lett. 2007, 9, 817 and M. Lautens et al. Org. Lett. 2006, 8, 14, 2993-2996) Unit A (1.02 g, 3.69 mmol, 1 eq.) and unit B (1.32 g, 4.43 mmol, 1.2 eq,) and GRUBBS II catalyst (186 mg, 6 mol %) were dissolved in dichloromethane (abs., 30 mL) under argon atmosphere and refluxed for 22 hours. The solvent was removed, and the oil obtained was purified by column chromatography (cyclohexane:ethyl acetate 1:1, 1024 cm). The coupling product A1 (0.80 g, 1.46 mmol, 40%) was obtained as a solidified foam.

    [0279] TLC: R.sub.f(cyclohexan:EtOAc 1:1)=0.19

    [0280] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=7.38-7.29 (m, 5H, uA-C.sup.ArH), 7.07 (d, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.2H), 6.94 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.6H), 6.84 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.5H), 6.77 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.0 Hz, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.83 (d, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 5.59 (d, .sup.3J=15.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.86 (ddd, .sup.3J=7.6 Hz, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.78 (d, .sup.3J=9.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.06 (dd, .sup.3J=8.9 Hz, .sup.3J=2.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.88 (s, 3H, uB-C.sup.4OCH.sub.3), 3.74 (s, 3H, uB-COOCH.sub.3), 3.71 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.10 (dd, .sup.2J=14.0 Hz, .sup.3J=5.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.04 (dd, .sup.2J=14.0 Hz, .sup.3J=5.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.45 (d, .sup.3J=6.0 Hz, 1H, uA-OH), 2.36-2.25 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.H.sub.2), 1.79 (ddq, .sup.3J=7.2 Hz, .sup.3J=5.4 Hz, .sup.3J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.57 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.49 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.08 (d, .sup.3J=7.0 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    H-uA[acetonide]-uB-OH A2

    [0281] Ester A1 (3.01 g, 5.50 mmol, 1 eq) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (31 mL) and methanol (31 mL) and a solution of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (279 mg, 7.08 mmol, 1.3 eq,) in water (31 mL) was added under ice bath cooling. The reaction solution was stirred at 0 C. for 3.5 h, the solvent removed, the residue taken up in dichloromethane (70 mL) and water (70 mL) and brought to pH 3 with potassium hydrogen sulfate solution (5 wt %). The organic phase was separated, and the aqueous phase extracted with dichloromethane (560 mL). The combined organic phases were dried over magnesium sulfate and the solvent removed. The carboxylic acid A2 (3.0 g, 5.5 mmol, 100%) was obtained as a solid yellowish foam.

    [0282] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) in ppm: 7.37-7.28 (m, 5H, uA-C.sup.ArH), 7.14 (s br, 1H, uB-C.sup.2H), 7.03 (d, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.6H), 6.80 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.5H), 6.73 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.18 (s br, 1H, NH), 5.69 (d, .sup.3J=14.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.aH), 4.86 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.aH), 4.78 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.hH), 4.04 (d, .sup.3J=8.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.zH), 3.81 (s, 3H, uB-C.sup.ArOCH.sub.3), 3.72 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.dH) 3.13 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.98 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.29-2.22 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.gH.sub.2), 1.77 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.eH), 1.55 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.49 (s, 3H uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.09 (d, .sup.3J=6.6 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.eCH.sub.3).

    H-uA[acetonide]-uB-uC-.SUP.t.Bu A3

    [0283] The free carboxylic acid A2 (3.0 g, 5.5 mmol, 1 eq.) and HOAt (1.2 g, 8.8 mmol, 1.6 eq.) were dissolved in dichloromethane (100 mL) under argon protective atmosphere, triethylamine (3.1 mL, 22.0 mmol, 4 eq.) and tert-butyl-2,2-dimethyl-3-aminopropionate (1.38 g, 7.7 mmol, 1.4 eq.) were added under ice bath cooling. EDC-HCl (1.69 g, 8.8 mmol, 1.6 eq.) was added to the solution at 0 C. The reaction solution was warmed to room temperature overnight. Ethyl acetate (70 mL) and water (70 mL) were added to the reaction solution and the phases separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (2150 mL) and the combined organic phases were washed with potassium hydrogen sulfate solution (5 wt %, 2150 mL), saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (2150 mL), dried over magnesium sulfate and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The solid obtained was purified by column chromatography (cyclohexane:ethyl acetate 1:1, 620 cm) to give the coupling product A3 (2.96 g, 4.30 mmol, 78%) as a colourless solid.

    TABLE-US-00001 TLC: R.sub.f (Cyclohexan:EtOAc 1:1) = 0.15 HPLC-MS (ESI+): m/z (found) 687.3, t.sub.R = 10.9 min m/z (calc.) 687.3 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.37H.sub.52ClN.sub.2O.sub.8).sup.+.

    [0284] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) in ppm: 7.37-7.32 (m, 5H, uA-C.sup.ArH), 7.21 (d, .sup.4J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.2H), 7.08 (dd, .sup.3J=8.3 Hz, .sup.4J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.6H), 6.84 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.5H), 6.74 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.3 Hz, .sup.3J=7.7 Hz, .sup.3J=7.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.22 (t, .sup.3J=6.3 Hz, 1H, uC-NH), 5.96 (d, .sup.3J=7.3 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 5.59 (d, .sup.3J=15.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.78 (d, .sup.3J=8.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.56 (m 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.05 (dd, .sup.3J=9.0 Hz, .sup.3J=2.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.86 (s, 3H, uB-C.sup.ArOCH.sub.3), 3.70 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H) 3.30 (dd, .sup.2J=13.5 Hz, .sup.3J=6.4 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.22 (dd, .sup.2J=13.7 Hz, .sup.3J=6.0 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.02 (dd, .sup.2J=14.1 Hz, .sup.3J=6.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.98 (dd, .sup.2J=14.1 Hz, .sup.3J=6.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.51 (d, .sup.3J=6.1 Hz, 1H, OH), 2.35-2.28 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.H.sub.2), 1.81 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.59 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.52 (s, 3H uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.41 (s, 9H, C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 1.11 (d, .sup.3J=7.1 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 1.08 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.03 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B).

    ##STR00032##

    (S)-3-(benzylamino)-2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-propionic acid P2

    [0285] Boc-Dap-OH (1.0 g, 4.9 mmol, 1 eq) was suspended in methanol (50 mL) and triethylamine (2.0 mL, 14 mmol, 2.9 eq,) and benzaldehyde (1.0 mL, 9.9 mmol, 2 eq) were added, forming a solution. After 40 minutes, sodium borohydride (937 mg, 24.7 mmol 5 eq,) was added under ice bath cooling, and strong foam formation was observed. The solution was stirred for 1.5 hours, The volatile components were removed and the solid obtained was taken up in sodium hydroxide solution (1 M, 90 mL) and washed with diethyl ether (330 mL). The aqueous phase was adjusted to pH between 5 and 6 with hydrochloric acid (1 M) and extracted with dichloromethane (350 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with brine (100 mL), dried over magnesium sulfate, and the solvent was removed. Benzylated amino acid P2 (886 mg, 3.01 mmol, 61%) was obtained as a colourless solid.

    [0286] Rotamers could be observed in the .sup.1H NMR spectrum.

    [0287] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=7.51-7.30 (m, 5H, C.sup.ArH), 4.26-4.09 (m, 2.35H, PhCH.sub.2 and C.sup.H), 3.69 (m, 0.62H, C.sup.H), 3.31 (m, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.13 (m, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.45-1.34 (m, 9H, C(CH.sub.3).sub.3).

    (S)-4-(Benzylamino)-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)butanoic acid B2

    [0288] Boc-Dab-OH (3.2 g, 14.7 mmol, 1 eq.) was suspended in methanol (70 mL) and triethylamine (6.1 mL, 44.1 mmol, 3 eq.) and benzaldehyde (3.0 mL, 29.4 mmol, 2 eq.) were added, forming a solution. Sodium borohydride (2.79 g, 44.1 mmol, 3 eq.) was added at 0 C. and the solution was stirred for 1.5 hours. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the resulting colourless solid was taken up in sodium hydroxide solution (1 M, 45 mL). The solution was washed with diethyl ether (440 mL) and then adjusted to pH 6 with hydrochloric acid (1 M). The solution was extracted with dichloromethane (480 mL) and chloroform (470 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with brine (200 mL), dried over magnesium sulfate. Removing the solvent yielded benzylated amino acid B2 (1.87 g, 6.06 mmol, 41%) as a colourless solid.

    [0289] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=7.40-7.27 (m, 5H, C.sup.ArH), 5.95 (d, .sup.3J=5.1 Hz, 1H, C.sup.HNH), 4.11 (dm, .sup.2J=12.7 Hz, 1H, Ph-CH.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.87 (d, .sup.3J=12.6 Hz, 1H, Ph-CH.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.37 (m, 1H, C.sup.H), 3.17 (dm, .sup.2J=12.3 Hz, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.90 (ddd, .sup.3J=12.0 Hz, .sup.2J=12.0 Hz, .sup.3J=3.4 Hz, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.07-1.89 (m, 2H, C.sup.H.sub.2), 1.43 (s, 9H, C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 1.25 (s, 1H, Ph-CH.sub.2NH).

    (S)-3-(N-Benzyl-N-methylamino)-2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-propionic acid P3

    [0290] Benzylated amino acid P2 (886 mg, 3.01 mmol, 1 eq) was dissolved in methanol (10 mL) and triethylamine (1.2 mL, 8.6 mmol, 2.9 eq) was added. A formaldehyde solution (37 wt %, 0.76 mL, 8.84 mmol, 2.9 eq) was added at room temperature and stirred for 15 min. Sodium borohydride (339 mg, 8.96 mmol, 3.0 eq) was added under ice bath cooling and the solution was stirred for 30 minutes. Formaldehyde and sodium borohydride were added two more times following the same procedure. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, the obtained colourless solid was dissolved in water (30 mL), the solution was brought to pH 6 to 7 with hydrochloric acid (1 M) and extracted with dichloromethane (540 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with brine (150 mL), dried over magnesium sulfate, and the solvent removed to give the methylated amine P3 (555 mg, 1.80 mmol, 60%) as a yellowish solidified foam.

    [0291] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=7.45-7.34 (m, 5H, C.sup.ArH), 5.67 (m, 1H, NH), 4.23 (d, .sup.2J=11.0 Hz, 1H, PhCH.sup.AH.sup.B), 4.10 (m, 1H, C.sup.H), 3.87 (d, .sup.2J=12.9 Hz, 1H, PhCH.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.34 (dn, .sup.2J=11.8 Hz, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.86 (dd, .sup.2J=11.9 Hz, .sup.2J=11.9 Hz, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.56 (s, 3H, NCH.sub.3), 1.44 (s, 9H, C(CH).sub.3).

    (S)-4-(N-Benzyl-N-methylamino)-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)butanoic acid B3

    [0292] Secondary amine B2 (1.86 g, 6.03 mmol, 1 eq.) was suspended in methanol (80 mL) and activated in an ultrasonic bath for 5 minutes. Triethylamine (2.5 mL, 18.1 mmol, 3 eq.) was added, forming a solution. Formaldehyde (37 wt %, 1.3 mL, 18.1 mmol, 3 eq.) was added and the solution stirred for 30 minutes at room temperature. Sodium borohydride (605 mg, 18.1 mmol, 3 eq.) was added at 0 C. and the solution was stirred for 30 minutes. Formaldehyde and sodium borohydride were added 3 more times according to the above scheme. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the obtained colourless solid was taken up in water (90 mL). The solution was brought to pH 6 with hydrochloric acid (1 M) and extracted with chloroform (470 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with brine (120 mL), dried over magnesium sulfate. Removing the solvent yielded methylated amine B3 (1.22 g, 3.77 mmol, 62%) as a light blue solid.

    TABLE-US-00002 TLC: R.sub.f (DCM:MeOH 9:1) = 0.10 MS: (ESI, +) m/z (found) 323.2 m/z (calc.) 323.2 (M + H.sup.+) = (C.sub.17H.sub.26N.sub.2O.sub.4.sup.+)

    (S)-2-((tert-Butoxycarbonyl)amino)-3-(methylamino)propanoic acid P4

    [0293] Methylated amine P3 (555 mg, 1.80 mmol, 1 eq.) was dissolved in methanol and palladium on carbon (10 mol %) was added. The atmosphere was enriched with hydrogen (0.8 bar), the suspension was stirred for 3.5 hours, filtered over Celite, and the filter cake was washed with methanol. Removing the solvent yielded secondary amine P4 (387 mg, 1.77 mmol, 98%) as a colourless solid.

    TABLE-US-00003 TLC: R.sub.f (DCM:MeOH 9:1) = 0.00 MS: (ESI, +) m/z (found) 219.1 m/z (calc.) 219.1 (M + Na.sup.+) = (NaC.sub.9H.sub.18N.sub.2O.sub.4.sup.+)

    [0294] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=6.30 (s, 0.67H, C.sup.HNH), 4.37 (m, 1H, C.sup.H), 3.41 (dd, .sup.2J=11.9 Hz, .sup.3J=2.9 Hz, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.22 (dd, .sup.2J=12.3 Hz, .sup.3J=6.4 Hz, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.76 (s, 3H, NCH.sub.3), 1.43 (s, 9H, C(CH.sub.3).sub.3).

    (S)-2-((tert-Butoxycarbonyl)amino)-4-(methylamino)butanoic acid B4

    [0295] Tertiary amine B3 (1.21 g, 3.75 mmol) was suspended in methanol (200 mL) and treated in an ultrasonic bath until a solution was formed. Palladium on carbon (10 w %, 115 mg) was added, an atmosphere of hydrogen (0.8 bar) was generated, and the suspension was stirred for 5 hours at room temperature. The suspension was filtered over Celite, and the filter cake was washed with methanol. Removing the solvent gave secondary amine B4 (0.75 g, 3.24 mmol, 86%) as a colourless solid.

    TABLE-US-00004 TLC: R.sub.f (DCM:MeOH 9:1) = 0.00 HPLC-MS (ESI, +): m/z (found): 233.1, t.sub.R = 6.6 min. m/z (calc.): 233.1 (M + H.sup.+) = (C.sub.10H.sub.21N.sub.2O.sub.4.sup.+).

    (S)-3-(((Allyloxy)carbonyl)(methyl)amino)-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)propanoic acid P5

    [0296] Secondary amine P4 (510 mg, 2.34 mmol, 1 eq.) was dissolved in an acetone-water mixture (1:1, 20 mL), Alloc-Osu (0.55 mL, 3.57 mmol, 1.5 eq,) and sodium bicarbonate (282 mg, 3.56 mmol, 1.5 eq,), were added, and the solution was stirred for 18 hours. Acetone was removed, the solution was adjusted to pH 3 with potassium hydrogen sulfate solution (5 wt %) and extracted with dichloromethane (330 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with brine (50 mL), the solvent was removed, and the solid obtained was dried under high vacuum. The protected amine P5 (356 mg, 1.18 mmol, 50%) was obtained as a colourless solidified foam.

    [0297] TLC: Rr (DCM:MeOH 7:3)=0.60

    [0298] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=5.92 (ddt, .sup.3J=16.3 Hz, .sup.3J=10.7 Hz, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, 1H, H.sub.2CCH), 5.70 (s, 1H NH), 5.30 (dm, .sup.3J=17.2 Hz, 1H, CHCH.sup.trans), 5.21 (dm, .sup.3J=10.1 Hz, 1H, CHCH.sup.cis), 4.61-4.55 (m, 2H, OCH.sub.2), 4.45 (m, 1H, C.sup.H), 3.75 (dd, .sup.2J=15.6 Hz, .sup.3J=8.6 Hz, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.62 (dn, .sup.2J=15.6 Hz, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.99 (s breit, 3H, NCH.sub.3), 1.39 (s, 9H, C(CH.sub.3).sub.3).

    [0299] .sup.13C NMR (600 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=173.7 (COOH), 157.7 (C.sup.NCO), 156.1 (COO.sup.tBu), 132.6 (H.sub.2CCH), 117.8 (H.sub.2CCH), 80.5 (C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 66.8 (CH.sub.2CC), 53.2 (C.sup.H), 50.9 (C.sup.H.sub.2), 35.5 (NCH.sub.3), 28.4 (C(CH.sub.3).sub.3).

    (S)-4-(((Allyloxy)carbonyl)(methyl)amino)-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)butanoic acid B5

    Alloc=allyloxycarbonyl.

    [0300] Secondary amine B4 (740 mg, 3.19 mmol, 1 eq.) and sodium bicarbonate (387 mg, 4.61 mmol, 1.4 eq.) were dissolved in an acetone-water solution (1:1, 20 mL) and alloc-OSu (0.75 mL, 4.94 mmol, 1.5 eq.) was added. The solution was stirred at room temperature for one day. After removing the acetone under reduced pressure, the aqueous solution obtained was brought to pH 3 with potassium hydrogen sulfate solution (5 wt %) and extracted with dichloromethane (520 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with brine (60 mL), dried over magnesium sulfate and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The solid obtained was purified by column chromatography (dichloromethane:methanol 95:5, 2.520 cm) to give the alloc-protected amino acid B5 (360 mg, 1.14 mmol, 36%) as a colourless oil.

    TABLE-US-00005 TLC: R.sub.f (DCM:MeOH 95:5) = 0.17 HPLC-MS (ESI, +): m/z (found): 339.2, t.sub.R = 7.5 min. m/z (calc.): 339.2 (M + Na.sup.+) = (NaC.sub.14H.sub.24N.sub.2O.sub.6.sup.+).

    [0301] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=5.92 (ddt, .sup.3J=16.2 Hz, .sup.3J=10.9, .sup.3J=5.6 Hz, 1H, H.sub.2CCH), 5.62 (d, .sup.3J=7.9 Hz, 1H, NH), 5.30 (dm, .sup.3J=16.6 Hz, 1H, CHCH.sup.trans), 5.22 (dm, .sup.3J=10.4 Hz, 1H, CHCH.sup.cis), 4.64-4.54 (m, 2H, COOCH.sub.2), 4.31 (m, 1H, C.sup.H), 3.65 (m, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.17 (m, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.91 (s, 3H, NCH.sub.3), 2.09 (m, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.97 (m, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.44 (s, 9H, C(CH.sub.3).sub.3).

    [0302] .sup.13C NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=175.0 (C.sup.HCOOH), 157.3 (C.sup.HNCO), 155.7 (C.sup.HNCO), 132.7 (H.sub.2CCH), 117.9 (H.sub.2CCH), 80.3 (C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 66.5 (H.sub.2CCHCH.sub.2), 51.3 (C.sup.H), 45.8 (C.sup.H.sub.2), 34.4 (NCH.sub.3), 30.3 (C.sup.H.sub.2), 28.4 C(CH.sub.3).sub.3).

    ##STR00033##

    Boc-uD[Dap(Alloc,Me)]-uA[acetonide]-uB-uC-.SUP.t.Bu P6

    [0303] seco-Cryptophycin P6 was synthesised following GP I starting with unit D P5 (152 mg, 0.50 mmol, 1.5 eq.) and building block ABC A3 (229 mg, 0.33 mmol, 1 eq.). After purification by column chromatography (cyclohexane:ethyl acetate 1:1, 521 cm), the protected seco-cryptophycin P6 (244 mg, 0.25 mmol, 74%) was obtained as a colourless solid.

    TABLE-US-00006 TLC: R.sub.f (cyclohexane:EtOAc 1:1) = 0.33 HRMS: (ESI, +) m/z (found) 993.4608 m/z (calc.) 993.4598 (M + Na.sup.+); (NaC.sub.50H.sub.71ClN.sub.4O.sub.13.sup.+)

    [0304] Rotamers were observed in the .sup.1H NMR spectrum.

    [0305] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=7.38-7.27 (m, 5H, uA-C.sup.ArH), 7.0 (d, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.2H), 7.07 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.6H), 6.82 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.5H), 6.74 (d, .sup.3J=7.9 Hz, 0.54H, uB-NH), 6.52 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.0 Hz, .sup.3J=7.2 Hz, .sup.3J=7.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.48 (dm, .sup.3J=7.6 Hz, 0.71H, uC-NH), 6.40 (d, .sup.3J=7.7 Hz, 0.52H, uB-NH), 6.35 (m, 0.44H, uC-NH), 5.92 (ddt, .sup.3J=16.2 Hz, .sup.3J=10.6 Hz, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, 1H, uD-H.sub.2CCH), 5.58 (d, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, 0.66H, uD-C.sup.NH), 5.49 (d, .sup.3J=15.5 Hz, 0.77H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.37 (d, .sup.3J=15.4 Hz, 0.32H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.30 (dd, .sup.3J=17.3 Hz, .sup.2J=1.8 Hz, 1H, uD-H.sup.transCCH), 5.25 (d, .sup.3J=7.6 Hz, 0.28H, uD-C.sup.NH), 5.21 (dd, .sup.3J=10.5 Hz, .sup.2J=1.4 Hz, 1H, uD-H.sup.cisCCH), 4.90 (ddd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.3J=4.6 Hz, .sup.3J=4.6 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.1H), 4.68 (d, .sup.3J=8.6 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.61-4.50 (m, 3H, uD-CCCH.sub.2 und uB-C.sup.H), 4.36 (m, 0.35H, uD-C.sup.H), 4.30 (dm, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 0.65H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.87-3.84 (m, 4H, uA-CCH und uB-C.sup.4OCH.sub.3), 3.55 (dd, .sup.2J=14.2 Hz, .sup.3J=8.1 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.45 (dd, .sup.2J=14.1 Hz, .sup.3J=6.0 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.27-3.22 (m, 2H, uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 3.06 (dd, .sup.2J=14.0 Hz, .sup.3J=7.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.95-2.91 (m, 4H, uD-NCH.sub.3 und uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.41-2.24 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.H.sub.2), 1.98 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.53 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.46 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.43 (s, 9H, uD-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 1.39 (s, 9H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 1.08 (d, .sup.3J=7.0 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 1.06 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.01 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B).

    [0306] .sup.13C NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=176.3 (uC-CO), 170.8 (uB-CO), 169.6 (uD-C.sup.CO), 165.7 (uA-CO), 157.3 (uD-C.sup.NCO), 155.6 (uD-C.sup.NCO), 153.9 (uB-C.sup.4O Me), 139.1 (uA-C.sup.H), 137.5 (uA-C.sup.C.sup.Ar) 132.8 (uD-H.sub.2CCH), 131.2 (uB-C.sup.2H), 130.4 (uB-C.sup.1H), 129.0 (uA-C.sup.metaH), 128.7 (uA-C.sup.paraH), 128.6 (uB-C.sup.6H), 127.2 (uA-C.sup.orthoH), 126.0 (uA-C.sup.H), 122.2 (uB-C.sup.3Cl), 117.6 (uD-H.sub.2CCH), 112.2 (uB-C.sup.5H), 109.2 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 82.6 (uA-C.sup.H), 81.0 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 80.8 (uA-C.sup.H), 80.3 (uD-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 75.7 (uA-C.sup.H), 66.6 (uD-CCCH.sub.2), 56.2 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 55.1 (uB-C.sup.H), 53.2 (uD-C.sup.H), 50.2 (uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 46.8 (uC-C.sup.H), 43.6 (uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 36.7 (uB-C.sup.H.sub.2), 35.6 (uA-C.sup.H), 34.9 (uD-NCH.sub.3), 32.3 (uA-CYH.sub.2), 28.5 (uD-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 28.0 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 27.4 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 27.2 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 23.3 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 23.1 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 9.8 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    Boc-uD[Dab(Alloc,Me)]-uA[acetonide]-uB-uC-.SUP.t.Bu B6

    [0307] Seco-cryptophycin B6 was synthesised following GP I starting with unit D B5 (178 mg, 0.56 mmol, 1.5 eq.) and building block ABC A3 (250 mg, 0.36 mmol, 1 eq.). After purification by column chromatography (cyclohexane:ethyl acetate 1:1, 521 cm), the protected seco-cryptophycin B6 was obtained.

    TABLE-US-00007 TLC: R.sub.f (cyclohexane:EtOAc 1:1) = 0.21 HRMS: (ESI, +) m/z (found) 1007.4756 m/z (calc.) 1007.4755 (M + Na.sup.+); (NaC.sub.51H.sub.73ClN.sub.4O.sub.13.sup.+)

    [0308] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=7.38-7.32 (m, 5H, uA-C.sup.ArH), 7.22 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.2H), 7.08 (dm, .sup.3J=7.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.6H), 6.83 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.5H), 6.63 (m, 1H, uD-NH), 6.52 (dm, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.42 (m, 1H, uC-NH), 6.36 (m, 1H, uB-NH), 5.93 (ddt, .sup.3J=16.3 Hz, .sup.3J=10.7 Hz, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, 1H, uD-H.sub.2CCH), 5.50 (m, 0.45H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.39 (m, 0.62H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.29 (dm, .sup.3J=17.2 Hz, 1H, uD-HCCH.sup.trans), 5.20 (dm, .sup.3J=10.5 Hz, 1H, uD-HCCH.sup.cis), 4.91 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.1H), 4.69 (d, .sup.3J=8.8 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.57 (d, .sup.3J=5.4 Hz, 2H, uD-COOCH.sub.2), 4.53 (dm, .sup.3J=7.3 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.16 (ddd, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, .sup.3J=8.3 Hz, .sup.3J=5.0 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.86 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.83 (dm, .sup.3J=9.5 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.35 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.25 (d, .sup.3J=6.2 Hz, 2H, uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 3.21 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.04 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.92 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.88 (s, 3H, uD-NCH.sub.3), 2.40-2.26 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.04-1.92 (m, 2H, uA-CEH and uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.79 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.52 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.46 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.44 (s, 9H, uD-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 1.39 (s, 9H, uC-CH.sub.3).sub.3), 1.09 (d, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 1.06 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.01 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B).

    [0309] .sup.13C NMR (600 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=176.3 (uC-CO), 171.5 (uD-C.sup.HCO), 170.8 (uB-CO), 165.6 (uA-CO), 156.3 (uD-C.sup.H.sub.2NCO), 154.0 (uB-C.sup.4H), 139.1 (uA-C.sup.H), 137.6 (uA-C.sup.HC.sup.A,), 133.1 (uD-H.sub.2CCH), 131.2 (uB-C.sup.2H), 129.0 (uA-C.sup.metaH), 128.8 (uA-C.sup.paraH), 128.6 (uB-C.sup.6H), 127.2 (uA-C.sup.orthoH), 126.0 (uA-C.sup.H), 122.4 (uB-C.sup.3H), 117.4 (uD-H.sub.2CCH), 112.4 (uB-C.sup.5H), 109.2 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2, 82.5 (uA-C.sup.H), 81.1 (uD-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 80.8 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 80.3 (uA-C.sup.H), 75.7 (uA-C.sup.H), 66.3 (uC-COOCH.sub.2), 56.3 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 55.2 (uB-C.sup.H), 52.1 (uD-C.sup.H), 46.8 (uD-C.sup.H), 46.1 (uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 43.6 (uD-C.sup.), 36.9 (uB-C.sup.H.sub.2), 35.8 (uA-C.sup.H), 34.4 (uD-NCH.sub.3), 32.5 (uA-C.sup.H.sub.2), 29.6 (uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 28.5 (uD-(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 28.0 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 27.4 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 27.2 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 23.25 (uD-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 23.18 (uD-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 9.8 (uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    Cryptophycin-uA[Diol]-uD[Dap(Alloc,Me)] P7

    [0310] Diol P7 was synthesised following GP II using seco-cryptophycin P6 (230 mg, 236 mol, 1 eq.). After purification by column chromatography (dichloromethane:methanol 97.5:2.5.fwdarw.92.5:7.5, 2.524 cm), the diol with closed macrocycle P7 (92 mg, 0.12 mmol, 51%) was obtained.

    TABLE-US-00008 TLC: R.sub.f(DCM:MeOH 92.5:7.5) = 0.48 HPLC-MS (ESI+): m/z (found) 757.3, t.sub.R = 8.9 min. m/z (calc.) 757.3 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.38H.sub.50ClN.sub.4O.sub.10).sup.+ HRMS: (ESI, +) m/z (found) 779.3036 m/z (calc.) 779.30294 (M + Na.sup.+); (NaC.sub.38H.sub.49ClN.sub.4O.sub.10.sup.+)

    [0311] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=7.34-7.23 (m, 5H, uA-H.sup.Ar), 7.14 (d, .sup.4J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.2H), 7.03-6.98 (m, 2H, uB-C.sup.6H and uD-NH), 6.90 (dd, .sup.3J=8.2 Hz, .sup.3J=4.1 Hz, 1H, uC-NH), 6.81 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.5H), 6.67 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.2 Hz, .sup.3J=11.2 Hz, .sup.3J=4.2 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.08 (d, .sup.3J=7.3 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 5.87 (ddt, .sup.3J=16.0 Hz, .sup.3J=10.8 Hz, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, 1H, uD-H.sub.2CCH), 5.63 (d, .sup.3J=15.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.26 (dd, .sup.3J=17.3 Hz, .sup.2J=1.7 Hz, 1H, uD-H.sup.transCCH), 5.20 (m, 1H, uD-H.sup.cisCCH), 5.05 (ddd, .sup.3J=11.1 Hz, .sup.3J=8.2 Hz, .sup.3J=2.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.61 (ddd, .sup.3J=8.0 Hz, .sup.3J=7.9 Hz, .sup.3J=4.8 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.56-4.52 (m, 3H, uA-C.sup.H and uD-COOCH.sub.2), 4.39 (ddd, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, .sup.3J=6.7 Hz, .sup.3J=3.9 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 4.16 (d, .sup.3J=4.8 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.HOH), 3.89 (ddd, .sup.3J=8.3 Hz, .sup.3J=4.3 Hz, .sup.3J=4.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.85-3.81 (m, 4H, uB-OCH.sub.3 and uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.64 (d, .sup.3J=2.8 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.HOH), 3.34-3.27 (m, 2H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B and uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.20 (dd, .sup.2J=13.3 Hz, .sup.3J=4.0 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.04 (dd, .sup.2J=14.6 Hz, .sup.3J=4.7 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.89- 2.80 (m, 4H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B and uD-NCH.sub.3), 2.49 (dm, .sup.2J=12.6 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.06 (ddm, .sup.2J=11.6 Hz, .sup.3J=11.6 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.43 (ddq, .sup.3J=8.0 Hz, .sup.3J=8.0 Hz, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.15 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.06 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 0.97 (d, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    [0312] .sup.13C NMR (600 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=177.8 (uC-CO), 171.0 (uB-CO), 170.4 (uD-C.sup.CO), 165.3 (uA-CO), 157.3 (uD-NCO), 154.1 (uB-C.sup.4OMe), 142.9 (uA-C.sup.H), 140.8 (uA-C.sup.1), 132.4 (uD-H.sub.2CCH), 130.9 (uB-C.sup.2H), 129.6 (uB-C.sup.1), 128.7 (uA-C.sup.metaH), 128.3 (uB-C.sup.paraH), 128.2 (uB-C.sup.6H), 127.1 (uA-C.sup.orthoH), 124.5 (uA-C.sup.H), 122.5 (uB-C.sup.3Cl), 118.0 (uD-CH.sub.2CH), 112.4 (uB-C.sup.5H), 75.9 (uA-C.sup.5H), 75.6 (uA-C.sup.OH), 74.4 (uA-C.sup.OH), 66.9 (uD-COOCH.sub.2), 56.2 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 54.8 (uB-C.sup.H), 52.8 (uD-C.sup.H), 50.2 (uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 47.2 (uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 43.1 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 38.4 (uA-C.sup.H), 37.0 (uA-C.sup.H.sub.2), 36.1 (uD-NCH.sub.3), 35.6 (uB-C.sup.H.sub.2), 24.4 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 22.2 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 9.7 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    Cryptophycin-uA[Diol]-uD[Dab(Alloc,Me)] B7

    [0313] Diol B7 was synthesised following GP II using seco-cryptophycin B6 (0.21 g, 0.21 mmol, 1 eq.). After purification by column chromatography (dichloromethane:methanol 95:5, 319 cm), the diol with closed macrocycle B7 (91 mg, 0.12 mmol, 56%) was obtained.

    TABLE-US-00009 TLC: R.sub.f (DCM:MeOH 95:5) = 0.12 HPLC-MS (ESI+): m/z (found) 771.3, t.sub.R = 8.9 min. m/z (calc.) 771.3 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.39H.sub.52ClN.sub.4O.sub.10).sup.+ HRMS: (ESI, +) m/z (found) 793.3193 m/z (calc.) 793.3185 (M + Na.sup.+); (NaC.sub.39H.sub.51ClN.sub.4O.sub.10.sup.+)

    [0314] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=7.36-7.28 (m, 5H, uA-C.sup.ArH), 7.17 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.2H), 7.03 (dm, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.6H), 6.83 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.5H), 6.78-6.64 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.H and uC-NH), 5.89 (ddt, .sup.3J=16.4 Hz, .sup.3J=10.7 Hz, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, 1H, uD-H.sub.2CCH), 5.81 (m, 1H, uB-NH), 5.61 (d, .sup.3J=15.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.26 (dm, .sup.3J=17.3 Hz, 1H, uC-H.sup.transCCH), 5.19 (dm, .sup.3J=10.5 Hz, 1H, uC-H.sup.cisCCH), 5.15 (dm, .sup.3J=10.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.53 (d, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, 2H, uD-H.sub.2CCHCH.sub.2), 4.42 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.93 (dm, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.85 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.47 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.38 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=8.7 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.24 (dn, .sup.2J=13.3 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.09 (dd, .sup.2J=14.9 Hz, .sup.3J=4.6 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.03 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.95-2.78 (m, 3H, uD-NCH.sub.3 and uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.49 (dn, .sup.2J=13.8 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.04-2.03 (m, 3H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B and uD-CH.sub.2), 1.19 (s, 3H, uD-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.16 (s, 3H, uD-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 0.98 (d, .sup.3J=7.0 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    [0315] .sup.13C NMR (600 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=177.9 (uD-CO), 171.7 (uD-C.sup.HCO), 170.9 (uB-CO), 165.1 (uA-CO), 156.6 (C.sup.H.sub.2NCO), 154.2 (uB-C.sup.4OCH.sub.3), 143.2 (uA-C.sup.H), 141.0 (uA-C.sup.HC.sup.Ar), 132.6 (uD-H.sub.2CCH), 130.9 (uB-C.sup.2H), 129.6 (uB-C.sup.1), 128.8 (uA-C.sup.ArH), 127.0 (uA-C.sup.ArH), 128.3 (uB-C.sup.6H), 124.4 (uA-C.sup.H), 122.6 (uB-C.sup.3Cl), 117.8 (uD-H.sub.2CCH), 112.6 (uB-C.sup.H), 76.5 (uA-C.sup.H), 75.6 (uA-C.sup.H), 74.2 (uA-C.sup.H), 66.7 (uD-COOCH.sub.2), 56.3 (uB-C.sup.4OCH.sub.3), 55.0 (uB-C.sup.), 50.4 (uD-C.sup.H), 47.3 (uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 45.6 (uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 43.5 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 38.3 (uA-C.sup.H), 37.0 (uA-C.sup.H.sub.2), 35.8 (uB-C.sup.H.sub.2), 34.5 (uD-NCH.sub.3), 29.4 (uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 25.0 (uD-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 22.2 (uD-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 9.8 (uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    Cryptophycin-uA[Orthoester]-uD[Dap(Alloc,Me)] P8

    [0316] The formation of orthoester P8 followed GP III using diol P7 (92 mg, 0.12 mmol, 1 eq.). The product P8 (93 mg, 0.12 mmol, 100%) was further reacted without further purification.

    TABLE-US-00010 HPLC-MS (ESI+): m/z (found) 785.3, t.sub.R = 8.9 min and 9.0 min. m/z (calc.) 785.3 (MCH.sub.3 + 2H).sup.+ = (C.sub.39H.sub.50ClN.sub.4O.sub.11).sup.+

    Cryptophycin-uA[Orthoester]-uD[Dab(Alloc,Me)] B8

    [0317] The formation of orthoester B8 followed GP III using diol B7 (50 mg, 0.65 mol, 1 eq.). The product B8 (50 mg, 0.61 mol, 95%) was further reacted without further purification.

    TABLE-US-00011 HPLC-MS (ESI+): m/z (found) 799.3, t.sub.R = 8.7 min and 8.9 min. m/z (calc.) 799.3 (MCH.sub.3 + 2H).sup.+ = (C.sub.40H.sub.52ClN.sub.4O.sub.11).sup.+

    Cryptophycin-uA[-Br,-OCHO]-uD[Dap(Alloc,Me)] P9

    [0318] The formation of bromide P9 followed GP IV using orthoester P8 (93 mg, 0.12 mmol, 1 eq.) The product P9 (87 mg, 0.10 mmol, 89%) was further reacted without further purification.

    TABLE-US-00012 HPLC-MS (ESI+): m/z (found) 847.2, t.sub.R = 10.3 min. m/z (calc.) 847.2 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.39H.sub.49BrClN.sub.4O.sub.10).sup.+

    Cryptophycin-uA[-Br,OCHO]-uD[Dab(Alloc,Me)] B9

    [0319] The formation of bromide B9 followed GP IV using orthoester B8 (50 mg, 61 mol, 1 eq.) The product B9 (53 mg, 61 mol, 100%) was further reacted without further purification.

    TABLE-US-00013 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 861.2, t.sub.R = 10.1 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 861.2 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.40H.sub.51BrClN.sub.4O.sub.10).sup.+

    Cryptophycin-uD[Dap(Alloc,Me)] P10

    [0320] The formation of cryptophycin P10 followed GP VI using bromide P9 (87 mg, 103 mol, 1 eq.). Column chromatographic purification (dichloroethane:methanol 97.5:2.5, 2.523 cm) yielded the epoxide P10 (54 mg, 73 mol, 60%) as a colourless solid.

    TABLE-US-00014 TLC: R.sub.f (DCM:MeOH 97.5:2.5) = 0.10 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 739.3, t.sub.R = 9.8 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 739.3 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.38H.sub.48ClN.sub.4O.sub.9).sup.+ HRMS: m/z (found) 761.2923 (ESI, +) m/z (calc.) 761.2924 (M + Na.sup.+); (NaC.sub.38H.sub.47ClN.sub.4O.sub.9.sup.+)

    [0321] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=7.38 (dd, .sup.3J=8.0 Hz, .sup.3J=3.7 Hz, 1H, uC-nH), 7.37-7.29 (m, 3H, uA-C.sup.metaH and uA-C.sup.paraH), 7.27 (d, .sup.3J=6.4 Hz, 1H, uD-NH), 7.24-7.20 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.orthoH), 7.17 (d, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.2H), 7.02 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.6H), 6.81 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.5H), 6.73 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.0 Hz, .sup.3J=10.5 Hz, .sup.3J=4.4 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.87 (ddt, .sup.3J=16.3 Hz, .sup.3J=10.7 Hz, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, 1H, uC-H.sub.2CCH), 5.74 (d, .sup.3J=15.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.68 (d, .sup.3J=7.9 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 5.26 (dm, .sup.3J=16.9 Hz, 1H, uD-HCCH.sup.trans), 5.20 (dm, .sup.3J=10.9 Hz, 1H, uD-HCCH.sup.cis), 5.18 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.72 (ddd, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, .sup.3J=6.6 Hz, .sup.3J=6.6 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.56-4.51 (m, 2H, uD-H.sub.2CCHCH.sub.2), 4.32 (ddd, .sup.3J=9.5 Hz, .sup.3J=6.3 Hz, .sup.3J=3.5 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.85 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.67 (d, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.52 (dd, .sup.2J=14.6 Hz, .sup.3J=8.9 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.33 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=8.1 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.15-3.09 (m, 2H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B and uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.05 (d, .sup.3J=6.2 Hz, 2H, uB-C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.90 (dd, .sup.3J=7.6 Hz, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 2.77 (s, 3H, uD-NCH.sub.3), 2.57 (ddd, .sup.2J=14.6 Hz, .sup.3J=4.5 Hz, .sup.3J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.45 (ddm, .sup.2J=14.5 Hz, .sup.3J=10.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.81 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.15-1.12 (m, 6H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3 and uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.04 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B).

    [0322] .sup.13C NMR (600 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=178.6 (uC-CO), 170.4 and 170.2 (uB-CO und uD-C.sup.CO), 165.0 (uA-CO), 157.9 (uD-NCO), 154.2 (uB-C.sup.4OMe), 141.3 (uA-C.sup.H), 136.8 (uA-C.sup.HC.sup.A,), 132.4 (uD-H.sub.2CCH), 131.0 (uB-C.sup.2H), 129.5 (uB-C.sup.1), 128.8 (uA-C.sup.metaH), 128.7 (uA-C.sup.paraH), 128.4 (uB-C.sup.6H), 125.7 (uA-C.sup.orthoH), 125.3 (uA-C.sup.H), 122.6 (uB-C.sup.3Cl), 118.0 (uD-H.sub.2CCH), 112.4 (uB-C.sup.5H), 76.0 (uA-C.sup.H), 66.8 (uD-COOCH.sub.2), 63.4 (uA-C.sup.H), 59.1 (uA-C.sup.H), 56.2 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 54.4 (uB-C.sup.H), 53.1 (uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 49.6 (uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 47.2 (uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 42.2 (uC-C.sup.), 40.7 (uA-C.sup.H), 37.1 (uA-C.sup.H.sub.2), 35.6 (uB-C.sup.H.sub.2), 35.3 (uD-NCH.sub.3), 23.9 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 23.0 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 13.8 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    Cryptophycin-uD[Dab(Alloc,Me)] B10

    [0323] The formation of cryptophycin B10 followed GP VI using bromide B9 (53 mg, 61 mol, 1 eq.). Column chromatographic purification (dichloroethane:methanol 97.5:2.5, 2.520 cm) yielded the epoxide B10 (14.8 mg, 20 mol, 30%) as a colourless solid.

    TABLE-US-00015 TLC: R.sub.f (DCM:MeOH 97.5:2.5) = 0.10 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 753.3, t.sub.R = 9.8 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 753.3 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.39H.sub.50ClN.sub.4O.sub.9).sup.+ HRMS: m/z (found) 775.3093 (ESI, +) m/z (calc.) 775.3080 (M + Na.sup.+); (NaC.sub.39H.sub.49ClN.sub.4O.sub.9.sup.+)

    [0324] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=7.41-7.28 (m, 3H uA-C.sup.metaH and uA-C.sup.paraH), 7.25-7.20 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.orthoH), 7.18-7.15 (m, 2H, uB-C.sup.2H and uC-nH), 7.10 (m, 1H, uD-NH), 7.03 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.6H), 6.83 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.5H), 6.73 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.1 Hz, .sup.3J=10.9 Hz, .sup.3J=4.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.91 (ddt, .sup.3J=16.2 Hz, .sup.3J=10.7 Hz, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, 1H, uC-H.sub.2CCH), 5.70 (dd, .sup.3J=14.9 Hz, 4J=1.8 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.63 (m, 1H, uB-NH), 5.27 (dm, .sup.3J=17.7 Hz, 1H, uD-HCCH.sup.trans), 5.20 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.1H and uD-HCCH.sup.cis), 4.67 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.56 (d, .sup.3J=5.2 Hz, 2H, uD-H.sub.2CCHCH.sub.2), 4.34 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.86 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.67 (d, .sup.3J=1.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H, 1H), 3.39 (dd, .sup.2J=11.0 Hz, .sup.3J=11.0 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.31-3.13 (m, 2H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B and uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.09 (dd, .sup.2J=14.5 Hz, .sup.3J=4.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.98 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.90 (dd, .sup.3J=7.6 Hz, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 2.84-2.65 (m, 4H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B and uD-NCH.sub.3), 2.56 (dddd, .sup.2J=14.3 Hz, .sup.3J=4.5 Hz, .sup.3J=2.2 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.39 (ddd, .sup.2J=14.3 Hz, .sup.3J=11.2 Hz, .sup.3J=11.2 Hz, 1H uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.83-1.76 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B and uA-C.sup.H), 1.70 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.20 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.16-1.11 (m, 6H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3 and uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B).

    Cryptophycin-uD[Dap(Me)] P11

    [0325] Cryptophycin P10 (47.2 mg, 63.8 mol) was dissolved dichloromethane (2 mL) and morpholine (50 L, 0.57 mmol, 9 eq.) and in degassed via three cycles of freeze pump thawing. Tetrakis(triphenylphosphin)palladium (10.0 mg, 8.6 mol, 14 mol-%) was added. The reaction solution was stirred at room temperature for 60 minutes then concentrated in vacuo. Column chromatographic purification (dichloroethane:methanol 95:5, 325 cm) yielded cryptophycin P11 (28.6 mg, 43.6 mol, 68%) as white solid.

    TABLE-US-00016 TLC: R.sub.f (DCM:MeOH 95:5) = 0.10 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 655.3, t.sub.R = 7.0 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 655.3 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.34H.sub.44ClN.sub.4O.sub.7).sup.+. HRMS: m/z (found) 655.2878 (ESI+) m/z (calc.) 655.2893 (M + H.sup.+); (C.sub.34H.sub.44ClN.sub.4O.sub.7).sup.+.

    [0326] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=7.41-7.29 (m, 4H uC-nH, C.sup.metaH and uA-C.sup.paraH), 7.25-7.20 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.orthoH), 7.18 (d, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.2H), 7.03 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.6H), 6.83 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.5H), 6.78-6.67 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.NH and uA-C.sup.H), 5.74 (dd, .sup.3J=15.0 Hz, .sup.4J=1.8 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.71 (d, .sup.3J=8.0 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 5.17 (ddd, .sup.3J=11.6 Hz, .sup.3J=6.1 Hz, .sup.3J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.1H), 4.71 (ddd, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, .sup.3J=5.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.24 (ddd, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, .sup.3J=5.4 Hz, .sup.3J=5.4 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.86 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.67 (d, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.36 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=8.2 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.14 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=3.7 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.11-2.97 (m, 2H, uB-C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.90 (dd, .sup.3J=7.7 Hz, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 2.61-2.54 (m, 3H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B and uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.43 (ddd, J=2J=14.4 Hz, .sup.3J=11.0 Hz, .sup.3J=11.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.22 (s, 3H, uD-NCH.sub.3), 1.78 (ddq, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.17 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.14 (d, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 1.11 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B).

    ##STR00034##

    Fmoc-uD[Dab(Alloc)]-uA[acetonide]-uB-OTCE C1

    [0327] Building block A-B was synthesized according to Sewald et al., (N. Sewald et al., J. Org. Chem. 2010, 75, 6953-6960).

    [0328] A solution of Fmoc-Dap(Alloc)-OH (517 mg, 1.22 mmol, 1.0 eq.), building block A-B (805 mg, 1.22 mmol, 1.0 eq.) and DMAP (27 mg, 0.22 mmol, 0.2 eq.) in abs. THF (19 mL) was stirred at 0 C. under argon. Triethylamine (340 L, 2.45 mmol, 2.0 eq.) followed by 2,4,6-trichlorobenzoyl chloride (0.3 mL, 1.9 mmol, 1.6 eq.) were added. The solution was stirred for 4.5 h at 0 C. A solution of citric acid (10%, 50 mL) in water was added. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (350 mL). The organic layers were combined and dried over MgSO.sub.4, then concentrated in vacuo. Column chromatography (d=4 cm, l=20 cm, PE/EtOAc 2:1) yielded C1 a white foam (1.07 g, 1.00 mmol, 82%).

    TABLE-US-00017 HRMS: m/z (found) 1090.2577 (ESI, +) m/z (calc.) 1090.2589 (M + Na.sup.+); (NaC.sub.53H.sub.57Cl.sub.4N.sub.3O.sub.12.sup.+)

    [0329] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=7.76 (d, .sup.3J=7.6 Hz, 2H, C.sup.arH), 7.60 (d, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 2H, C.sup.arH), 7.45-7.28 (m, 9H, C.sup.arH), 7.15 (s, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 6.98 (d, .sup.3J=8.6 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.80 (d, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.52 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.28 (d, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 5.93 (m, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2), 5.63 (d, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 1H, uD-NH-Fmoc), 5.40 (d, .sup.3J=15.6 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.37 (s (broad), 1H, uD-NH-Alloc), 5.31 (d, .sup.3J=17.1 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.trans), 5.21 (d, .sup.3J=10.4 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.cis), 4.98-4.90 (m, 2H, uB-C.sup.H, uA-C.sup.1H), 4.71 (d, .sup.2J=11.9 Hz, 1H, uB-CH.sup.AH.sup.BCCl.sub.3), 4.68 (d, .sup.3J=8.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.62 (d, .sup.2J=12.0 Hz, 1H, uB-CH.sup.AH.sup.BCCl.sub.3), 4.57 (s (broad), 2H, uD-CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 4.38 (d, .sup.3J=7.2 Hz, 2H, uD-CH.sub.2CH, Fmoc), 4.28 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 4.20 (t, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 1H, uD-CH.sub.2CH, Fmoc), 3.87 (dd, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, .sup.3J=8.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.82 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.42 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.14 (dd, .sup.2J=14.2 Hz, .sup.3J=5.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.08-2.95 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.33 (n, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.27 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.03-1.87 (m, 2H, uA-CEH, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.77 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.52 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.45 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.10 (d, .sup.3J=7.1 Hz, 3H, uA- C.sup.HCH3).

    [0330] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=171.5 (uD-CO), 170.1 (uB-COOTce), 165.22 (CO, Alloc), 165.16 (uB-CONH), 156.6 (CO, Fmoc), 154.3 (uB-C.sup.4), 144.0 (C.sup.ar), 143.6 (C.sup.ar), 141.4 (C.sup.ar), 139.4 (uA-C.sup.), 137.5 (C.sup.ar), 133.0 (CCH.sub.2, Alloc), 131.3 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 129.0 (C.sup.ar), 128.8 (C.sup.ar), 128.8 (C.sup.ar) 128.6 (uB-C.sup.ar,6), 127.9 (C.sup.ar), 127.2 (C.sup.ar), 125.7 (uA-C.sup.), 125.3 (C.sup.ar), 125.2 (C.sup.ar), 122.4 (C.sup.ar), 117.9 (CCH.sub.2, Alloc), 112.3 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 109.4 (UA-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 94.4 (UBCCl.sub.3), 82.3 (uA-C.sup.), 80.8 (uA-C.sup.), 75.9 (uA-C.sup.), 74.8 (uB-CH.sub.2CCl.sub.3), 67.3 (CH.sub.2CH, Fmoc), 65.8 (CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2, Alloc), 56.3 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 53.3 (uB-C.sup.), 52.1 (uD-C.sup.), 47.2 (CH.sub.2CH, Fmoc), 37.2 (uD-C.sup.), 36.5 (uB-C.sup.), 35.7 (uA-C.sup.), 33.0 (uA-C.sup.), 32.5 (uD-C.sup.), 27.3 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 27.1 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 10.2 (uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    Fmoc-uD[Lys(Alloc)]-uA[acetonide]-uB-OTCE G1

    [0331] Building block A-B was synthesized according to Sewald et al., (N. Sewald et al., J. Org. Chem. 2010, 75, 6953-6960). Alloc=allyloxycarbonyl.

    [0332] A solution of Fmoc-Lys(Alloc)-OH (0.70 mg, 1.5 mmol, 1.5 eq.), building block A-B (0.67 g, 1.0 mmol, 1.0 eq.) and DMAP (27 mg, 0.22 mmol, 0.2 eq.) in abs. THF (19 mL) was stirred at 0 C. under argon. Triethylamine (340 L, 2.45 mmol, 2.0 eq.) followed by 2,4,6-trichlorobenzoyl chloride (0.3 mL, 1.9 mmol, 1.6 eq.) were added. The solution was stirred for 4.5 h at 0 C. A solution of citric acid (10%, 50 mL) in water was added. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (350 mL). The organic layers were combined and dried over MgSO.sub.4, then concentrated in vacuo. Column chromatography (d=4 cm, l=20 cm, PE/EtOAc 2:1) yielded G1 as a white foam (1.10 g, 1.00 mmol, quant.).

    [0333] TLC: R.sub.f(PE/EtOAc 2:1)=0.26.

    [0334] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) b/ppm=7.75 (d, .sup.3J=7.6 Hz, 2H, C.sup.arH), 7.63-7.54 (m, 2H, C.sup.arH), 7.43-7.38 (m, 2H, C.sup.arH), 7.37-7.27 (m, 7H, C.sup.arH), 7.10 (s, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 6.95 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.89 (d, .sup.3J=7.7 Hz, 1H, NH), 6.75 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.55 (ddd, .sup.3J=14.5 Hz, .sup.3J=6.4 Hz, .sup.3J=6.4 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.92 (m, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2), 5.61 (d, .sup.3J=15.6 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.56 (d, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, 1H, NH), 5.28 (d, .sup.3J=17.0 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.trans), 5.19 (d, .sup.3J=10.5 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.cis), 5.01-4.91 (m, 2H, uB-C.sup.H, uA-C.sup.H, NH), 4.71 (d, .sup.3J=8.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.62 (d, .sup.2J=12.0 Hz, 1H, uB-CH.sup.AH.sup.BCCl.sub.3), 4.58-4.51 (m, 3H, uB-CH.sup.AH.sup.BCCl.sub.3, UD-CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 4.38 (m, 1H, uD-CH.sup.AH.sup.BCH, Fmoc), 4.22 (m, 1H, uD-CH.sup.AH.sup.BCH, Fmoc), 4.20-4.12 (m, 2H, uD-CH.sub.2CH Fmoc, uD-C.sup.H), 3.84 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.79 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.24-3.13 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 3.08 (dd, .sup.2J=14.3 Hz, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.93 (dd, .sup.2J=14.4 Hz, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.37 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.29 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.98 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.74 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.66 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.55-1.48 (m, 5H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3)B, UD-CH.sub.2), 1.46 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.42-1.35 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 1.09 (d, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    [0335] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=172.0 (uD-CO), 169.8 (uB-COOTce), 166.4 (uD-Alloc-CO), 157.0 (uB-CONH), 156.5 (Fmoc-CO, Fmoc), 154.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 143.6 (C.sup.ar), 141.4 (C.sup.ar), 140.4 (uA-C.sup.), 137.5 (C.sup.ar), 132.8 (UD-Alloc-CCH.sub.2), 131.4 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 128.9 (C.sup.ar), 128.7 (C.sup.ar), 128.6 (uB-C.sup.ar,6) 127.9 (C.sup.ar), 127.2 (C.sup.ar), 127.1 (C.sup.ar), 125.3 (C.sup.ar), 125.2 (uA-C.sup.), 124.8 (C.sup.ar), 122.3 (C.sup.ar), 120.1 (C.sup.ar), 118.0 (UD-Alloc-CCH.sub.2), 112.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 109.2 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 94.3 (UBCCl.sub.3), 82.6 (uA-C.sup.), 80.8 (uA-C.sup.), 75.4 (uA-C.sup.), 74.7 (uB-CH.sub.2CCl.sub.3), 67.5 (Fmoc-CH.sub.2CH), 65.2 (uD-Alloc-CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 56.2 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 54.3 (uD-C.sup.), 53.4 (uB-C.sup.), 47.1 (Fmoc-CH.sub.2CH, Fmoc), 40.3 (uD-C.sup.), 36.5 (uB-C.sup.), 36.3 (uA-C.sup.), 32.1 (uA-C.sup.), 31.0 (uD-C.sup.), 29.6 (uD-C.sup.), 27.3 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 27.2 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 22.5 (uD-C.sup.), 9.6 (uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    Fmoc-uC-uD[Dab(Alloc)]-uA[acetonide]-uB-OTce C2

    [0336] Piperidine (0.50 mL, 5.0 mmol, 5.1 eq.) was added to a solution of C1 (1.05 g, 0.98 mmol) in DMF (30 mL) at 0 C. After 30 minutes stirring at room temperature the solvent was evaporated. The resulting colorless oil was co-evaporated with toluene, then dissolved in DMF (10 mL). Fmoc-3-amino-2,2-dimethyl-propionic acid (682 mg, 2.01 mmol, 2.0 eq.), HOAt (319 mg, 2.28 mmol, 2.3 eq.) and DiPEA (0.90 mL, 5.3 mmol, 5.4 eq.) were dissolved in dichloromethane (40 mL) and DIC (0.35 mL, 2.30 mmol, 2.3 eq.) was added at 0 C. over 10 minutes and stirred for additional 10 minutes. The DMF solution was added. After stirring at RT for 17.5 h the solution was given to a solution of citric acid (10%, 100 mL) in water. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (350 mL). The organic layers were combined washed with sodium bicarbonate solution (10%, 50 mL) and brine (50 mL) and dried over MgSO.sub.4, then concentrated in vacuo. Column chromatography (d=3.5 cm, l=22 cm, PE/EtOAc 2:1->1:1) yielded C2 as a white foam (0.50 g, 0.42 mmol, 43%).

    TABLE-US-00018 HRMS: m/z (found) 1189.3286 (ESI, +) m/z (calc.) 1189.3273 (M + Na.sup.+); (NaC.sub.58H.sub.66Cl.sub.4N.sub.4O.sub.13.sup.+)

    [0337] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=7.75 (d, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, 2H, C.sup.arH), 7.61 (d, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 2H, C.sup.arH), 7.43-7.27 (m, 9H, C.sup.arH), 7.17 (d, .sup.4J=2.3 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.07-7.00 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.82 (d, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.78 (s, 1H, uD-NH-uC), 6.63 (d, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 6.54 (ddd, .sup.3J=14.8 Hz, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.88 (ddt, .sup.3J=16.3 Hz, .sup.3J=10.6 Hz, .sup.3J=5.6 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2), 5.80 (s, 1H, uC-NH-Fmoc), 5.47 (d, .sup.3J=14.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.47 (s (broad), 1H, uD-NH-Alloc), 5.29 (d, .sup.3J=16.9 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.trans), 5.18 (d, .sup.3J=10.5 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.cis), 5.02-4.91 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.79 (d, .sup.2J=11.8 Hz, 1H, CH.sup.AH.sup.BCCl.sub.3), 4.68 (d, .sup.3J=8.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.68 (d, .sup.2J=11.8 Hz, 1H, CH.sup.AH.sup.BCCl.sub.3), 4.55 (d, .sup.3J=5.7 Hz, 2H, uD-CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 4.49 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 4.43-4.28 (m, 2H, uD-CH.sup.AH.sup.BCH, Fmoc), 4.20 (dd, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, 1H, CH.sub.2CH, Fmoc), 3.87 (dm, .sup.3J=9.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.85 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.41 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.37-3.30 (m, 2H, uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 3.19 (dd, .sup.2J=14.3 Hz, .sup.3J=5.8 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.12-2.99 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.41-2.18 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.01-1.90 (m, 3H, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2, uA-C.sup.H), 1.54 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.47 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.25 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.20 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.12 (d, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    [0338] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=177.8 (uC-CO), 172.0 (uD-CO), 170.2 (uB-COOTce), 165.3 (uD-CO Alloc), 157.2 (CO, Fmoc), 156.8 (uB-CONH), 154.2 (uB-C.sup.4), 144.2 (C.sup.ar), 144.1 (C.sup.ar) 141.4 (C.sup.ar), 139.2 (uA-C.sup.), 137.4 (C.sup.ar), 132.8 (CCH.sub.2, Alloc), 131.4 (uB-C.sup.2), 129.1 (C.sup.ar), 129.0 (C.sup.ar) 128.8 (uB-C.sup.6), 128.6 (C.sup.ar), 127.8 (C.sup.ar), 127.2 (C.sup.ar), 127.1 (C.sup.ar), 125.8 (uA-C.sup.), 125.3 (C.sup.ar), 122.3 (C.sup.ar), 120.1 (C.sup.ar), 118.0 (CCH.sub.2, Alloc), 112.3 (uB-C.sup.5), 109.4 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 94.5 (UBCCl.sub.3), 82.2 (uA-C.sup.), 80.8 (uA-C.sup.), 76.1 (uA-C.sup.), 74.7 (uB-CH.sub.2CCl.sub.3), 66.9 (CH.sub.2CH, Fmoc), 66.0 (CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2, Alloc), 56.3 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 53.5 (uB-C.sup.), 50.5 (uD-C.sup.), 49.7 (uC-C.sup.), 47.4 (CH.sub.2CH, Fmoc), 43.7 (uC-C.sup.), 37.1 (uD-C.sup.), 36.5 (uB-C.sup.), 35.8 (uA-C.sup.), 33.1 (uA-C.sup.), 31.4 (uD-C.sup.), 27.4 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 27.2 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 23.6 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 23.0 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 10.4 (uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    Fmoc-uC-uD[Lys(Alloc)]-uA[acetonide]-uB-OTce G2

    [0339] Piperidine (0.50 mL, 5.0 mmol, 5.0 eq.) was added to a solution of G1 (1.1 g, 1.0 mmol) in DMF (30 mL) at 0 C. After 30 minutes stirring at room temperature, the solvent was evaporated. The resulting colorless oil was co-evaporated with toluene, then dissolved in DMF (10 mL). Fmoc-3-amino-2,2-dimethyl-propionic acid (523 mg, 1.5 mmol, 1.5 eq.), HOAt (231 mg, 1.7 mmol, 1.65 eq.) and DiPEA (0.90 mL, 5.1 mmol, 5 eq.) were dissolved in dichloromethane (40 mL) and DIC (0.26 mL, 1.7 mmol, 1.65 eq.) was added at 0 C. over 10 minutes and stirred for additional 10 minutes. The DMF solution was added. After stirring at RT for 17.5 h the solution was given to a solution of citric acid (10%, 100 mL) in water. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (350 mL). The organic layers were combined washed with sodium bicarbonate solution (10%, 50 mL) and brine (50 mL) and dried over MgSO.sub.4, then concentrated in vacuo. Column chromatography (PE/EtOAc 2:1->1:1) yielded G2 as a white foam (0.57 g, 0.48 mmol, 48%).

    TABLE-US-00019 MS: (ESI, +) m/z (found) 1217.4 m/z (calc.) 1217.4 (M + Na.sup.+); (NaC.sub.60H.sub.70Cl.sub.4N.sub.4O.sub.13.sup.+)

    [0340] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=7.76 (d, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 2H, C.sup.arH), 7.60 (d, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 2H, C.sup.arH), 7.41-7.36 (m, 2H, C.sup.arH), 7.32-7.23 (m, 7H, C.sup.arH), 7.17 (d, .sup.4J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.04 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.4J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.99 (d, .sup.3J=7.7 Hz, 1H, NH), 6.80 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C .sup.ar,5H), 6.57 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.34 (d, .sup.3J=6.4 Hz, 1H, NH), 5.88 (ddt, .sup.3J=16.2 Hz, .sup.3J=10.7 Hz, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2), 5.80 (s, 1H, NH), 5.68 (d, .sup.3J=15.6 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.28 (d, .sup.3J=16.4 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.cis), 5.19 (d, .sup.3J=10.4 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.cis), 5.04-4.95 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.91 (m, 1H, NH), 4.79 (d, .sup.2J=11.8 Hz, 1H, CH.sup.AH.sup.BCCl.sub.3), 4.71-4.64 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.H, CH.sup.AH.sup.BCCl.sub.3), 4.53 (d, .sup.3J=5.2 Hz, 2H, uD-CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 4.39-4.28 (m, 3H, uD-Fmoc-CH.sub.2CH, uD-C.sup.H), 4.18 (m, 1H, Fmoc-CH.sub.2CH), 3.84 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.80 (dd, .sup.3J=8.7 Hz, .sup.3J=2.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.41 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.40-3.27 (m, 2H, uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 3.22-3.12 (m, 3H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 3.02 (dd, .sup.2J=14.1 Hz, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.44-2.30 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.H.sub.2), 1.98 (m, 3H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.78 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.70 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.52-1.47 (m, 5H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B, UD-CH.sub.2), 1.43 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.38 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 1.23 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.15 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.10 (d, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    [0341] .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=177.6 (uC-CO), 172.3 (uD-CO), 170.3 (uB-COOTce), 165.7 (uD-Alloc-CO), 157.2 (Fmoc-CO), 156.9 (uB-CONH), 154.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 144.2 (C.sup.ar), 141.5 (C.sup.ar) 141.4 (C.sup.ar), 139.2 (uA-C.sup.), 137.6 (C.sup.ar), 133.0 (Alloc-CCH.sub.2), 131.4 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 128.9 (C.sup.ar), 128.7 (C.sup.ar) 128.6 (uB-C.sup.ar,6), 127.8 (C.sup.ar), 127.2 (C.sup.ar), 127.0 (C.sup.ar), 125.5 (C.sup.ar), 125.4 (uA-C.sup.), 122.3 (C.sup.ar), 120.1 (C.sup.ar), 117.9 (Alloc-CCH.sub.2), 112.3 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 109.1 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 94.5 (uB-CCl.sub.3), 82.6 (uA-C.sup.), 80.8 (uA-C.sup.), 75.8 (uA-C.sup.), 74.7 (uB-CH.sub.2CCl.sub.3), 67.0 (Fmoc-CH.sub.2CH), 65.7 (Alloc-CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 56.3 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 53.5 (uB-C.sup.), 53.1 (uD-C.sup.), 47.4 (Fmoc-CH.sub.2CH, Fmoc), 43.7 (uC-C.sup.), 41.5 (uC-C.sup.), 40.2 (uD-C.sup.) 36.6 (uB-C.sup.), 36.3 (uA-C.sup.), 32.1 (uA-C.sup.), 29.8 (uD-C.sup.), 27.4 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 27.2 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 27.1 (uD-C.sup.), 23.6 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 22.8 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 22.5 (uD-C.sup.), 9.6 (uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    Cryptophycin-[uA-acetonide]-[uD-Dab(Alloc)] C3

    [0342] Piperidine (0.20 mL, 2.0 mmol, 5 eq.) was added to a solution of seco-depsipeptide C2 (463 mg, 0.40 mmol) in DMF (12 mL) at 0 C. The cooling bath was removed, and the reaction stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. Ethyl acetate (200 mL) and water (200 mL) was added to the reaction solution. The organic layer was isolated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (3200 mL). The organic layers were dried over MgSO.sub.4, then concentrated in vacuo. Column chromatography (d=2 cm, l=21 cm, 100% EtOAc) yielded C3 as a white foam (278 mg, 0.35 mmol, 87%).

    TABLE-US-00020 HRMS: m/z (found) 819.3339 (ESI, +) m/z (calc.) 819.3342 (M + Na.sup.+); (NaC.sub.41H.sub.53ClN.sub.4O.sub.10.sup.+)

    [0343] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=7.48-7.30 (m, 5H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.17 (s, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.03 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.85 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.62 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.42-6.30 (m, 2H, uC-C.sup.NH, uC-NH), 5.92 (ddt, .sup.3J=16.6 Hz, .sup.3J=11.0 Hz, .sup.3J=5.7 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2), 5.61 (d, .sup.3J=15.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.50 (s (broad), 1H, uD-NH-Alloc), 5.44 (d, .sup.3J=6.5 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 5.31 (d, .sup.3J=17.2 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.trans), 5.22 (d, .sup.3J=10.4 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.cis), 5.13 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.69 (d, .sup.3J=8.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.64-4.51 (m, 3H, uD-CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2, uB-C.sup.H), 4.38 (ddd, .sup.3J=8.3 Hz, .sup.3J=8.3 Hz, .sup.3J=7.3 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.88 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.79 (d, .sup.3J=8.8 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.53-3.33 (m, 2H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.28 (d, .sup.2J=12.6 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.10 (dd, J=14.7 Hz, .sup.3J=5.0 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.93-2.86 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.39 (dn, .sup.2J=14.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.17 (ddd, .sup.2J=12.9, .sup.3J=12.5 Hz, .sup.3J=12.5 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.86 (dd, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.78 (s (broad), 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.56 (s (broad), 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.52 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.46 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.21 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.15 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.12 (d, .sup.3J=7.1 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    [0344] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=178.1 (uC-CO), 172.0 (uD-COO), 170.9 (uB-CONH-uC), 164.9 (uA-CONH-uB), 156.2 (CO, Alloc), 154.1 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 142.2 (uA-C.sup.), 137.4 (C.sup.ar), 133.0 (CCH.sub.2, Alloc), 130.9 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 129.6 (C.sup.ar), 128.9 (C.sup.ar), 128.7 (C.sup.ar), 128.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,1), 126.8 (C.sup.ar), 124.8 (uA-C.sup.), 122.5 (C.sup.ar), 117.8 (CCH.sub.2, Alloc), 112.4 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 109.3 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 82.5 (uA-C.sup.), 80.4 (uA-C.sup.), 75.5 (uA-C.sup.), 65.7 (CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2, Alloc), 56.2 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 55.0 (uB-C.sup.), 50.0 (uD-C.sup.), 47.0 (uC-C.sup.), 47.0 (uC-C.sup.), 37.0 (uD-C.sup.), 36.6, (uA-C.sup.), 36.0 (uA-C.sup.), 35.7 (uB-C.sup.), 33.0 (uD-C.sup.), 27.3 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 27.1 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 25.2 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 21.8 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 9.7 (uA-C.sup.EHCH.sub.3).

    [0345] Cryptophycin-[uA-acetonide]-[uD-Lys(Alloc)] G3

    [0346] Piperidine (0.23 mL, 2.4 mmol, 5 eq.) was added to a solution of seco-depsipeptide G2 (0.57 g, 0.48 mmol) in DMF (12 mL) at 0 C. The cooling bath was removed, and the reaction stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. Ethyl acetate (200 mL) and water (200 mL) was added to the reaction solution. The organic layer was isolated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (3200 mL). The organic layers were dried over MgSO.sub.4, then concentrated in vacuo. Column chromatography (d=2 cm, 1=21 cm, PE/EtOAc 2:1-*0:1) yielded G3 as a white foam (0.33 g, 0.39 mmol, 81%).

    TABLE-US-00021 MS: (ESI, +) m/z (found) 847.4 m/z (calc.) 847.5 (M + Na.sup.+); (NaC.sub.43H.sub.57ClN.sub.4O.sub.10.sup.+) TLC: R.sub.f (EtOAc) = 0.60.

    [0347] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=7.40-7.31 (m, 5H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.17 (d, .sup.4J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.03 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.84 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.76 (s, 1H, NH), 6.57 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.1 Hz, .sup.3J=11.1 Hz, .sup.3J=4.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.19 (m, 1H, NH), 5.90 (ddt, .sup.3J=16.4 Hz, .sup.3J=10.8 Hz, .sup.3J=5.6 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2), 5.62 (d, .sup.3J=14.6 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.31 (d, .sup.3J=17.2 Hz, .sup.2J=1.6 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.trans), 5.21 (d, .sup.3J=10.4 Hz, .sup.2J=1.4 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.cis), 5.11 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.H, NH), 4.83 (s, 1H, NH), 4.70 (d, .sup.3J=8.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.61 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.55 (d, .sup.3J=5.6 Hz, uD-CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 4.28 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.87 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.76 (dd, .sup.3J=8.8 Hz, .sup.3J=2.5 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.43-3.25 (m, 2H, uC-CH.sub.2), 3.19-3.06 (m, 3H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.91 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.39 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.15 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.86 (m, 1H, uA-CEH), 1.58-1.52 (m, 3H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, uD-CH.sub.2), 1.49 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.46 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.28-1.23 (m, 3H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, uD-CH.sub.2), 1.20 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.15 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.12 (d, .sup.3J=7.1 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    [0348] .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=172.3 (uC-CO), 164.8 (uD-COO), 162.6 (uB-CONH-uC), 162.4 (uA-CONH-uB), 156.6 (CO, Alloc), 154.3 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 142.4 (uA-C.sup.), 137.7 (C.sup.ar), 133.0 (CCH.sub.2, Alloc), 130.9 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 129.5 (C.sup.ar), 128.9 (C.sup.ar), 128.8 (C.sup.ar), 128.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,6), 126.8 (C.sup.ar), 124.8 (uA-C.sup.), 122.8 (C.sup.ar), 117.9 (CCH.sub.2, Alloc), 112.6 (uB-C.sup.ar,6), 109.2 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 82.7 (uA-C.sup.), 80.4 (uA-C.sup.), 75.2 (uA-C.sup.), 65.7 (uD-CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 56.3 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 54.9 (uB-C.sup.), 51.9 (uD-C.sup.), 47.1 (uC-C.sup.), 43.6 (uC-C.sup.), 40.5 (uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 37.0 (uA-C.sup.), 35.8 (uA-C.sup.), 35.7 (uB-C.sup.), 32.1 (uD-C.sup.), 32.0 (uD-C.sup.), 29.8 (uD-C.sup.), 27.3 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 27.2 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 25.2 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 22.3 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 9.6 (uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    Cryptophycin-[uA-diol]-[uD-Dab(Alloc)] C4

    [0349] TFA (3 mL) was added to a solution of acetonide protected cryptophycin C3 (477 mg, 0.60 mmol) in dichloromethane (3 mL) at 0 C. After 5 hours stirring at 0 C. the solvents were evaporated, and the residue was co evaporated with toluene (2 mL). The residue was dissolved in EtOAc (100 mL) and washed with sodium bicarbonate solution. The organic layer was separated, dried over MgSO.sub.4, then concentrated in vacuo. Column chromatography (EtOAc->DCM:MeOH 9:1) yielded C4 as a white foam (340 mg, 0.44 mmol, 76%).

    TABLE-US-00022 HPLC-MS m/z (found): 757.34, t.sub.R = 8.6 min. (ESI, +): m/z (calc.): 757.32 (M + H.sup.+); (C.sub.38H.sub.50ClN.sub.4O.sub.10.sup.+).

    Cryptophycin-[uA-diol]-[uD-Lys(Alloc)] G4

    [0350] TFA (3 mL) was added to a solution of acetonide protected cryptophycin G3 (61 mg, 0.77 mol) in dichloromethane (3 mL) at 0 C. After 4 hours stirring at rt the solvents were evaporated, and the residue was co evaporated with toluene (2 mL) three times. The residue was dissolved in EtOAc (50 mL) and washed with sodium bicarbonate solution. The organic layer was separated, dried over MgSO.sub.4, then concentrated in vacuo. Column chromatography (EtOAc->DCM:MeOH 9:1) yielded G4 as a white foam (23 mg, 0.30 mol, 40%).

    TABLE-US-00023 HPLC-MS m/z (found): 785.34, t.sub.R = 8.6 min. (ESI, +): m/z (calc.): 785.35 (M + H.sup.+); (C.sub.40H.sub.54ClN.sub.4O.sub.10.sup.+).

    ##STR00035##

    Cryptophycin-[uD-Dab(Alloc)]C5

    [0351] To a solution of diol C4 (0.20 g, 0.26 mmol, 1 eq.) and PPTS in dichloromethane (7.5 mL) trimethylorthoformate (2.5 mL, 23 mmol, 88 eq.) was added. The solution was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The reaction solution was filtered over silica (d=2.5 cm, l=5 cm) and eluted with dichloromethan/ethylacetate (1:1, 300 mL), then concentrated in vacuo and dried overnight under high vacuum. The intermediate orthoester (0.18 g, 0.22 mmol, 86%) was dissolved in dichloromethane (3 mL) acetylbromide-solution (0.5 M in abs. DCM, 1.1 mL, 0.55 mmol, 2.5 eq.) was added and the reaction solution stirred at room temperature for 5 hours. The reaction solution was added to sodium bicarbonate solution (half sat., 50 mL). The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (320 mL). The organic layers were dried over MgSO.sub.4, then concentrated in vacuo and dried overnight under high vacuum.

    [0352] An emulsion of abs. ethylene glycol (2.5 mL), abs. 1,2-dimethoxyethane (5.0 mL) and potassium carbonate was freshly prepared over 3 molecular sieves (320 mg) prepared and homogenized by vortexer and ultrasonic bath.

    [0353] The potassium carbonate emulsion (6.5 mL, 1.31 mmol, 6.5 eq.) homogenized by constant shaking was mixed with bromo-formate (171 mg, 0.202 mmol). The mixture was stirred for 6 min at rt then diluted with abs. dichloromethane (20 mL). The solution was given to KHSO.sub.4 solution (0.5%, 20 mL), phases were separated immediately, and the aqueous phase was further extracted with dichloromethane (320 mL). The combined organic phases were dried over MgSO.sub.4 and concentrated in vacuo. column chromatography (d=2 cm, l=18 cm, PE/EtOAc 1:9) yielded cryptophycin C5 as white solid foam (96 mg, 0.13 mmol, 50% over 4 steps).

    TABLE-US-00024 HRMS: m/z (found) 761.2920 (ESI, +) m/z (calc.) 761.2924 (M + H.sup.+); (NaC.sub.38H.sub.47ClN.sub.4O.sub.9.sup.+)

    [0354] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=7.45-7.29 (m, 3H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.24 (d, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, 2H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.18 (s (broad), 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.04 (dd, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.85 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.74 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.2 Hz, .sup.3J=11.4 Hz, .sup.3J=4.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.54 (d, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.NH), 6.50 (d, .sup.3J=8.1 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.NH), 5.91 (ddt, .sup.3J=16.3 Hz, .sup.3J=10.7 Hz, .sup.3J=5.6 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2), 5.68 (d, .sup.3J=14.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.58 (s (broad), 1H, uB-NH), 5.30 (dd, .sup.3J=17.2 Hz, .sup.2J=1.6 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.trans), 5.22 (d, .sup.3J=10.1 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.cis), 5.20-5.14 (m, 2H, uD-NH-Alloc, uA-C.sup.H), 4.65-4.50 (m, 3H, uD-CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2, uB-C.sup.H), 4.38 (ddd, .sup.3J=9.1 Hz, .sup.3J=8.7 Hz, .sup.3J=3.8 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.88 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.67 (s (broad), 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.40 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=8.7 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.33-3.22 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.11 (dd, .sup.2J=14.6 Hz, .sup.3J=4.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.92 (dd, .sup.2J=14.5 Hz, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.89 (dd, .sup.3J=7.6 Hz, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 2.74 (dddd, .sup.2J=14.0 Hz, .sup.3J=9.2 Hz, .sup.3J=5.0 Hz, .sup.3J=5.0 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.61 (dddd, .sup.2J=14.0 Hz, .sup.3J=4.3 Hz, .sup.3J=2.2 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.34 (ddd, .sup.2J=13.9 Hz, .sup.3J=11.5 Hz, .sup.3J=11.5 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.80 (ddt, .sup.3J=7.0 Hz, .sup.3J=7.0 Hz, .sup.3J=7.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.71 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.43 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.21 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.15 (d, .sup.3J=7.2 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3), 1.14 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B) .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=178.4 (uC-CO), 172.4 (uD-CO), 170.8 (uB-CONH-uC), 164.9 (uB-CONH-uA), 156.4 (CO, Alloc), 154.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 141.9 (uA-C.sup.), 136.8 (C.sup.ar), 133.0 (CCH.sub.2, Alloc), 130.9 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 129.5 (C.sup.ar), 128.83 (C.sup.ar), 128.79 (C.sup.ar), 128.7 (C.sup.ar), 128.3 (C.sup.ar), 125.9 (uB-C.sup.ar,6), 125.1 (uA-C.sup.), 122.6 (C.sup.ar), 117.8 (CCH.sub.2, Alloc), 112.5 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 75.7 (uA-C.sup.), 65.8 (CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2, Alloc), 63.7 (uA-C.sup.), 59.3 (uA-C.sup.), 56.3 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 55.0 (uB-C.sup.), 50.0 (uD-C.sup.), 47.1 (uC-C.sup.), 43.7 (uC-C.sup.), 40.6 (uA-C.sup.), 37.2 (uA-C.sup.), 36.9 (uD-C.sup.), 35.7 (uB-C.sup.), 32.7 (uD-C.sup.), 25.2 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 22.1 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 13.8 (uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    TABLE-US-00025 TLC: Rf (PE/EtOAc 1:9) = 0.20. HPLC-MS m/z (found) 739.30, t.sub.R = 9.5 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 739.31 (M + H.sup.+); (C.sub.38H.sub.48ClN.sub.4O.sub.9.sup.+).

    Cryptophycin-[uD-Lys(Alloc)] G5

    [0355] To a solution of diol G4 (29 mg, 36 mol, 1 eq.) and PPTS (27 mg, 107 mol, 2.9 eq) in dichloromethane (7.5 mL) trimethyl orthoformate (0.5 mL, 4.5 mmol, 124 eq.) was added. The solution was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The reaction solution was filtered over silica (d=2 cm, l=4 cm) and eluted with dichloromethan/ethylacetate (1:1, 200 mL), then concentrated in vacuo and dried overnight under high vacuum. The intermediate orthoester (23 mg, 28 mol, 75%) was dissolved in dichloromethane (2 mL) acetyl bromide-solution (0.5 M in abs. DCM, 0.15 mL, 75 mol, 2.7 eq.) was added and the reaction solution stirred at room temperature for 5 hours. The reaction solution was added to sodium bicarbonate solution (half sat., 50 mL). The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (320 mL). The organic layers were dried over MgSO.sub.4, then concentrated in vacuo and dried overnight under high vacuum.

    [0356] An emulsion of abs. ethylene glycol (2.5 mL), abs. 1,2-dimethoxyethane (5.0 mL) and potassium carbonate was freshly prepared over 3 molecular sieves (320 mg) prepared and homogenized by vortexer and ultrasonic bath.

    [0357] The potassium carbonate emulsion (1.0 mL, 0.21 mmol, 6.5 eq.) homogenized by constant shaking was mixed with bromoformate (20 mg, 26 mol). The mixture was stirred for 6 min at rt then diluted with abs. dichloromethane (20 mL). The solution was given to KHSO.sub.4 solution (0.5%, 15 mL), phases were separated immediately, and the aqueous phase was further extracted with dichloromethane (320 mL). The combined organic phases were dried over MgSO.sub.4 and concentrated in vacuo. column chromatography (d=1 cm, l=18 cm, PE/EtOAc 1:9) yielded cryptophycin G5 as white solid foam (15 mg, 20 mol, 56% over 3 steps).

    [0358] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=7.40-7.30 (m, 3H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.25-7.21 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.17 (d, .sup.4J=1.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.03 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.4J=1.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.89-6.82 (m, 2H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H, NH), 6.74 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.1 Hz, .sup.3J=11.1 Hz, .sup.3J=4.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.15 (d, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 1H, NH), 5.90 (m, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2), 5.69 (d, .sup.3J=15.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.57 (m, 1H, NH), 5.29 (dd, .sup.3J=17.2 Hz, .sup.2J=1.2 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.trans), 5.24-5.17 (m, 2H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.cis, uA-C.sup.H), 4.76 (m, 1H, NH), 4.65 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.54 (d, .sup.3J=5.2 Hz uD-CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 4.31 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.88 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.67 (s (broad), 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.42 (m, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.21 (m, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.14-3.04 (m, .sup.3H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.96 (dd, .sup.2J=14.5 Hz, .sup.3J=8.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.91 (dd, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, .sup.3J=1.8 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 2.57 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.39 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.86-1.56 (m, 5H, uA-CEH, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 1.52-1.43 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 1.25 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.20 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.14 (d, .sup.3J=6.6 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3)

    [0359] .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=177.2 (uC-CO), 171.3 (uD-CO), 171.1 (uB-CONH-uC), 166.2 (uB-CONH-uA), 156.7 (Alloc-CO), 154.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 143.2 (uA-C.sup.), 139.2 (C.sup.ar), 133.1 (Alloc-CCH.sub.2), 131.0 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 129.6 (C.sup.ar), 128.7 (C.sup.ar), 128.4 (C.sup.ar), 127.8 (C.sup.ar), 125.4 (uB-C.sup.ar,6), 125.3 (uA-C.sup.), 122.7 (C.sup.ar), 117.8 (Alloc-CCH.sub.2), 112.5 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 88.6 (uA-C.sup.5), 84.6 (uA-C.sup.), 84.0 (uA-C.sup.), 65.6 (uD-CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 56.3 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 55.0 (uB-C.sup.), 53.6 (uD-C.sup.), 47.0 (uC-C.sup.), 43.1 (uC-C.sup.), 42.1 (uA-CE), 40.0 (uD-CE) 35.1 (uA-C.sup.), 35.0 (uB-C.sup.), 31.1 (uD-C.sup.), 29.2 (uD-C.sup.) 24.2 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 22.7 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 22.6 (uD-C.sup.), 17.4 (uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    TABLE-US-00026 TLC: Rf (PE/EtOAc 1:9) = 0.20. HPLC-MS m/z (found) 789.4, t.sub.R = 9.5 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 789.3 (M + H.sup.+); (C.sub.40H.sub.52ClN.sub.4O.sub.9.sup.+).

    Cryptophycin-[uD-Dab] C6

    [0360] Cryptophycin C5 (26.2 mg, 35.2 mol) and Tetrakis(triphenylphosphin)palladium (5.5 mg, 4.8 mol, 13 mol-%) was dissolved in degassed dichlormethan (2 mL) and morpholin (4 drops) was added. The reaction solution was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes then concentrated in vacuo. Column chromatography (d=1 cm, l=21 cm, DCM/MeOH 9:1) yielded Cryptophycin C6 (17.9 mg, 27.3 mol, 77%) as white solid.

    TABLE-US-00027 HRMS: m/z (found) 655.2896 (ESI, +) m/z (calc.) 655.2893 (M + H.sup.+); ( ); (C.sub.34H.sub.44ClN.sub.4O.sub.7.sup.+). TLC: R.sub.f (DCM/MeOH 9:1) = 0.15. HPLC-MS m/z (found) 655.31, t.sub.R = 6.3 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 655.29 (M + H.sup.+); (C.sub.34H.sub.44ClN.sub.4O.sub.7.sup.+).

    [0361] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=7.36-7.27 (m, 3H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.26-7.22 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.17 (d, .sup.3J=7.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.07 (d, .sup.3J=8.3 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.82 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5), 6.70 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.95 (s (broad), 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.14 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.68 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.46 (s (broad), 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.86 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.64 (s (broad), 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.49 (m, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.12-3.01 (m, 3H, uB-C.sup.H.sub.2, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.85 (dm, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 2.74 (dm, .sup.3J=9.0 Hz, 2H uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.56 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.40 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.76 (s (broad), 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.66 (s (broad), 1H, uA-C.sup.EH), 1.36 (s (broad), 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.20 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 1.12 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 1.10 (d, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    [0362] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=178.2 (uC-CO), 172.3 (uD-CO), 171.1 (uB-CONH-uC), 165.4 (uA-CONH-uB), 154.1 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 140.4 (uA-C.sup.), 136.9 (C.sup.ar), 131.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 129.9 (C.sup.ar), 129.2 (C.sup.ar), 128.7 (C.sup.ar), 128.7 (C.sup.ar), 128.6 (C.sup.ar), 128.4 (C.sup.ar), 125.9 (uA-C.sup.), 125.4 (C.sup.ar), 122.6 (C.sup.ar), 112.4 (uB-C.sup.ar,5) 75.9 (uA-C.sup.), 63.9 (uA-C.sup.), 59.5 (uA-C.sup.), 56.3 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 54.2 (uB-C.sup.), 52.0 (uD-C.sup.), 47.3 (uC-C.sup.), 42.6 (uC-C.sup.), 41.0 (uA-C.sup.), 37.9 (uD-C.sup.), 37.1 (uA-C.sup.), 35.4 (uB-C.sup.), 31.9 (uD-C.sup.), 24.9 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 23.0 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 13.8 (uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    Cryptophycin-[uD-Lys] G6

    [0363] Cryptophycin G5 (11.9 mg, 15.5 mol) and Tetrakis(triphenylphosphin)palladium (2.0 mg, 1.7 mol, 11 mol-%) was dissolved in degassed dichloromethane (2 mL) and morpholine (2 drops) was added. The reaction solution was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes then concentrated in vacuo. Preparative RP-HPLC yielded cryptophycin G6 (4.5 mg, 6.6 mol, 41%) as white solid.

    TABLE-US-00028 HPLC-MS (ESI+): m/z (found) 683.36, t.sub.R = 6.3 min. m/z (calc.) 683.32 (M + H.sup.+); (C.sub.36H.sub.48ClN.sub.4O.sub.7.sup.+).

    [0364] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) /ppm=8.57 (d, .sup.3J=8.3 Hz, 1H, NH), 7.85 (d, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, 1H, NH) 7.66 (s, 3H, NH), 7.39-7.27 (m, 6H, uA-C.sup.arH, uB-C.sup.2H), 7.23-7.15 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.6H, NH), 7.05 (d, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.5), 6.667 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.7 Hz, .sup.3J=10.9 Hz, .sup.3J=5.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.00 (d, .sup.3J=15.4 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.84 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.1H), 4.56 (d, .sup.3J=6.5 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.33 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 4.28 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.10 (dd, .sup.3J=9.3 Hz, .sup.3J=5.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.81 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.05 (d, .sup.2J=13.4 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.00 (dd, .sup.2J=13.4 Hz, .sup.3J=3.8 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.80-2.72 (m, 4H, uB-C.sup.H.sub.2, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.69 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.28 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.06 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.80 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.63 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.54-1.44 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 1.34-1.25 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 1.18 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 1.06 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 1.02 (d, .sup.3J=6.7 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    [0365] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) /ppm=177.4 (uC-CO), 171.4 (uD-CO), 171.3 (uB-CONH-uC), 164.6 (uA-C(O)NH), 153.1 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 140.0 (uA-C.sup.), 138.6 (C.sup.ar), 131.4 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 130.3 (C.sup.ar), 128.6 (C.sup.ar), 128.5 (C.sup.ar), 127.9 (C.sup.ar), 127.8 (C.sup.ar), 125.7 (C.sup.ar), 120.5 (uA-C.sup.), 112.7 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 85.5 (uA-C.sup.), 82.6 (uA-C.sup.), 82.4 (uA-C.sup.), 56.2 (uB-C.sup.), 56.0 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 51.4 (uD-C.sup.), 46.3 (uC-C.sup.), 42.0 (uA-C.sup.), 41.8 (uC-C.sup.), 38.6 (uB-C.sup.), 35.5 (uD-C.sup.), 33.1 (uA-C.sup.), 29.4 (uD-C.sup.), 26.5 (uD-C.sup.), 24.5 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 22.7 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 21.9 (uD-C.sup.), 14.8 (uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    Cryptophycin-[uD-Dab-Me.SUB.2.] C7

    [0366] Cryptophycin C6 (4.2 mg, 6.1 mol, 1 eq.) was dissolved in 2-propanol (1 mL) and formalin (37%, 10 L, 0.12 mmol, 20 eq.) was added. After 10 minutes sodium cyanoborohydride (3.7 mg, 61 mol, 10 eq.) was added and stirred for further 30 minutes at room temperature then concentrated in vacuo. Column chromatography (d=5 mm, l=22 cm, DCM/MeOH 19:1) yielded cryptophycin C7 (1.3 mg, 1.9 mol, 31%) as white solid.

    TABLE-US-00029 TLC: Rf (DCM/MeOH 19:1) = 0.09. HPLC-MS (ESI+): m/z (found) 683.31, t.sub.R = 6.3 min. m/z (calc.) 683.32 (M + H.sup.+); (C.sub.36H.sub.48ClN.sub.4O.sub.7.sup.+).

    [0367] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=9.52 (s (broad), 1H, uD-NH), 7.75 (s (broad), 1H, uC-C.sup.NH), 7.37-7.30 (m, 3H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.23-7.20 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.18 (d, .sup.4J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.03 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.4J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.82 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.77 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.1 Hz, .sup.3J=10.1 Hz, .sup.3J=4.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.77 (d, .sup.3J=15.2 Hz, 1H, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.57 (s (broad), 1H, uB-NH), 5.13 (ddd, .sup.3J=11.2 Hz, .sup.3J=5.6 Hz, .sup.3J=1.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.79 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.14 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.87 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.66 (d, .sup.3J=1.8 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.25 (m, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.16 (dd, .sup.2J=13.3 Hz, .sup.3J=4.4 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.13 (dd, .sup.2J=14.6 Hz, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.03 (dd, .sup.2J=14.4 Hz, .sup.3J=4.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.87 (dd, .sup.3J=7.9, .sup.3J=1.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 2.56 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.48-2.40 (2, 2H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.20 (s, 6H, uD-N(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 2.04 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.74 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H) 1.67 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.41 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.13 (d, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 1.12 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.03 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B).

    ##STR00036##

    Cryptophycin-uD[Dap(AII, Me)] C10

    [0368] Cryptophycin C10 was isolated as side product in the synthesis of P11. Cryptophycin P10 (47.2 mg, 63.8 mol) was dissolved in dichloromethane (2 mL) and morpholine (50 L) and degassed in three freeze-pump-thaw cycles. Tetrakis(triphenylphosphin)palladium (10.0 mg, 8.6 mol, 14 mol-%) was added. The reaction solution was stirred at room temperature for 60 minutes then concentrated in vacuo. Column chromatographic purification (dichloroethane:methanol 95:5, 325 cm) and preparative RP-HPLC yielded cryptophycin C10 (4.0 mg, 5.7 mol, 9%) as white solid.

    TABLE-US-00030 TLC: R.sub.f (DCM:MeOH 95:5) = 0.18 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 695.3, t.sub.R = 7.8 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 695.3 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.33H.sub.48ClN.sub.4O.sub.7).sup.+ HRMS: m/z (found) 695.3212 (ESI, +) m/z (calc.) 695.3206 (M + H.sup.+); (C.sub.37H.sub.47ClN.sub.4O.sub.7).sup.+

    [0369] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): [ppm]=7.42-7.31 (m, 3H, C.sup.metaH and uA-C.sup.paraH), 7.26-7.22 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.orthoH), 7.18 (d, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.2H), 7.04 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.6H), 6.83 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.5H), 6.73 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.88-5.66 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.H and uD-NCH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 5.40-5.24 (m, 2H, uD-NCH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 5.21 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.1H), 4.73 (ddd, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.49 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.87 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.68 (d, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.34 (dd, .sup.2J=10.7 Hz, .sup.3J=10.7 Hz, 1H uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.20 (d, .sup.2J=13.3 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.13 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.06 (m, 2H, uB-C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.93 (dd, .sup.3J=7.2 Hz, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 2.64 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.58 (dm, .sup.2J=14.2 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.45 (ddd, .sup.2J=12.3 Hz, .sup.3J=11.9 Hz, .sup.3J=11.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.33 (m, 2H, uD-NCH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 1.85 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.25 (s, 3H, uD-NCH.sub.3), 1.19 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.14 (d, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 1.10 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B).

    ##STR00037##

    Fmoc-uD[Met(O)]-uA[acetonide]-uB-OTce T1

    [0370] A solution of Fmoc-Met(O)OH (0.33 g, 0.84 mmol, 1.1 eq.) and building block A-B (0.50 g, 0.76 mmol, 1.0 eq.) in abs. THF (19 mL) was stirred at 0 C. under argon. Triethylamine (211 L, 1.52 mmol, 2.0 eq.) and DMAP (18 mg, 0.15 mmol, 0.2 eq.) followed by 2,4,6-trichlorobenzoyl chloride (0.19 mL, 1.21 mmol, 1.5 eq.) were added. The solution was stirred for 3 h at 0 C. A solution of citric acid (10%, 50 mL) in water was added. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (350 mL). The organic layers were combined and dried over MgSO.sub.4, then concentrated in vacuo. Column chromatography (d=4 cm, l=20 cm, PE/EtOAc 2:1) yielded T1 as a white foam (0.63 g, 0.61 mmol, 80%).

    TABLE-US-00031 HRMS: m/z (found) 1053.2079 (ESI+) m/z (calc.) 1053.2095 (M + Na.sup.+); (NaC.sub.50H.sub.54Cl.sub.4N.sub.2O.sub.11S.sup.+) HPLC-MS m/z (found) 1031.23, t.sub.R = 12.0 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 1031.23 (M + H.sup.+); (C.sub.50H.sub.55Cl.sub.4N.sub.2O.sub.11S.sup.+).

    [0371] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d, partly double signal set caused by chiral sulfur) 6/ppm=7.76 (d, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 2H, Fmoc-C.sup.arH), 7.64-7.54 (m, 2H, Fmoc-C.sup.arH), 7.46-7.27 (m, 9H, uA-C.sup.arH, Fmoc-C.sup.arH), 7.15 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 6.98 (d, .sup.3J=8.6 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.85 (d, .sup.3J=8.6 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.77 (d, .sup.3J=7.9 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 6.54 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.9 Hz, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.09, 5.99 (2s, 1H, uD-NH), 5.60 (d, .sup.3J=15.5 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.05-4.81 (m, 2H, uB-CaH, uA-C.sup.1H), 4.78 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.71-4.66 (m, 1H, uB-CH.sup.AH.sup.BCCl.sub.3), 4.59 (d, .sup.2J=11.9 Hz, 1H, uB-CH.sup.AH.sup.BCCl.sub.3), 4.45-4.27 (m, 3H, uD-Fmoc-CH.sub.2, uD-C.sup.H), 4.20 (t, .sup.3J=7,0 Hz, 1H, uD-Fmoc-CH.sub.2CH), 3.89-3.76 (m, 4H, uA-CCH, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.11 (dd, .sup.2J=14.3 Hz, .sup.3J=7.0 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.97 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.86-2.69 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.59, 2.60 (2s, 3H, uD-SCH.sub.3), 2.43-2.10 (m, 4H, uA-C.sup.H.sub.2, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 1.97 (d, .sup.3J=7.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.51 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3.sup.A)(CH.sub.3.sup.B)), 1.44 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3.sup.A)(CH.sub.3.sup.B)), 1.09 (d, .sup.3J=7.0 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    [0372] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, Chloroform-d, partly double signal set caused by chiral sulfur) 6/ppm=170.3 (uD-CO) 170.3 (uB-C(O)OCCl.sub.3), 165.5 (uB-C(O)NH), 156.4 (Fmoc-CO), 154.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 144.0 (C.sup.ar) 143.7 (C.sup.ar), 141.4 (C.sup.ar), 139.1 (uA-C.sup.), 137.5 (C.sup.ar), 132.4 (C.sup.ar), 131.3 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 129.1 (C.sup.ar), 129.0 (C.sup.ar) 128.8 (C.sup.ar), 128.6 (uB-C.sup.ar,1), 128.1 (uB-C.sup.ar,6), 127.9 and 127.2 (C.sup.ar), 127.1 (C.sup.ar), 126.0 (C.sup.ar), 125.3 (uA-C.sup.), 122.3 (uB-C.sup.3), 120.2 (C.sup.ar), 112.2 (uB-C.sup.5), 109.3 and 109.3 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2, 94.5 (uB-CCl.sub.3), 82.51 and 82.46 (uA-C.sup.), 80.8 and 80.7 (uA-C.sup.), 76.0 (uA-C.sup.), 74.7 (uB-CH.sub.2CCl.sub.3), 67.4, and 67.3 (Fmoc-CH.sub.2), 56.3 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 53.7 and 53.4 (uB-C.sup.), 49.8 and 49.7 (uD-C.sup.), 47.2 (Fmoc-CH.sub.2CH), 38.5 and 38.3 (uD-OSCH.sub.3), 36.4 (uA-C.sup.), 36.2 and 36.1 (uB-C.sup.), 32.6 (uA-C.sup.), 27.4 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 27.1 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 25.3 (uD-C.sup.), 9.9 (uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    Fmoc-uC-uD[Met(O)]-uA[acetonide]-uB-OTce T3

    [0373] Piperidine (0.50 mL, 5.0 mmol, 9 eq.) was added to a solution of T1 (625 mg, 611 mol) in DMF (15 mL) at 0 C. After 2 hours stirring at 0 C. the solvent was evaporated. The resulting colorless oil was co-evaporated with toluene three times, then dissolved in DMF (9 mL). Fmoc-3-amino-2,2-dimethyl-propionic acid (248 mg, 730 mmol, 1.2 eq.), HOAt (319 mg, 1.38 mmol, 2.3 eq.) and DiPEA (0.54 mL, 3.2 mmol, 5.4 eq.) were dissolved in dichloromethane (40 mL) and DIC (0.2 mL, 1.3 mmol, 2.2 eq.) was added at 0 C. over 10 minutes and stirred for additional 10 minutes. The DMF solution was added over 15 minutes. After stirring at RT for 20 h the solution was given to a solution of citric acid (10%, 50 mL) in water. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (330 mL). The organic layers were combined washed with sodium bicarbonate solution (sat., 40 mL) and brine (40 mL) and dried over MgSO.sub.4, then concentrated in vacuo. Column chromatography (d=1.5 cm, l=25 cm, PE/EtOAc 2:1->0:1) yielded T3 as a white foam (445 mg, 393 mol, 64%).

    TABLE-US-00032 HRMS: m/z (found) 1152.2782 (ESI, +) m/z (calc.) 1152.2779 (M + H.sup.+); (C.sub.55H.sub.63Cl.sub.4N.sub.3O.sub.12S.sup.+)

    [0374] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d, partly double signal set caused by chiral sulfur) 6/ppm=7.75 (d, .sup.3J=7.6 Hz, 2H, Fmoc-C.sup.arH), 7.67-7.56 (m, 2.5H, Fmoc-C.sup.arH, uD-NH), 7.53 (d, .sup.3J=6.5 Hz, 0.5H, uD-NH), 7.42-7.26 (m, 9H, uA-C.sup.arH, Fmoc-C.sup.arH), 7.20-7.13 (m, 2H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H, uB-NH), 7.05 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.80 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.55 (ddd, .sup.3J=17.6 Hz, .sup.3J=11.9 Hz, .sup.3J=6.4 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.83-5.66 (m, 2H, Fmoc-NH, uA-C.sup.H), 5.03 (ddt, .sup.3J=8.3 Hz, .sup.3J=8.3 Hz, .sup.3J=4.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.bH), 4.97 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.79 (dd, .sup.2J=11.9 Hz, .sup.3J=4.2 Hz, 1H, uB-CH.sup.AH.sup.BCCl.sub.3), 4.70 (d, .sup.3J=8.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.66 (d, .sup.2J=11.9 Hz, 1H, uB-CH.sup.AH.sup.BCCl.sub.3), 4.49-4.28 (m, 3H, Fmoc-CH.sub.2, uD-C.sup.H), 4.19 (m, 1H, Fmoc-CH.sub.2CH), 3.84 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.80 (dd, .sup.3J=9.2 Hz, .sup.3J=2.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.36-3.24 (m, 2H, uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 3.17 (dd, .sup.2J=14.1 Hz, .sup.3J=3.6 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.00 (dd, .sup.2J=14.1 Hz, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.87 (m, 0.5H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.75 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.63 (n, 0.5H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.54 (s, 1.5H, uD-SCH.sub.3), 2.50 (s, 1.5H, uD-SCH.sub.3), 2.45-2.18 (m, 4H, uA-C.sup.H.sub.2, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.00 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.51 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.45 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.23-1.03 (m, 9H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3, uC-(CH.sub.3).sub.2).

    [0375] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, Chloroform-d, partly double signal set caused by chiral sulfur) 6/ppm=177.9 and 177.9 (uC-CO), 171.1 and 171.0 (uD-CO), 170.3 (uB-C(O)OCH.sub.2CCl.sub.3)), 165.8 (uA-C(O)NH), 157.1 (Fmoc-CO), 154.1 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 144.23 and 144.19, (C.sup.ar), 141.42 and 141.38 (C.sup.ar), 138.9 and 138.7 (uA-CR), 137.58 and 137.55 (C.sup.ar), 131.4 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 129.38 and 129.36 (uB-C.sup.ar,1), 128.9 and 128.9 (C.sup.ar), 128.7 (C.sup.ar), 128.7 and 128.6 (uB-C.sup.ar,6), 127.8 and 127.7 (C.sup.arH), 127.2 and 127.2 (C.sup.arH), 127.1 (C.sup.arH), 127.0 and 126.9 (C.sup.arH), 125.8 and 125.8 (C.sup.ar), 125.5 and 125.4 (uA-C.sup.), 125.4 and 125.4 (C.sup.ar), 122.2 and 122.1 (uB-C.sup.ar,3), 120.1 (C.sup.ar), 112.3 and 112.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 109.2 and 109.1 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 94.6 (uB-CCl.sub.3), 82.6 and 82.5 (uA-C.sup.), 80.7 and 80.7 (uA-C.sup.), 76.0 and 76.0 (uA-C.sup.), 74.7 and 74.7 (uB-CH.sub.2CCl.sub.3), 66.9 (Fmoc-CH.sub.2), 56.3 and 56.2 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 53.4 and 53.4 (uB-C.sup.), 52.2 and 51.9 (uD-C.sup.), 50.0 and 49.9 (uC-C.sup.), 49.5 and 48.9 (uD-C.sup.), 47.4 and 47.4 (Fmoc-CH.sub.2CH), 43.7 (uC-C.sup.), 38.5 and 37.9, (uD-OSCH.sub.3), 36.6 and 36.5 (uB-C.sup.), 36.4 and 36.3 (uA-C.sup.), 32.14 and 32.05 (uA-C.sup.), 27.4 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 27.2 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 24.2 and 23.6 (uD-Cp), 23.4 and 23.3 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 22.94 and 22.85 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 9.8 and 9.7 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    Cryptophycin-[uA-acetonide]-[uD-Met(O)] T4

    [0376] Piperidine (0.20 mL, 2.0 mmol, 5 eq.) was added to a solution of seco-depsipeptide T3 (444 mg, 0.40 mmol) in DMF (12 mL) at 0 C. The cooling bath was removed, and the reaction stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. EtOAc (200 mL) and water (200 mL) was added to the reaction solution. The organic layer was isolated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (3200 mL). The organic layers were dried over MgSO.sub.4, then concentrated in vacuo. Column chromatography (d=2 cm, l=20 cm, EtOAc/MeOH 19:1->4:1) yielded T4 as a white foam (229 mg, 301 mol, 77%).

    TABLE-US-00033 HRMS: m/z (found) 782.2850 (ESI+) m/z (calc.) 782.2849 (M + Na.sup.+); (NaC.sub.38H.sub.50ClN.sub.3O.sub.9S.sup.+) HPLC-MS m/z (found) 760.3, t.sub.R = 8.7 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 760.30 (M + H.sup.+); (C.sub.38H.sub.51ClN.sub.3O.sub.9S.sup.+).

    [0377] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d, partly double signal set caused by chiral sulfur) 6/ppm=7.44-7.27 (m, 6H, uA-C.sup.arH, uD-NH), 7.17 (s, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.03 (d, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.96 (d, .sup.3J=7.1 Hz, 0.5H, uC-NH), 6.89 (s, 0,5H, uC-NH), 6.83 (d, .sup.3J=8.3 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.60 (ddd, .sup.3J=14.8 Hz, .sup.3J=10.4 Hz, .sup.3J=4.2 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.71 (d, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 5.65 (dd, .sup.2J=14.7 Hz, .sup.3J=6.2 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.08 (dd, .sup.3J=10.8 Hz, .sup.3J=5.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.1H), 4.70 (d, .sup.3J=8.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.65 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.32 (m, uD-C.sup.H), 3.86 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.77 (d, .sup.3J=8.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.36 (t, .sup.2J=11.2 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.19 (t, .sup.2J=14.6 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.07 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.97 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sub.B), 2.79 (ddd, .sup.2J=12.3 Hz, .sup.3J=6.3 Hz, .sup.3J=6.3 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.65 (ddd, .sup.2J=13.5, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.55 (m, 3H, uD-SCH.sub.3), 2.39 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.25-1,95 (m, 3H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 1.87 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.50 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.46 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.23-0.96 (m, 9H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3, uC-(CH.sub.3).sub.2).

    [0378] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, Chloroform-d, partly double signal set caused by chiral sulfur) 6/ppm=178.7 and 178.5 (uC-CONH-uD), 171.2 and 171.1 (uB-C(O)NH-uC), 170.6 and 170.5 (uD-C(O)O), 165.0 and 164.9 (uA-C(O)NH-uB), 154.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 142.3 and 142.1 (uA-C.sup.), 137.6 and 137.5 (C.sup.ar), 131.0 and 131.0 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 129.6 and 129.5 (C.sup.ar), 129.0 and 128.8 (uB-C.sup.ar,6), 128.4 and 128.4 (C.sup.ar), 126.86 and 126.80 (C.sup.ar), 124.9 (uA-C.sup.), 122.7 (uB-C.sup.ar,3), 112.5 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 109.3 and 109.2 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 82.7 and 82.7 (uA-C.sup.), 80.4 (uA-C.sup.), 75.9 and 75.9 (uA-C.sup.), 56.3 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 54.7 and 54.6 (uB-C.sup.), 51.5 and 51.3 (uD-C.sup.), 49.4 (uD-C.sup.), 47.3 and 47.2 (uC-C.sup.), 43.2 and 42.9 (uC-C.sup.), 38.7 (uA-C.sup.), 38.4 (uD-CH.sub.3SO), 37.0 and 36.9 (uA-C.sup.), 35.7 (uB-C.sup.), 27.4 and 27.2 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 25.0 and 24.8 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 24.5 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 22.7 and 22.4 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 9.8 and 9.7 (uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    [0379] Cryptophycin-[uA-Diol]-[uD-Met(O)] T5

    [0380] Acetonide T4 (229 mg, 301 mol) was cleaved by 3 cycles of: dissolving in dichlormethan (4 mL) under ice bath cooling adding water (5 drops) and trifluoracetic acid (4 mL), stirring for 5 minutes in the ice bath, and for 10 minutes at RT, removing volatile components under reduced pressure. After 3 cycles the residue was dried in high vacuum. Column chromatography (d=2 cm, l=20 cm, DCM/MeOH 20:1) yielded T5 as a white foam (47.0 mg, 65.3 mol, 22%).

    TABLE-US-00034 HRMS: m/z (found) 742.2539 (ESI, +) m/z (calc.) 742.2569 (M + Na.sup.+); (NaC.sub.35H.sub.46ClN.sub.3O.sub.9S.sup.+). TLC: Rf (DCM/MeOH 20:1) = 0.02. HPLC-MS m/z (found) 720.27, t.sub.R = 7.3 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 720.27 (M + H.sup.+); (C.sub.35H.sub.47ClN.sub.3O.sub.9S.sup.+).

    [0381] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4, partly double signal set caused by chiral sulfur) 6/ppm=8.33 (d, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 7.92 (t, .sup.3J=7.9 Hz, 1H, uD-NH), 7.69 (m, 1H, uC-NH), 7.43-7.34 (m, 4H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.31 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.26 (d, .sup.4J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.15 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4, .sup.4J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.96 (d, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.64 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.2, .sup.3J=11.3 Hz, .sup.3J=4.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.82 (d, .sup.3J=15.2 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.12 (ddd, .sup.3J=10.9 Hz, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, .sup.3J=2.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.52 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.48 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 3.83 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.79 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.39 (d, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B) 3.19-3.11 (m, 2H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.97-2.76 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2) 2.73 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.69 (s, 3H, uD-SCH.sub.3), 2.57 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.26 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.16 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.06 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.44 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.20 (s, 3H, uA- C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.18 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 0.97 (d, .sup.3J=7.0 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    [0382] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4, partly double signal set caused by chiral sulfur) 6/ppm=180.2 and 180.1 (uC-CO), 173.7 and 173.0 (uD-C(O)O), 167.8 and 167.8 (uB-C(O)NH-uC), 162.7 (uA-C(O)NH-uB), 155.3 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 143.91 and 143.88 (uA-C.sup.), 143.2 and 143.1 (C.sup.ar), 132.04 (uB-C.sup.ar,1) 131.4 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 129.6 (C.sup.ar), 129.5 (C.sup.ar), 129.3 (C.sup.ar), 129.0 (C.sup.ar), 128.2 (C.sup.ar), 128.2 (C.sup.ar), 125.4 (uA-C.sup.), 123.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,3), 113.5 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 77.4 and 77.3 (uA-C.sup.), 76.7 and 76.6 (uA-C.sup.), 75.7 and 75.6 (uA-C.sup.), 57.4 (uB-C.sup.), 56.6 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 52.8 and 52.5 (uD-C.sup.), 50.8 and 50.7 (uC-C.sup.), 49.9 (uD-C.sup.), 48.4 (uD-C.sup.), 44.42 and 44.36 (uC-C.sup.), 39.7 (uA-C.sup.), 38.3 and 38.2 (uD-SCH.sub.3), 37.9 and 37.8 (uA-C.sup.), 36.6 (uB-C.sup.), 25.8 and 25.5 (uD-C.sup.), 24.7 and 24.6 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 22.8 and 22.7 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 9.9 and 9.9 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    ##STR00038##

    Cryptophycin-[uA-Diol]-[uD-Met] (T6)

    [0383] Diol T5 (47.0 mg, 65.3 mol) was dissolved in methanol (2 mL), N-bromsuccinimide (35 mg, 194 mol, 3 eq.) and 1,3-dithian (42.5 mol, 353 mol, 5.5 eq). The mixture was stirred for 1 hour at 50 C., volatile components were removed under reduced pressure. Column chromatography (d=1 cm, l=20 cm, DCM/MeOH 20:1.fwdarw.4:1) yielded T6 as a white solid (9.0 mg, 12 mol, 19%).

    TABLE-US-00035 HRMS: m/z (found) 704.2746 (ESI+) m/z (calc.) 704.2767 (M + H.sup.+); (NaC.sub.35H.sub.47ClN.sub.3O.sub.8S.sup.+) TLC: Rf (DCM/MeOH 20:1) = 0.17. HPLC-MS m/z (found) 704.25, t.sub.R = 8.5 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 704.27 (M + H.sup.+); (C.sub.35H.sub.47ClN.sub.3O.sub.8S.sup.+).

    [0384] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=7.40-7.29 (m, 5H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.17 (d, .sup.4J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.04 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.90-6.80 (m, 2H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H, uC-NH), 6.70 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.2 Hz, .sup.3J=11.2 Hz, .sup.3J=3.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.50 (s, 1H, uD-NH), 5.79 (s, 1H, uA-NH), 5.67 (d, .sup.3J=14.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.14 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.64 (ddd, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, .sup.3J=5.0 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.61-4.53 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.87 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.80 (d, .sup.3J=8.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.38 (d, .sup.3J=10.2 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.24 (d, .sup.3J=13.0 Hz, 1H, uC-CH.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.10 (dd, .sup.2J=14.5 Hz, .sup.3J=4.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.89 (dd, .sup.2J=14.6 Hz, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.56- 2.42 (m, 3H, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.34 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.15 (ddd, .sup.2J=13.3 Hz, .sup.3J=11.5 Hz, .sup.3J=11.5 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.01 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.91 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.48 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.20 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.ACH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.15 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.01 (d, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    [0385] .sup.13C-NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d): /ppm=178.0 (uC-CONH-uA), 172.4 (uD-COO), 171.0 (uB-C(O)NH-uC), 165.1 (uA-C(O)NH-uB), 154.3, (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 142.9 (uA-C.sup.), 140.5 (uA-C.sup.ar,1), 130.9 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 129.4 (uB-C.sup.ar,1), 129.0 (C.sup.ar), 128.7 (C.sup.ar), 128.3 (uB-C.sup.ar,6), 127.0 (C.sup.ar), 124.7 (uA-C.sup.), 122.7 (uB-C.sup.ar,3), 112.6 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 76.0 (uA-C.sup., uA-C.sup.), 74.9 (uA-C.sup.), 56.3 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 54.9 (uB-C.sup.), 51.7 (uD-C.sup.), 47.2 (uC-C.sup.), 43.5 (uC-C.sup.), 38.0 (uA-C.sup.), 36.6 (uA-C.sup.), 35.8 (uB-C.sup.), 32.1 (uD-C.sup.), 29.8 (uD-Cy) 25.1 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 22.6 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 14.3 (uD-SCH.sub.3), 9.87 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    Cryptophycin-[uD-Met] T7

    [0386] Trimethylorthoformate (150 L, 1.37 mmol, 107 eq.) was added to a solution of diol T6 (9.0 mg, 12.8 mol, 1 eq.) and PPTS (10.2 mg, 40.6 mol, 3.2 eq) in dichloromethane (2.0 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The reaction solution was filtered over silica (d=1.0 cm, 1=1.5 cm) and eluted with dichloromethane/ethylacetate (1:1, 60 mL), then concentrated in vacuo and dried overnight under high vacuum. The intermediate orthoester (5.8 mg, 7.7 mol, 61%) was dissolved in dichloromethane (2 mL) acetylbromide-solution (0.5 M in abs. DCM, 0.1 mL, 0.05 mmol, 6.5 eq.) was added and the reaction solution stirred at room temperature for 6 hours. The reaction solution was added to sodium bicarbonate solution (half sat., 20 mL). The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (310 mL). The organic layers were dried over MgSO.sub.4, then concentrated in vacuo and dried overnight under high vacuum.

    [0387] An emulsion of abs. ethylene glycol (2.5 mL), abs. 1,2-dimethoxyethane (5.0 mL) and potassium carbonate (212 mg, 1.53 mmol) was freshly prepared over 3 molecular sieves (340 mg) and homogenized by vortexer and ultrasonic bath.

    [0388] The potassium carbonate emulsion (0.5 mL, 102 mol, 16. eq.) homogenized by constant shaking was mixed with bromo-formate (5 mg, 6.3 mol). The mixture was stirred for 5 min at rt then diluted with abs. dichloromethane (10 mL). The solution was given to KHSO.sub.4 solution (0.5%, 10 mL), phases were separated immediately, and the aqueous phase was further extracted with dichloromethane (310 mL). The combined organic phases were dried over MgSO.sub.4 and concentrated in vacuo. Column chromatography (d=0.5 cm, l=20 cm, EtOAc 100%) yielded cryptophycin T7 as white solid foam (1.8 mg, 2.6 mol, 20% over 3 steps).

    TABLE-US-00036 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 686.12, t.sub.R = 8.8 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 686.27 (M + H.sup.+); (C.sub.35H.sub.45ClN.sub.3O.sub.7S.sup.+).

    ##STR00039##

    3-(Pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl)propanoic acid A4

    [0389] 2,2-Dipyridyl disulfide (2.91 g, 13.19 mmol, 1.4 eq) was added to MeOH (40 mL) and glacial acetic acid (260 L) was added. 3-Mercaptopropionic acid (1.00 g, 9.42 mmol, 1 eq), dissolved in MeOH (10 mL), was added over about 1 h. Stirring was continued at RT for 19 h and the volatiles was removed. Purification was first by silica gel column (EtOAc with 0.1% glacial acetic acid) and then again by column chromatography using a silica gel column (toluene:EtOAc:AcOH 5:94.9:0.1). The solvent was removed and disulphide A4 (1.06 g, 4.93 mmol, 37%) was obtained.

    [0390] TLC: R(99.9% EtOAc, 0.1% acetic acid)=0.24.

    [0391] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) [ppm]: 8.48 (d, .sup.3J=5.0 Hz, .sup.4J=1.8, 0.9 Hz, 1H, C.sup.6H), 7.70-7.58 (m, 2H, C.sup.3,4H), 7.20-7.11 (m, 1H, C.sup.5H), 3.08 (t, .sup.3J=6.7 Hz, 2H, SCH.sub.2), 2.80 (t, .sup.3J=6.7 Hz, 2H, C.sup.H.sub.2).

    2,5-Dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl 3-(Pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl)propanoate A5

    [0392] Carboxylic acid A4 (458 mg, 2.13 mmol, 1 eq) was dissolved in dry DCM (10.0 mL) and cooled to 0 C. N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (485 mg, 2.35 mmol, 1 eq) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (270 mg, 2.35 mmol, 1.1 eq) were added with dried DCM (5.0 mL). It was stirred for 2 h and then filtered with EtOAc. Volatiles was removed and purification by silica gel column (1:1 EtOAc:cyclohexane) yielded N-succinimidyl ester A5 (513 mg, 1.64 mmol, 77%).

    [0393] TLC: R.sub.f(cyclohexane:EtOAc, 1:1)=0.20.

    [0394] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) [ppm]: 8.50 (d, .sup.3J=4.8 Hz, 1H, C.sup.6H), 7.70-7.62 (m, 2H, C.sup.34H), 7.12 (td, .sup.3J=5.3 Hz, .sup.4J=2.9 Hz, 1H, C.sup.5H), 3.13 (dd, .sup.3J=7.9 Hz, .sup.3J=5.0 Hz, 2H, SCH.sub.2), 3.08 (dd, .sup.3J=8.0 Hz, .sup.3J=5.1 Hz, 2H, C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.84 (m, 4H, OCCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CO).

    N-(Prop-2-yn-1-yl)-3-(pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl)propenamide A6

    [0395] The active ester A5 (513 mg, 1.64 mmol, 1 eq.) was dissolved in dried DCM (50 mL) under inert gas conditions. Propargylamine (127 mg, 2.30 mmol, 1.4 eq.) and DIPEA (425 mg, 3.29 mmol, 2.0 eq.) were added and stirred for about 2.4 h. The solution was then washed with 5% KHSO.sub.4 solution (50 mL) and NaHCO.sub.3 solution (40 mL). Column chromatography (3:1 EtOAc:DCM) yield amide A6 (317 mg, 1.26 mmol, 77%.

    [0396] TLC: R(EtOAc)=0.42

    [0397] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) [ppm]: 8.53 (d, .sup.3J=4.8 Hz, 1H, C.sup.6H), 7.63 (ddd, .sup.3J=8.0 Hz, .sup.3J=8.0 Hz, 4J=1.7 Hz, 1H, C.sup.4H), 7.57 (d, .sup.3J=8.0 Hz, 1H, C.sup.3H), 7.30 (m, 1H, NH), 7.14 (m, 1H, C.sup.5H), 4.10 (dd, .sup.3J=5.2 Hz, .sup.4J=2.5 Hz, 2H, HNCH.sub.2), 3.08 (t, .sup.3J=6.6 Hz, 2H, SCH.sub.2), 2.62 (t, .sup.3J=6.6 Hz, 2H, C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.25 (t, .sup.4J=2.6 Hz, 1H, CCH).

    N-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-S-((3-oxo-3-(prop-2-yn-1-ylamino)propyl)thio)-L-cysteine F1

    [0398] Propargylamide A6 (105 mg, 0.42 mmol, 1.15 eq.) was dissolved in dry DCM (4.0 mL) under inert gas conditions. Boc-L-cysteine (80.0 mg, 0.36 mmol, 1 eq.) and glacial acetic acid (20 L) were added. Stirring was carried out for about 1.2 hours, then the volatiles was removed. The residue was purified by column chromatography (9:1 DCM:MeOH). The product fractions were separated and co-evaporated three times with toluene (2 mL each). The product was dissolved in water (20 mL) and freeze-dried overnight. The modified Boc-L-cysteine F1 (90.8 mg, 0.251 mmol, 60%) was isolated as a colourless solid.

    [0399] TLC: R(DCM:MeOH, 9:1, 0.1% acetic acid)=0.49.

    [0400] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) [ppm]: 6.28 (s, 1H, CONH), 5.46 (s, 1H, Boc-NH), 4.61 (s, 1H, C.sup.H), 4.08 (dd, .sup.3J=5.2 Hz, .sup.3J=2.6 Hz, 2H, CCH.sub.2), 3.35 (d, .sup.2J=14.2 Hz, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.12 (dd, .sup.2J=14.0 Hz, .sup.3J=5.4 Hz, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.07-2.89 (m, 2H, SCH.sub.2CH.sub.2), 2.68 (dt, .sup.2J=14.5 Hz, .sup.3J=7.1 Hz, 1H, SCH.sub.2CH.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.58 (dt, .sup.2J=14.6 Hz, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, 1H, SCH.sub.2CH.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.26 (t, .sup.3J=2.5 Hz, 1H, CCH), 1.46 (s, 9H, C(CH.sub.3).sub.3).

    N-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-S-((3-oxo-3-(prop-2-yn-1-ylamino)propyl)thio)-L-homocysteine E1

    [0401] Propargylamide A6 (159 mg, 0.57 mmol, 1.1 eq.) was dissolved in dry DCM (300 mL) under inert gas conditions. Boc-L-homocysteine (148 mg, 0.63 mmol, 1 eq.) and glacial acetic acid (30 L) were added. Stirring was carried out for 16 hours, then the volatiles was removed. The residue was purified by column chromatography (97.5:2.5.fwdarw.95:5 DCM:MeOH each with 1% AcOH). The product fractions were separated and co-evaporated three times with toluene (2 mL each). The product was dissolved in water (20 mL) and freeze-dried overnight. The modified Boc-L-homocysteine E1 (180 mg, 0.478 mmol, 76%) was isolated as a colourless solid.

    [0402] TLC: R(DCM:MeOH, 9:1, 0.1% acetic acid)=0.49.

    [0403] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) [ppm]=6.05 (s, 1H, CH.sub.2NH), 5.27 (s, 1H,C(CH.sub.3).sub.3NH), 4.45 (s(broad), 1H, C.sup.H), 4.09 (dd, .sup.3J=5.3 Hz, .sup.4J=2.6 Hz, 2H, CCH.sub.2), 3.09-2.90 (m, 2H, COCH.sub.2CH.sub.2), 2.86-2.75 (m, 2H, C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.72-2.52 (m, 2H, COCH.sub.2), 2.30 (m, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), (t, .sup.3J=2.9 Hz, 1H, CCH). 2.12 (m, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.46 (s, 9H, C(CH.sub.3).sub.3).

    ##STR00040##

    Boc-uD[Cys(SCH.SUB.2.CH.SUB.2.C(O)NHCH.SUB.2.CCH)]-uA[acetonide]-uB-uC-.SUP.t.Bu F2

    [0404] seco-Cryptophycin F2 was synthesised following GP I starting with unit D F1 (90.8 mg, 0.25 mmol, 1.0 eq.) and building block ABC A3 (170 mg, 0.25 mmol, 1 eq.). After purification by column chromatography (cyclohexan:toluene:EtOAc 3:6:1, 221 cm), the protected seco-cryptophycin F2 (198 mg, 0.19 mmol, 76%) was obtained as a colourless solidified foam.

    TABLE-US-00037 TLC: R.sub.f (cyclohexan:toluene:EtOAc 3:6:1) = 0.47 HPLC-MS (ESI+): m/z (found) 1031.44 t.sub.R = 11.7 min m/z (calc.) 1031.43 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.51H.sub.72ClN.sub.4O.sub.12S.sub.2).sup.+ HRMS: (ESI, +) m/z (found) 1053.4104 m/z (calc.) 1053.40907 (M + Na.sup.+); (C.sub.51H.sub.71ClN.sub.4O.sub.12S.sub.2Na.sup.+)

    [0405] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) /ppm=7.39-7.31 (m, 5H, uA-arH), 7.20 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.2H), 7.05 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.6H), 6.86 (t, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, 1H, uD-CH.sub.2NH), 6.83 (d, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.5H), 6.53 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.2 Hz, .sup.3J=7.1 Hz, .sup.3J=7.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.37 (m, 6.41-6.32, 2H, uB-NH, uC-NH), 5.52 (d, .sup.3J=8.0 Hz, 1H, uC-NH), 5.44 (d, .sup.3J=15.4 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.94 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.1H), 4.67 (d, .sup.3J=8.8 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.rH), 4.56 (ddd, .sup.3J=7.1 Hz, .sup.3J=7.1 Hz, .sup.3J=7.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.47 (ddd, .sup.3J=6.6 Hz, .sup.3J=6.6 Hz, .sup.3J=6.6 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 4.05 (dt, .sup.3J=5.2 Hz, .sup.2J=2.5 Hz, 2H, uD-HNCH.sub.2), 3.87-3.82 (m, 4H, uA-C.sup.H, uB-ar-OCH.sub.3), 3.28-3.20 (m, 2H, uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 3.04-2.88 (m, 6H, uB-C.sup.H.sub.2, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2, uD-SCH.sub.2CH.sub.2), 2.57 (m, 2.65-2.49, 2H, uD-OCCH.sub.2), 2.39-2.24 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.23 (t, .sup.4J=2.6 Hz, 1H, CCH), 1.97 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.54 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.46 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3)A (CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.44 (s, 9H, uD-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 1.38 (s, 9H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 1.08 (d, .sup.3J=7.1 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 1.05 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.00 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B).

    [0406] .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) /ppm=176.3 (uC-CO), 170.7 (uD-CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CO), 170.7 (uB-CO), 169.7 (uD-C.sup.CO), 165.1 (uA-CO), 155.3 (uD-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3CO), 154.1 (uB-C.sup.4), 139.4 (uA-C.sup.), 137.4 (uA-C.sup.ar), 131.1 (uB-C.sup.2), 129.8 (uB-C.sup.1), 129.0 (uA-C.sup.Ar), 128.8 (uA-C.sup.ar), 128.6 (uB-C.sup.6), 127.2 (uA-C.sup.ar), 126.1 (uA-C.sup.), 122.4 (uB-C.sup.3), 112.3 (uB-C.sup.5), 109.3 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 82.3 (uA-C.sup.), 81.1 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 80.8 (uD-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 80.6 (uA-C.sup.), 80.0 (uD-CCH), 76.1 (uA-C.sup.6), 71.6 (uD-CCH), 56.2 (uBArOCH.sub.3), 55.0 (uB-C.sup.), 54.0 (uD-C.sup.), 46.9 (uC-C.sup.), 43.5 (uC-C.sup.), 41.4 (uD-C.sup.), 37.4 (uB-C.sup.), 35.8 (uD-OCCH.sub.2, uA-C.sup.), 34.3 (uD-OCCH.sub.2C), 33.1 (uA-C.sup.), 29.2 (uD-NHCH.sub.2), 28.5 (uD-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 28.0 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 27.4 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 27.2 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 23.2 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 23.2 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 10.0 (C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    [0407] Boc-uD[Hcy(SCH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(O)NHCH.sub.2CCH)]-uA[acetonide]-uB-uC-.sup.tBu E2

    [0408] seco-Cryptophycin E2 was synthesised following GP I starting with unit D E1 (154 mg, 0.425 mmol, 1.25 eq.) and building block ABC A3 (230 mg, 0.335 mmol, 1 eq.). After purification by column chromatography (DCM:MeOH 96:4, 221 cm), the protected seco-cryptophycin E2 (284 mg, 0.243 mmol, 73%) was obtained as a colourless solidified foam.

    TABLE-US-00038 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 1045.44 t.sub.R = 11.8 min (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 1045.44 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.52H.sub.74ClN.sub.4O.sub.12S.sub.2).sup.+

    Cryptophycin-uA[diol]-uD[Cys(SCH.SUB.2.CH.SUB.2.C(O)NHCH.SUB.2.CCH)] F3

    [0409] Diol F3 was synthesised following GP II using seco-cryptophycin F2 (198 mg, 192 mol, 1 eq.). After purification by column chromatography (dichloromethane:methanol 95:5 2.524 cm), the diol with closed macrocycle F3 (64.8 mg, 79.2 mmol, 42%) was obtained.

    TABLE-US-00039 TLC: R.sub.f(DCM:MeOH, 9:1) = 0.39 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 817.29, t.sub.R = 8.2 min (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 817.27 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.39H.sub.50ClN.sub.4O.sub.9S.sub.2).sup.+

    [0410] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) /ppm=8.37 (dd, .sup.3J=5.4 Hz, .sup.3J=5.4 Hz, 1H, uD-CH.sub.2NH), 8.29 (d, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 8.03 (d, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.NH), 7.67 (dd, .sup.3J=9.8 Hz, .sup.3J=2.6 Hz, 1H, uC-NH), 7.36 (d, .sup.3J=4.4 Hz, 5H, uA-arH), 7.26 (d, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.2H), 7.14 (dd, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.6H), 6.95 (d, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.5H), 6.61 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.1 Hz, .sup.3J=11.4 Hz, .sup.3J=3.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.83 (dd, .sup.3J=15.1 Hz, .sup.4J=1.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.10 (ddd, .sup.3J=11.2 Hz, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, .sup.3J=2.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.1H), 4.67 (ddd, .sup.3J=10.4 Hz, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, .sup.3J=4.4 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 4.52 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.46 (ddd, .sup.3J=11.2 Hz, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, .sup.3J=3.6 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 3.95 (dd, .sup.3J=2.2 Hz, .sup.3J=2.2 Hz, 2H, uD-HCCCH.sub.2), 3.82 (s, 3H, uB-ar-OCH.sub.3), 3.79 (dd, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, .sup.3J=1.8 Hz, 1H uA-C.sup.H), 3.40 (m, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.18-3.04 (m, 3H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.03-2.85 (m, 3H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, uD-COCH.sub.2CH.sub.2), 2.71 (dd, .sup.2J=14.5 Hz, .sup.3J=11.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.64-2.57 (m, 3H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, uD-COCH.sub.2), 2.56 (t, .sup.4J=2.5 Hz, 1H, uD-HCCH.sub.2), 2.08 (dt, .sup.2J=14.3 Hz, .sup.3J=11.5 Hz, .sup.3J=11.5 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.45 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.20 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.16 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 0.95 (d, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    [0411] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) /ppm=180.0 (uC-CO), 173.6 (uA-CO), 173.0 (uD-COCH.sub.2), 172.5 (uD-C.sup.CO), 167.8 (uB-CO), 155.3 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 143.7 (uA-C.sup.H), 143.0 (uA-C.sup.ar), 132.0 (uB-C.sup.ar,1), 131.4 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 129.6 (uA-C.sup.ar), 129.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,6), 129.0 (uA-C.sup.ar), 128.2 (uA-C.sup.ar), 125.5 (uA-C.sup.ar), 125.5 (uA-C.sup.H), 123.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,3), 80.5 (uD-CCH), 77.2 (uA-C.sup.H), 76.6 (uA-C.sup.H), 75.6 (uA-C.sup.H), 72.3 (uD-CCH), 57.4 (uB-C.sup.H), 56.6 (uB-ar-OCH.sub.3), 52.7 (uD-C.sup.H), 48.3 (uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 44.4 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 40.5 (uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 39.7 (uA-C.sup.H), 37.7 (uA-C.sup.H.sub.2), 36.6 (uB-C.sup.H.sub.2), 36.4 (uD-COC COCH.sub.2), 34.8 (uD-COCH.sub.2CH.sub.2), 29.5 (uD-NCH.sub.2), 24.8 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 22.9 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 9.7 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    Cryptophycin-uA[diol]-uD[Hcy(SCH.SUB.2.CH.SUB.2.C(O)NHCH.SUB.2.CCH)] E3

    [0412] Diol E3 was synthesised following GP II using seco-cryptophycin E2 (254 mg, 243 mol, 1 eq.). After purification by column chromatography (97.5:2.5.fwdarw.95:5, dichloromethane:methanol, 2.524 cm), the diol with closed macrocycle E3 (60 mg, 74 mmol, 31%) was obtained.

    TABLE-US-00040 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 831.29, t.sub.R = 8.9 min (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 831.29 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.40H.sub.52ClN.sub.4O.sub.9S.sub.2).sup.+

    [0413] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) /ppm=8.42 (dd, .sup.3J=4.7 Hz, .sup.3J=5.4 Hz, 1H, uD-CH.sub.2NH), 8.30 (d, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 7.89 (d, .sup.3J=8.6 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.NH), 7.65 (dd, .sup.3J=9.9 Hz, .sup.3J=2.6 Hz, 1H, uC-NH), 7.41-7.34 (m, 4H, uA-arH), 7.31 (m, 1H, uA-arH), 7.26 (d, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.2H), 7.15 (dd, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.6H), 6.96 (d, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.5H), 6.63 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.2 Hz, .sup.3J=11.4 Hz, .sup.3J=3.8 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.81 (dd, .sup.3J=15.1 Hz, .sup.3J=1.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.12 (ddd, .sup.3J=11.2 Hz, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, .sup.3J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.1H), 4.58-4.47 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.44 (dd, .sup.3J=11.2 Hz, .sup.3J=3.6 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 3.96 (dd, .sup.3J=2.6 Hz, .sup.3J=1.3 Hz, 2H, uD-HCCCH.sub.2), 3.83 (s, 3H, uB-ar-OCH.sub.3), 3.77 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.3J=1.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.40 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=9.8 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.14 (dd, .sup.2J=14.5 Hz, .sup.3J=3.7 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.10 (dd, .sup.2J=13.3 Hz, .sup.3J=3.0 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.00-2.92 (m, 2H, uD-COCH.sub.2CH.sub.2), 2.81 (ddd, .sup.2J=12.9 Hz, .sup.3J=7.7 Hz, .sup.3J=4.9 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.71 (dd, .sup.2J=14.5 Hz, .sup.3J=11.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.67- 2.60 (m, 3H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, uD-COCH.sub.2), 2.60-2.54 (m, 2H, uD-HCCH.sub.2, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.19 (dddd, .sup.3J=14.0 Hz, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, .sup.3J=4.3 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.14-1.99 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, uD- C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.42 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.18 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.16 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B)), 0.97 (d, .sup.3J=7.0 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3H).

    Cryptophycin-uA[orthoester]-uD[Cys(SCH.SUB.2.CH.SUB.2.C(O)NHCH.SUB.2.CCH)] F4

    [0414] The formation of orthoester F4 followed GP III using diol F3 (65 mg, 79 mol, 1 eq.). The product F4 (57 mg, 67 mol, 85%) was further reacted without further purification.

    TABLE-US-00041 TLC: R.sub.f(DCM:EtOAc, 1:1) = 0.14 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 845.24, t.sub.R = 8.5 min and 8.6 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 845.27 (MCH.sub.3 + 2H).sup.+ = (C.sub.40H.sub.50ClN.sub.4O.sub.10S.sub.2).sup.+

    Cryptophycin-uA[orthoester]-uD[Hcy(SCH.SUB.2.CH.SUB.2.C(O)NHCH.SUB.2.CCH)] E4

    [0415] The formation of orthoester E4 followed GP III using diol E3 (60 mg, 74 mol, 1 eq.). The product E4 (53 mg, 61 mol, 84%) was further reacted without further purification.

    TABLE-US-00042 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 859.27, t.sub.R = 8.6 min and 8.7 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 859.28 (MCH.sub.3 + 2H).sup.+ = (C.sub.41H.sub.53ClN.sub.4O.sub.10S.sub.2).sup.+

    Cryptophycin-uA[-Br, -OCHO]-uD[Cys(SCH.SUB.2.CH.SUB.2.C(O)NHCH.SUB.2.CCH))] F5

    [0416] The formation of bromide F5 followed GP IV using orthoester F4 (57 mg, 67 mmol, 1 eq.) The product F5 (39 mg, 43 mol, 64%) was further reacted without further purification.

    TABLE-US-00043 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 907.16, t.sub.R = 9.6 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 907.18 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.40H.sub.49BrClN.sub.4O.sub.9S.sub.2).sup.+

    Cryptophycin-uA[-Br, OCHO]-uD[Hcy(SCH.SUB.2.CH.SUB.2.C(O)NHCH.SUB.2.CCH))] E5

    [0417] The formation of bromide E5 followed GP IV using orthoester E4 (53 mg, 61 mmol, 1 eq.) The product E5 (48 mg, 43 mol, 86%) was further reacted without further purification.

    TABLE-US-00044 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 921.20, t.sub.R = 9.7 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 921.20 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.41H.sub.51BrClN.sub.4O.sub.9S.sub.2).sup.+

    [0418] Cryptophycin-uD[Cys(SCH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(O)NHCH.sub.2CCH))] F6

    [0419] The formation of cryptophycin F6 followed GP VI using bromide F5 (39 mg, 43 mol, 1 eq.). Column chromatographic purification (dichloroethane:methanol 97.5:2.5, 2.523 cm) and preparative RP-HPLC yielded the epoxide F6 (0.54 mg, 0.68 mol, 1%) as a colourless solid.

    TABLE-US-00045 TLC: R.sub.f (DCM:MeOH 95:5) = 0.27 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 799.24, t.sub.R = 9.2 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 799.26 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.39H.sub.48ClN.sub.4O.sub.8S.sub.2).sup.+

    [0420] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) /ppm=7.36 (m, 3H, uA-arH), 7.25-7.23 (m, 2H, uA-arH), 7.18 (d, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.2H), 7.04 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.6H), 6.85 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.5H), 6.79-6.67 (m, 2H, uC-NH, uA-C.sup.H), 6.37 (d, .sup.3J=8.0 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.NH), 6.19 (s, 1H, uD-CH.sub.2NH), 5.72 (dd, .sup.3J=14.9 Hz, .sup.4J=1.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.65 (s, 1H, uB-NH), 5.25 (ddd, .sup.3J=11.6 Hz, .sup.3J=5.7 Hz, .sup.3J=2.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.1H), 4.73-4.48 (m, 2H, uB-C.sup.H, uD-C.sup.H), 4.04 (dd, .sup.3J=5.3 Hz, .sup.4J=2.6 Hz, 2H, uD-HCCCH.sub.2), 3.88 (s, 3H, uB-ar-OCH.sub.3), 3.70 (d, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.37 (m, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.31 (m, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.11 (dd, .sup.2J=14.5 Hz, .sup.3J=5.1 Hz, 1H, uB-CH.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.03 (ddd .sup.2J=14.3 Hz, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, 1H, uD-COCH.sub.2CH.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.99-2.88 (m, 3H, uA-CCH, uD-COCH.sub.2CH.sup.AH.sup.B, uB-CH.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.79 (dd, .sup.2J=14.1 Hz, .sup.3J=5.9 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.72 (dd, .sup.2J=14.1 Hz, .sup.3J=8.2 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.59 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.53 (dd, .sup.3J=7.2 Hz, .sup.3J=7.2 Hz, 2H, uD-COCH.sub.2), 2.42 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.21 (dd, .sup.3J=2.5 Hz, .sup.3J=2.5 Hz, 1H, uD-HCCH.sub.2), 1.84 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.22 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.18-1.15 (m, 6H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    Cryptophycin-uD[Hcy(SCH.SUB.2.CH.SUB.2.C(O)NHCH.SUB.2.CCH))] E6

    [0421] The formation of cryptophycin E6 followed GP VI using bromide E5 (48 mg, 53 mol, 1 eq.). Preparative RP-HPLC yielded the epoxide E6 (9.4 mg, 12 mol, 23%) as a colourless solid.

    TABLE-US-00046 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 813.28, t.sub.R = 9.3 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 813.28 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.40H.sub.50ClN.sub.4O.sub.8S.sub.2).sup.+

    [0422] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) /ppm=7.39-7.30 (m, 3H, uA-arH), 7.25-7.22 (m, 2H, uA-arH), 7.17 (d, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.2H), 7.04 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.6H), 6.86-6.81 (m, 2H, uC-NH, uB-C.sup.5H), 6.74 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.1 Hz, .sup.3J=11.2 Hz, .sup.3J=4.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.54 (d, .sup.3J=8.1 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.NH), 6.11 (dd, .sup.3J=5.4 Hz, .sup.3J=5.4 Hz, 1H, uD-CH.sub.2NH), 5.74 (d, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 1H uB-NH), 5.71 (dd, .sup.3J=14.9 Hz, .sup.4J=1.8 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.24 (ddd, .sup.3J=11.7 Hz, .sup.3J=5.6 Hz, .sup.3J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.65 (ddd, .sup.3J=7.9 Hz, .sup.3J=7.9 Hz, .sup.3J=3.6 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.50 (ddd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.3J=5.0 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 4.07 (ddd, .sup.2J=17.6 Hz, .sup.3J=5.4 Hz, .sup.4J=1.3 Hz, 1H, uD-HCCCH.sup.AH.sup.B), 4.03 (ddd, .sup.2J=17.6 Hz, .sup.3J=5.2 Hz, .sup.4J=2.6 Hz, 1H, uD-HCCCH.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.87 (s, 3H, uB-ar-OCH.sub.3), 3.69 (d, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.43 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=9.1 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.21 (dd, .sup.2J=13.7 Hz, .sup.3J=2.9 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.10 (dd, .sup.2J=14.6 Hz, .sup.3J=4.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.00-2.85 (m, 4H, uA-C.sup.H, uD-COCH.sub.2CH.sub.2, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.67 (ddd, .sup.2J=13.4 Hz, .sup.3J=6.6 Hz, .sup.3J=6.6 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.63-2.48 (m, 4H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, uD-COCH.sub.2, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.39 (ddd, .sup.2J=14.1 Hz, .sup.3J=11.4 Hz, .sup.3J=11.4 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.24 (dd, .sup.3J=2.5 Hz, .sup.3J=2.5 Hz, 1H, uD-HCCH.sub.2), 1.96-1.74 (m, 3H, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2, uA-C.sup.H), 1.21 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.16 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.15 (d, .sup.3J=7.1 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    ##STR00041##

    Boc-L-Ser(AII)OH H1

    [0423] Under inert conditions sodium hydride (2.47 g of a 60% oil dispersion, 1.46 g, 61.0 mmol, 2.5 eq.) was suspended in dry dimethylformamide (20 mL) and cooled to 0 C. in an ice-water bath. Boc-L-Ser-OH (4.96 g, 24.2 mmol, 1.0 eq.) was dissolved in dry dimethylformamide (40 mL) and added dropwise via a dropping funnel at 0 C. within 35 min. Afterwards the reaction mixture was warmed to RT, stirred for 20 min and cooled again to 0 C. before adding allyl bromide (2.0 mL, 23.1 mmol, 0.95 eq.). Then the reaction solution was warmed up to RT again and stirred for 3 h. Water (12 mL) was added, and the orange solution was evaporated. The residue was dissolved in water (40 mL) and washed with ethyl acetate (220 mL). The aqueous phase was then acidified with 6 M HCl to pH=2 and extracted with ethyl acetate (240 mL), dried over MgSO.sub.4 and evaporated to yield a yellow oil. The residue was further purified via column chromatography (520 cm, DCM/MeOH, 9:1) to yield Boc-L-Ser(AII)OH H1 (4.83 g, 19.2 mmol, 81%) as a colorless viscous oil.

    [0424] R.sub.f (DCM/MeOH, 9:1)=0.33.

    [0425] .sup.1H-NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d): /ppm=5.85 (dddd, .sup.3J=16.2 Hz, .sup.3J=10.8 Hz, .sup.3J=5.6 Hz, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, 1H, CHCH.sub.2), 5.42 (d, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, 1H, NH), 5.25 (d, .sup.3J=17.2 Hz, 1H, CHCH.sub.2.sup.trans), 5.18 (d, .sup.3J=10.4 Hz, 1H, CHCH.sub.2.sup.cis), 4.45 (dd, .sup.3J=8.0 Hz, .sup.3J=3.3 Hz, 1H, C.sup.H), 4.00 (d, .sup.3J=5.7 Hz, 2H, OCH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 3.90 (dd, .sup.2J=9.6 Hz, .sup.3J=3.2 Hz, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sub.BOH), 3.67 (dd, .sup.2J=9.6 Hz, .sup.3J=3.6 Hz, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sub.BOH), 1.46 (s, 9H, C(CH.sub.3).sub.3).

    [0426] Fmoc-L-Ser(AII)OH H2

    [0427] Boc-L-Ser(AII)OH H1 (2.50 g, 10.20 mmol, 1.0 eq) was dissolved in dichloromethane (20 mL) and cooled to 0 C. Trifluoroacetic acid (20.4 mL, 275 mmol, 27.0 eq.) was added, the reaction mixture was stirred at 0 C. for 40 min and co-evaporated with toluene (310 mL). The residue was dissolved in acetone/water (34 mL, 1:1 v/v) and sodium carbonate (2.23 g, 50.0 mmol, 4.9 eq.) and Fmoc-OSu (3.60 g, 10.70 mmol, 1.1 eq.) were added. After stirring for 50 min at rt the suspension was acidified with 3 M HCl to pH=1, extracted with ethyl acetate (330 mL) and the combined organic layers dried over MgSO.sub.4 and evaporated. The residue was further purified via column chromatography (525 cm, DCM/MeOH, 9:1) to give Fmoc-L-Ser(AII)OH H2 (696 mg, 1.89 mmol, 19%) as a colorless foam.

    TABLE-US-00047 R.sub.f (DCM/MeOH, 9:1) = 0.23. HPLC-MS (ESI+): m/z (found) 368.0531, t.sub.R = 9.2 min m/z (calc.) 368.1496 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.21H.sub.22NO.sub.5).sup.+.

    [0428] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d): /ppm=7.76 (d, .sup.3J=7.6 Hz, 2H, Fmoc-C.sup.arH), 7.60 (dt, .sup.3J=14.2 Hz, .sup.3J=7.2 Hz, 2H, Fmoc-C.sup.arH), 7.40 (t, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 2H, Fmoc-C.sup.arH), 7.31 (t, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, 2H, Fmoc-C.sup.arH), 5.87 (dddd, .sup.3J=16.4 Hz, .sup.3J=10.9 Hz, .sup.3J=5.7 Hz, .sup.3J=5.6 Hz, 1H, CHCH.sub.2), 5.69 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, NH), 5.28 (d, .sup.3J=18.3 Hz, 1H, CHCH.sub.2.sup.trans), 5.21 (d, .sup.3J=10.5 Hz, 1H, CHCH.sub.2 's), 4.54 (dd, .sup.3J=8.1 Hz, .sup.3J=3.3 Hz, 1H, C.sup.H), 4.45-4.35 (m, 2H, Fmoc-CH.sub.2), 4.25 (t, .sup.3J=7.2 Hz, 1H, Fmoc-CH), 4.03 (d, .sup.3J=5.7 Hz, 2H, OCH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 3.96 (dd, .sup.2J=9.4 Hz, .sup.3J=2.6 Hz, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.72 (dd, .sup.2J=9.7 Hz, .sup.3J=3.6 Hz, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B).

    Fmoc-uD[Ser(AII)]-uA[acetonide]-uB-OTCE H3

    [0429] Building block A-B was synthesized according to SEWALD et al. (N. Sewald et al., J. Org. Chem. 2010, 75, 6953-6960).

    [0430] Under inert conditions unit A-B (549 mg, 0.83 mmol, 1.0 eq.), H2 (305 mg, 0.83 mmol, 1.0 eq.) and DMAP (12 mg, 0.10 mmol, 0.1 eq.) were dissolved in dry THF (12 mL) and stirred at 0 C. Triethylamine (227 L, 1.66 mmol, 2.0 eq.) followed by 2,4,6-trichlorobenzoyl chloride (259 L, 1.66 mmol, 2.0 eq.) were added dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0 C. for 4.5 h. A solution of citric acid (10%, 25 mL) in water was added and the organic layer was separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (350 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (25 mL), dried over MgSO.sub.4 and evaporated to yield a grew foam. This was further purified via column chromatography (320 cm, PE/EtOAc, 2:1) to give compound H3 (474 mg, 0.47 mmol, 56%) colorless foam.

    [0431] TLC: R.sub.f(PE/EtOAc, 2:1)=0.22

    [0432] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d): /ppm=7.74 (d, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 2H, uD-Fmoc-C.sup.arH), 7.60 (dd, .sup.3J=7.6 Hz, .sup.4J=2.3 Hz, 2H, uD-Fmoc-C.sup.arH), 7.37 (t, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 2H, uD-Fmoc-C.sup.arH), 7.31 (t, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, 2H, uD-Fmoc-C.sup.arH), 7.35-7.28 (m, 5H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.13 (d, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 6.96 (dd, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, .sup.4J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.74 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.65 (d, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 6.56 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.7 Hz, .sup.3J=6.5 Hz, .sup.3J=6.5 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.84 (dddd, .sup.3J=16.5 Hz, .sup.3J=10.9 Hz, .sup.3J=5.7 Hz, .sup.3J=5.6 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2), 5.76 (dd, .sup.3J=8.7, .sup.4J=2.8 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 5.55 (d, .sup.3J=15.6 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.26 (d, .sup.3J=17.8 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.trans), 5.21 (d, .sup.3J=10.3 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.cis), 5.03 (ddd, .sup.3J=8.6 Hz, .sup.3J=4.6 Hz, .sup.3J=4.6 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.6H), 4.96 (dd, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.72 (d, .sup.3J=8.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.qH), 4.67 (d, .sup.2J=11.9 Hz, 1H, uB-CH.sup.AH.sup.BCCl.sub.3), 4.59 (d, .sup.2J=11.9 Hz, 1H, uB-CH.sup.AH.sup.BCCl.sub.3), 4.38 (dd, .sup.2J=10.4 Hz, .sup.3J=7.0 Hz, 1H, uD-Fmoc-CH.sub.2), 4.33 (ddd, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, .sup.3J=3.3 Hz, .sup.3J=3.3 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 4.26 (dd, J=10.5 Hz, .sup.3J=7.7 Hz, 1H, uD-Fmoc-CH.sub.2), 4.19 (t, .sup.3J=7.3 Hz, 1H, uD-Fmoc-CH), 3.95 (d, .sup.3J=5.7 Hz, 2H, uD-OCH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 3.85 (dd, .sup.3J=8.8 Hz, .sup.3J=2.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.78 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.76 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.66 (dd, .sup.2J=9.7 Hz, .sup.3J=3.3 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.10 (dd, .sup.2J=14.2 Hz, .sup.3J=5.8 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.96 (dd, .sup.2J=14.1 Hz, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.42-2.29 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.00 (ddq, .sup.3J=10.1, .sup.3J=10.1, .sup.3J=5.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.EH), 1.53 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.48 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.10 (d, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    [0433] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, Chloroform-d): /ppm=169.9 (uB-C(O)), 169.7 (uD-CO.sub.2CH), 165.2 (uA-CONH.sub.2), 156.3 (uD-Fmoc-NCO.sub.2), 154.0 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 143.9 (uD-Fmoc-C), 143.5 (uD-Fmoc-C), 141.2 (uD-Fmoc-C), 139.1 (uA-C.sup.H), 137.6 (uA-C.sup.ar), 133.8 (uD-CHCH.sub.2), 131.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 128.8 (uB-C.sup.ar,s) 128.7 (uA-C.sup.arH), 128.5 (uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 128.4 (uA-C.sup.arH), 127.7 (uA-C.sup.arH), 127.0 (uD-Fmoc-C.sup.ar), 126.9 (uD-Fmoc-C.sup.ar), 125.3 (uA-C.sup.H) 125.2 (uD-Fmoc-C.sup.ar), 122.1 (uB-C.sup.ar,3), 120.0 (uD-Fmoc-C.sup.ar), 117.7 (uD-CHCH.sub.2), 112.0 (uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 109.0 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 94.3 (uB-CH.sub.2CCl.sub.3), 82.4 (uA-C.sup.H), 80.6 (uA-C.sup.qH), 75.5 (uA-C.sub.3H), 74.5 (uB-CH.sub.2CCl.sub.3), 72.2 (uD-OCH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 69.0 (uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 67.4 (uD-Fmoc-CH.sub.2), 56.0 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 54.6 (uD-C.sup.H), 53.1 (uB-C.sup.H), 46.9 (uD-Fmoc-CH), 36.4 (uB-C.sup.H.sub.2), 36.1 (uA-C.sup.EHCH.sub.3), 31.9 (uA-C.sup.H), 27.2 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 27.1 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 9.4 (uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    Fmoc-uC-uD[Ser(AII)]-uA[acetonide]-uB-OTce H4

    [0434] Piperidine (0.30 mL, 3.01 mmol, 5.2 eq.) was added dropwise to a solution of H3 (585 mg, 0.58 mmol, 1.0 eq.) in dimethylformamide (20 mL) at 0 C. The solution was warmed up to RT, stirred for 35 min and evaporated under high vacuum. The residue was co-evaporated with toluene (220 mL) and dried in vacuum to yield a yellow solid. The primary amine was used without further purification in the next step. Under inert conditions Fmoc-3-amino-2,2-dimethyl-propionic acid (394 mg, 1.16 mmol, 2.0 eq.), N,N-diisopropylethylamine (0.50 mL, 2.90 mmol, 5.0 eq.) and 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole (174 mg, 1.28 mmol, 2.2 eq.) were dissolved in dry dichloromethane (30 mL) and stirred at 0 C. N,N-diisopropylcarbodiimide (0.20 mL, 1.28 mmol, 2.2 eq.) was added dropwise to the solution over 10 min and stirred for an additional 10 min. The reaction mixture was added dropwise to a solution of the deprotected unit DAB (0.58 mmol, 1.0 eq.) in dry dimethylformamide (6 mL) at 0 C. within 20 min. After stirring at RT for 17.5 h the solution was given to a solution of citric acid (10%, 100 mL) in water. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (350 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (50%, 50 mL) and brine (50 mL), were dried over MgSO.sub.4 and evaporated. The residue was further purified via column chromatography (320 cm, PE/EtOAc, 1:1) to yield compound H4 (570 mg, 0.51 mmol, 88%) as a colorless foam.

    [0435] TLC: R.sub.f(PE/EtOAc, 1:1)=0.34.

    [0436] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d): /ppm=7.75 (d, .sup.3J=7.6 Hz, 2H, uC-Fmoc-C.sup.arH), 7.59 (d, .sup.3J=7.9 Hz, 2H, uC-Fmoc-C.sup.H), 7.41-7.35 (m, 2H, uC-Fmoc-C.sup.arH), 7.34-7.31 (m, 2H, uC-Fmoc-C.sup.arH), 7.30-7.22 (m, 5H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.16 (d, .sup.4J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.04 (dd, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.91 (d, .sup.3J=8.0 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 6.80 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.57 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.6 Hz, .sup.3J=6.6 Hz, .sup.3J=6.6 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.54 (d, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, 1H, uD-NH), 5.88 (dd, .sup.3J=6.6 Hz, .sup.3J=6.6 Hz, 1H, uC-NH), 5.80 (dddd, .sup.3J=16.3 Hz, .sup.3J=10.8 Hz, .sup.3J=5.6 Hz, .sup.3J=5.6 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2), 5.61 (d, .sup.3J=15.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.23 (dd, .sup.3J=17.2 Hz, .sup.2J=1.7 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.trans), 5.18 (d, .sup.3J=10.4 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.cis), 5.06 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.99 (dd, .sup.3J=7.1 Hz, Hz, .sup.3J=7.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.79 (d, .sup.2J=11.9 Hz, 1H, uB-CH.sup.AH.sup.BCCl.sub.3), 4.68 (d, .sup.2J=11.9 Hz, 1H, uB-CH.sup.AH.sup.BCCl.sub.3), 4.67 (d, .sup.3J=8.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.1H), 4.48 (ddd, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, .sup.3J=3.4 Hz, .sup.3J=3.4 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 4.37-4.30 (m, 2H, uC-Fmoc-CH.sub.2), 4.19 (t, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 1H, uC-Fmoc-CH), 3.95 (d, .sup.3J=5.7 Hz, 2H, uD-OCH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 3.83 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.82 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.4H), 3.81 (dd, .sup.2J=8.1 Hz, .sup.3J=3.1 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.65 (dd, .sup.2J=9.8 Hz, .sup.3J=3.4 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.37 (dd, .sup.2J=13.8 Hz, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.33 (dd, .sup.2J=13.7 Hz, .sup.3J=5.6 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.19 (dd, .sup.2J=14.2 Hz, .sup.3J=5.6 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.03 (dd, .sup.2J=14.2 Hz, .sup.3J=7.3 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.30-2.45 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.00 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.50 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.43 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.25 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.17 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.11 (d, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    Cryptophycin-[uA-acetonide]-[uD-Ser(AII)] H5

    [0437] Piperidine (0.30 mL, 3.01 mmol, 5.2 eq.) was added dropwise to a solution of H4 (535 mg, 0.48 mmol, 1.0 eq.) in dimethylformamide (15 mL) at 0 C. The solution was warmed up to RT, stirred for 15.5 h. Then water (200 mL) and ethyl acetate (200 mL) were added to the yellow solution, the organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (3200 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO.sub.4 and evaporated. The residue was further purified via column chromatography (325 cm, EtOAc/MeOH, 96:4) to give compound H5 (247 mg, 0.33 mmol, 70%) as a colorless foam.

    TABLE-US-00048 TLC: R.sub.f(EtOAc/MeOH, 96:4) = 0.41. HPLC-MS m/z (found) 740.35, t.sub.R = 10.4 min (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 740.33 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.39H.sub.51ClN.sub.3O.sub.9).sup.+.

    [0438] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d): /ppm=7.39-7.31 (m, 5H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.17 (d, .sup.4J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.03 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.83 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.80 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.3J=3.6 Hz, 1H, uC-NH), 6.62 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.2 Hz, .sup.3J=11.1 Hz, .sup.3J=4.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.30 (d, .sup.3J=8.0 Hz, 1H, uD-NH), 5.75 (ddt, .sup.3J=17.3 Hz, .sup.3J=10.8 Hz, .sup.3J=5.6 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2), 5.63 (d, .sup.3J=15.4 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.61 (d, .sup.3J=7.8, 1H, uB-NH), 5.19 (dd, .sup.3J=17.2 Hz, .sup.2J=1.7 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.cis), 5.14 (dd, .sup.3J=10.5 Hz, .sup.2J=1.5 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2 's), 5.11 (ddd, .sup.2J=11.3 Hz, .sup.3J=4.8 Hz, .sup.3J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.6H), 4.69 (d, .sup.3J=8.8 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.qH), 4.66 (ddd, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, 5.0 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.46 (ddd, .sup.3J=8.6 Hz, .sup.3J=4.8 Hz, .sup.3J=4.7 Hz, 1H, uD-CH), 3.88 (d, .sup.3J=5.6 Hz, 2H, uD-OCH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 3.87 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.80 (dd, .sup.3J=8.8 Hz, .sup.3J=2.4 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.49 (d, .sup.3J=4.8 Hz, 2H, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 3.37 (dd, .sup.2J=13.1 Hz, .sup.3J=8.3 Hz, 1H, uC-CH.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.24 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=3.6 Hz, 1H, uC-CH.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.10 (dd, .sup.2J=14.6 Hz, .sup.3J=4.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.94 (dd, .sup.2J=14.5 Hz, .sup.3J=8.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.CH.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.42 (ddd, .sup.2J=12.0 Hz, .sup.3J=4.4 Hz, .sup.3J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.17 (ddd, .sup.2J=14.2 Hz, .sup.3J=11.2 Hz, .sup.3J=2.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.87 (qdd, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, .sup.3J=6.6 Hz, .sup.3J=2.4 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.EH), 1.50 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.46 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.20 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.12 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.11 (d, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    [0439] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, Chloroform-d): /ppm=177.8 (uC-C(O)), 170.6 (uB-C(O)), 170.0 (uD-C(O)), 164.9 (uA-C(O)), 154.3 (uB-C.sup.ar,4OCH.sub.3), 142.8 (uA-C.sup.H), 137.7 (uA-C.sup.ar), 133.9 (uD-CHCH.sub.2), 131.0 (uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 129.6 (uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 128.9 (uA-C.sup.arH), 128.7 (uA-C.sup.arH), 128.3 (uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 126.8 (uA-C.sup.arH), 124.5 (uA-C.sup.H), 122.7 (uB-C.sup.a,3), 117.8 (UD-CHCH.sub.2), 112.5 (uB-C.sup.ar,1), 109.2 (UA-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 82.5 (uA-C.sup.H), 80.4 (uA-C.sup.H), 75.6 (uA-C.sup.H), 72.2 (uD-OCH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 68.9 (uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 56.3 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 54.8 (uB-C.sup.H), 52.5 (uD-C.sup.H), 47.3 (uC-CH.sub.2), 43.3 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 36.7 (uA-C.sup.H), 35.8 (uB-C.sup.H.sub.2), 35.9 (C.sup.H), 27.3 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 27.2 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 24.8 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 22.6 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 9.5 (uA-C.sup.EHCH.sub.3).

    Cryptophycin-[uA-Diol]-[uD-Ser(AII)] H6

    [0440] To a solution of acetonide protected cryptophycin H5 (237 mg, 0.32 mmol, 1.0 eq.) in dichloromethane (4 mL) at 0 C. trifluoroacetic acid (4 mL) was added dropwise. The yellow solution was warmed up to RT, stirred for 30 min and evaporated. The residue was dissolved in dichloromethane (4 mL), cooled to 0 C. and trifluoroacetic acid (4 mL) was added dropwise. After stirring for 30 min at RT and evaporating again, the residue was co-evaporated with toluene (2 mL). Ethyl acetate (100 mL) and sat. NaHCO.sub.3-solution (70 mL) were added and the organic layer was separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (370 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO.sub.4 and evaporated. The residue was further purified via column chromatography (320 cm, EtOAc/MeOH, 95:5) to give compound H6 (129 mg, 0.18 mmol, 58%) as a colorless frozen foam.

    TABLE-US-00049 TLC: R.sub.f(EtOAc/MeOH, 95:5) = 0.26. HPLC-MS m/z (found) 700.323, t.sub.R = 8.6 min (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 700.30 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.36H.sub.47ClN.sub.3O.sub.9).sup.+.

    [0441] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d): /ppm=7.37-7.30 (m, 5H, uA-C.sup.ar H), 7.16 (d, .sup.4J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.03 (dd, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, .sup.4J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 7.10 (dd, .sup.3J=9.0 Hz, .sup.3J=3.4 Hz, 1H, uC-NH), 6.83 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.76 (dd, .sup.3J=15.1 Hz, .sup.3J=10.9 Hz, .sup.3J=4.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.28 (d, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, 1H, uD-NH), 5.74 (dddd, .sup.3J=17.4 Hz, .sup.3J=10.7 Hz, .sup.3J=5.4 Hz, .sup.3J=5.4 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2), 5.68 (d, .sup.3J=15.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.58 (m, 1H, uB-NH) 5.22 (ddd, .sup.3J=11.9 Hz, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, .sup.3J=2.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.6H), 5.18 (dd, .sup.3J=17.4 Hz, .sup.2J=1.6 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.trans), 5.16 (dd, .sup.3J=10.4, .sup.2J=1.4 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2.sup.cis), 4.69 (dd, .sup.3J=7.7 Hz, .sup.3J=4.8 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.46 (ddd, .sup.3J=8.0 Hz, .sup.3J=4.9 Hz, .sup.3J=4.8 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.83 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.78 (dd, .sup.3J=5.7 Hz, .sup.4J=1.4 Hz, 2H, uD-OCH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 3.67 (d, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.qH), 3.43 (dd, .sup.3J=4.8 Hz, .sup.3J=1.5 Hz, 2H, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 3.39 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=8.7 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.18 (dd, 2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=3.3 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.09 (dd, .sup.2J=14.5, .sup.3J=4.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.98 (ddd, .sup.2J=14.6 Hz, .sup.3J=7.9 Hz, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.90 (dd, .sup.3J=7.0 Hz, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 2.57 (ddd, .sup.2J=12.2 Hz, .sup.3J=4.3, .sup.3J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.41 (ddd, .sup.2J=14.2 Hz, .sup.3J=11.2 Hz, .sup.3J=2.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.77 (qdd, .sup.3J=7.2 Hz, .sup.3J=7.2 Hz, .sup.3J=7.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.EH), 1.19 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.14 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.14 (d, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    Cryptophycin-[uD-Ser(AII)] H7

    [0442] To a solution of diol H6 (129 mg, 0.18 mmol, 1.0 eq.) and pyridinium p-toluene sulfonate (113 mg, 0.45 mmol, 2.5 eq.) in dichloromethane (5 mL) trimethyl orthoformate (1.80 mL, 16.44 mmol, 91.3 eq.) was added. After stirring at RT for 16 h the reaction mixture was filtered over silica (15 cm) and eluted with dichloromethane/ethyl acetate (300 mL, 1:1 v/v), then dried under vacuum to yield a colorless foam.

    [0443] The intermediate orthoester (0.18 mmol, 1.0 eq.) was dissolved in dichloromethane (2.5 mL) and an acetylbromide-solution (0.5 M in dry dichloromethane, 0.85 mL, 0.45 mmol, 2.5 eq.) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 4.5 h and then added to dichloromethane (20 mL) and NaHCO.sub.3-solution (50% sat., 50 mL). The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (320 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO.sub.4 and evaporated. The bromo formate was dried under vacuum to yield a colorless foam.

    [0444] An emulsion of dry ethylene glycol (2.5 mL), dry 1,2-dimethoxypropane (5.0 mL) and potassium carbonate (209 mg) was freshly prepared over 3 molecular sieves (350 mg) and homogenized by an vortexer and ultrasonic bath.

    [0445] The potassium carbonate emulsion (4.5 mL, 0.91 mmol, 5.0 eq. K.sub.2CO.sub.3) homogenized by constant shaking was added to (0.18 mmol, 1.0 eq.). The reaction mixture was vigorous stirred at RT for 6 min and diluted with dry dichloromethane (20 mL). The solution was given to a cold KHSO.sub.4-solution (0.5%, 20 mL), the organic layer was separated immediately, and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (320 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO.sub.4 and evaporated. The residue was further purified via column chromatography (220 cm, pure EtOAc) to give compound H7 (45 mg, 0.066 mmol, 37% over 3 steps) as a colorless foam.

    TABLE-US-00050 TLC: R.sub.f (EtOAc) = 0.26. HPLC-MS m/z (found) 682.31, t.sub.R = 9.9 min (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 682.29 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.36H.sub.45ClN.sub.3O.sub.8).sup.+.

    [0446] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=7.35 (m, 3H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.24 (dd, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, .sup.4J=1.7 Hz, 2H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.17 (d, .sup.3J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.03 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.98 (dd, .sup.3J=8.9 Hz, .sup.3J=3.4 Hz, 1H, uC-NH), 6.83 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.76 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.0 Hz, .sup.3J=10.9 Hz, .sup.3J=4.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.28 (d, .sup.3J=7.9 Hz, 1H, uD-NH), 5.74 (ddt, .sup.3J=17.5 Hz, .sup.3J=10.8 Hz, .sup.3J=5.4 Hz, 1H, uD-H.sub.2CCH), 5.68 (dd, .sup.3J=15.0 Hz, .sup.4J=1.8 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.58 (m, 1H, uB-NH), 5.22 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.20-5.14 (m, 2H, uD-H.sub.2CCH), 4.69 (ddd, .sup.3J=7.7 Hz, .sup.3J=7.7 Hz, .sup.3J=4.8 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.46 (ddd, .sup.3J=8.0 Hz, .sup.3J=4.9 Hz, .sup.3J=4.9 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.87 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.78 (dd, .sup.3J=5.7 Hz, .sup.4J=1.4 Hz, 2H, uD-H.sub.2CCHCH.sub.2), 3.67 (d, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.43 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 3.39 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=8.7 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.18 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=3.5 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.09 (dd, .sup.2J=14.5 Hz, .sup.3J=4.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.98 (ddd, .sup.2J=14.5 Hz, .sup.3J=7.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.90 (dd, .sup.3J=7.7 Hz, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 2.57 (dddd, .sup.2J=14.2 Hz, .sup.3J=4.3 Hz, .sup.3J=2.1 Hz, .sup.3J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.41 (ddd, .sup.2J=14.1 Hz, .sup.3J=11.2 Hz, .sup.3J=11.2 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.77 (qdd, .sup.3J=7.1 Hz, .sup.3J=7.0 Hz, .sup.3J=5.4 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.19 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.14 (d, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 1.12 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B).

    [0447] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=178.1 (uC-C(O)), 170.5 (uD-C(O)), 170.4 (uB-C(O)), 164.8 (uA-C(O)), 154.3 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 142.0 (uA-C.sup.H), 137.0 (uA-C.sup.ar,1), 133.8 (uD-H.sub.2CCHCH.sub.2) 131.0 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 129.5 (uB-C.sup.ar,1), 128.8 (uA-C.sup.ar), 128.6 (uA-C.sup.ar), 128.3 (uB-C.sup.ar,6), 125.7 (uA-C.sup.ar), 124.8 (uA-C.sup.), 122.7 (uB-C.sup.ar,3-Cl), 118.0 (uD-H.sub.2CCHCH.sub.2) 112.6 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 75.8 (uA-C.sup.), 72.1 (uD-H.sub.2CCHCH.sub.2) 68.7 (uD-C.sup.), 63.4 (uA-C.sup.), 59.2 (uA-C.sup.), 56.3 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 54.7 (uB-C.sup.), 52.5 (uD-C.sup.), 47.2 (uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 43.0 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 40.9 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 37.3 (uA-C.sup.), 35.7 (uB-C.sup.), 24.7 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 22.8 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 13.8 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    Cryptophycin [uD-Ser] H8

    [0448] Under inert conditions epoxide H7 (17.5 mg, 0.026 mmol, 1.0 eq.) and Pd(PPh.sub.3).sub.4 (5.5 mg, 0.2 eq.) were dissolved in dry degassed dichloromethane. Phenyl silane (16 L, 0.13 mmol, 5.0 eq.) was added to the yellow solution and stirred at RT for 19 h. Column chromatography (125 cm, EtOAc/MeOH, 95:5) yielded compound H8 (13.2 mg, 0.021 mmol, 79%) as a colorless foam.

    TABLE-US-00051 TLC: R.sub.f (EtOAc/MeOH, 95:5) = 0.18. HPLC-MS m/z (found) 642.2735, t.sub.R = 8.6 min (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 642.2577 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.33H.sub.41ClN.sub.3O.sub.8).sup.+. HRMS: m/z (found) 664.2386 (ESI+) m/z (calc.) 664.2596 (M + Na).sup.+ = (C.sub.33H.sub.40ClN.sub.3O.sub.8Na).sup.+.

    [0449] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=7.34 (m, 3H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.23 (dd, .sup.3J=7.7, 1.8 Hz, 2H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.18 (d, .sup.3J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.04 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.3J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.95 (dd, .sup.3J=8.2 Hz, .sup.3J=4.1 Hz, 1H, uC-NH), 6.84 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.74 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.2 Hz, .sup.3J=11.1 Hz, .sup.3J=4.2 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.53 (d, .sup.3J=7.6 Hz, 1H, uD-NH), 5.81 (d, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 5.74 (dd, .sup.3J=15.0 Hz, .sup.4J=1.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.18 (ddd, .sup.3J=11.5 Hz, .sup.3J=6.7 Hz, .sup.3J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.67 (ddd, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, .sup.3J=4.6 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.37 (ddd, .sup.3J=8.1 Hz, .sup.3J=4.3 Hz, .sup.3J=4.3 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.87 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.70 (d, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.60 (d, .sup.3J=4.3 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 3.35 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=8.2 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.25 (dd, .sup.2J=13.3 Hz, .sup.3J=4.0 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.09 (dd, .sup.2J=14.5 Hz, .sup.3J=5.0 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.97 (dd, .sup.2J=14.7 Hz, .sup.3J=8.3 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.94 (dd, .sup.3J=7.3 Hz, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 2.60 (dddd, .sup.2J=14.1 Hz, .sup.3J=4.3 Hz, .sup.3J=2.2 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.37 (ddd, .sup.3J=14.1 Hz, .sup.3J=11.3 Hz, .sup.3J=11.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.87 (dq, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.20 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.15 (d, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 1.14 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B).

    [0450] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=178.4 (uC-C(O)), 170.8 (uD-C(O)), 170.7 (uB-C(O)), 164.9 (uA-C(O)), 154.3 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 141.9 (uA-C.sup.H), 136.8 (uA-C.sup.ar,1), 131.0 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 129.5 (uB-C.sup.ar,1) 128.9 (uA-C.sup.ar), 128.8 (uA-C.sup.ar), 128.3 (uB-C.sup.ar,6), 125.7 (uA-C.sup.ar), 125.2 (uA-C.sup.), 122.7 (uB-C.sup.ar,3Cl), 112.6 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 75.7 (uA-C.sup.), 63.8 (uA-C.sup.), 62.7 (uD-C.sup.), 58.9 (uA-C.sup.), 56.3 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 54.8 (uB-C.sup.), 54.5 (uD-C.sup.), 47.3 (uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 43.1 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 40.3 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 37.1 (uA-Cy), 35.7 (uB-C.sup.), 24.8 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 22.6 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 13.8 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    ##STR00042##

    Boc-L-HSe(AII)OH Y1

    [0451] Boc-L-HSeOMe was synthesized using literature known procedure (W.-J. Wu, Y. Wu, B. Liu, Tetrahedron 2017, 73, 1265-1274.).

    [0452] Boc-L-HSeOMe (204 mg, 0.870 mmol, 1 eq) was dissolved abs. DCM (2.6 mL) and benzyltrimethylammonium chloride (265 mg, 1.16 mmol, 1.3 eq), allyl bromide (0.15 mL, 1.72 mmol, 2 eq) and 40% NaOH solution (0.25 mL, 2.50 mmol, 2.9 eq) was added. The mixture was stirred for 16 h at rt and quenched with water (8 mL). The phases were separated, and the aqueous layer was acidified with citric acid (10%, 6 mL) to pH=2 and extracted with EtOAc (35 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (25 mL) and dried over MgSO.sub.4. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the crude was purified via column-chromatography (DCM/MeOH, 9:1) to yield Boc-L-HSe(AII)OH Y1 (171 mg, 0.659 mmol, 75%) as colorless oil. [0453] R.sub.f(DCM/MeOH 9:1)=0.22, [0454] R.sub.f(DCM/MeOH 8:2)=0.40

    [0455] .sup.1H NMR: (500 MHz, Chloroform-d): /ppm=5.88 (ddt, .sup.3J=16.4 Hz, .sup.3J=10.7 Hz, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, 1H, H.sub.2CCHCH.sub.2O), 5.67-5.58 (br s, 1H, NH), 5.25 (dd, .sup.3J=17.1 Hz, .sup.2J=1.2 Hz, 1H, H.sub.2.sup.transCCHCH.sub.2O), 5.17 (dd, .sup.3J=10.5 Hz, .sup.2J=1.0 Hz, 1H, H.sub.2.sup.cisCCHCH.sub.2O), 4.41 (m, 1H, C.sup.H), 4.01-3.92 (m, 2H, Allyl: H.sub.2CCHCH.sub.2O), 3.60-3.53 (m, 2H, C.sup.H), 2.15 (m, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.02 (m, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.43 (s, 9H, C(CH.sub.3).sub.3).

    [0456] .sup.13C NMR: (126 MHz, Chloroform-d): /ppm=176.6 (C.sup.COOH), 155.9 (NC(O)O), 134.3 (Allyl: H.sub.2CCH), 117.4 (H.sub.2CCH), 80.2 (C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 72.1 (C.sup.), 66.9 (H.sub.2CCHCH.sub.2O), 52.1 (C.sup.), 31.6 (C.sup.), 28.4 (C(CH.sub.3).sub.3).

    TABLE-US-00052 HPLC-MS (ESI+): m/z (found) 160.10, t.sub.R = 7.4 min. m/z (calc.) 160.10 (M-Boc + H.sup.+); (C.sub.7H.sub.14NO.sub.3).sup.+

    Boc-uD[HSe(AII)]-uA[acetonide]-uB-OTCE Y2

    [0457] Building block A-B was synthesized according to SEWALD et al. (N. Sewald et al., J. Org. Chem. 2010, 75, 6953-6960).

    [0458] A solution of Fmoc-HSe(AII)OH (Y1, 305 mg, 1.21 mmol, 1.0 eq.), building block A-B (799 mg, 1.21 mmol, 1.0 eq.) in abs THF (12 mL) was cooled to 0 C. and triethylamine (0.34 mL, 2.42 mmol, 2 eq), DMAP (0.037 g, 0.300 mmol, 0.25 eq) and 2,4,6-trichlorbenzoyl chloride (0.38 mL, 2.42 mmol, 2 eq) were added. The Solution was stirred for 3 h while warmed slowly to rt. A solution of citric acid (10%, 30 mL) in water was added and the phases were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (330 mL). The organic layers were washed with NaHCO.sub.3 (30 mL) and brine (30 mL) and dried over MgSO.sub.4, then concentrated in vacuo. Column chromatography (d=4 cm, l=20 cm, PE/EtOAc 2:1) yielded Y2 a colorless oil (0.730 g, 0.810 mmol, 66%).

    [0459] TLC: R.sub.f(PE/EtOAc 2:1)=0.43.

    [0460] .sup.1H-NMR: (500 MHz, Chloroform-d): /ppm=7.41-7.27 (m, 5H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.18 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.04 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.85 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.60 (d, .sup.3J=7.6 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 6.54 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.84 (m, 1H, uD-H.sub.2CCHCH.sub.2O), 5.65 (d, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, 1H, uD-NH), 5.55 (d, .sup.3J=15.5 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.25 (dd, .sup.3J=17.3 Hz, .sup.2J=1.3 Hz, 1H, uD-H.sub.2.sup.transCCHCH.sub.2O), 5.17 (d, .sup.3J=10.6 Hz, 1H, uD-H.sub.2.sup.cisCCHCH.sub.2O), 4.98-4.85 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.6H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.79 (d, .sup.2J=11.9 Hz, 1H, uB-CH.sub.2CCl.sub.3), 4.79-4.61 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.qH, uB-CH.sub.2CCl.sub.3), 4.23 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.94-3.90 (m, 2H, uD-CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2O), 3.89-3.84 (m, 4H, uA-C H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.82 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.6H), 3.51-3.38 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.7H2), 3.18 (dd, .sup.3J=14.2 Hz, .sup.3J=5.6 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sub.2), 3.05 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.31 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 2.27 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 2.08-1.93 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 1.87 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.EH), 1.51 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.46 (s, 3H, uA-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 1.40 (s, 9H, uD-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 1.08 (d, .sup.3J=7.0 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    [0461] .sup.13C NMR: (126 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): /ppm=171.8 (uD-C.sup.COO), 170.2 (uB-COO), 165.5 (uA-CON), 155.8 (uD-NCOO), 154.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 139.2 (uA-C.sup.), 137.6 (uA-C.sup.ar,1), 134.5 (uD-H.sub.2CCH), 131.1 (uB-C.sup.ar,2) 129.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,1), 128.9 (uA-C.sup.ar,meta) 128.6 (uB-C.sup.ar,6) 127.4 (uA-C.sup.), 127.1 (uA-C.sup.ar,ortho) 122.4 (uB-C.sup.ar,3), 117.3 (uD-H.sub.2CCH), 112.3 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 109.1 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 94.5 (uD-CCl.sub.3), 82.6 (uA-C.sup.), 80.8 (uA-C.sup.), 80.0 (uD-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 75.4 (uA-C.sup.3), 74.8 (uB-CH.sub.2CCl.sub.3), 72.1 (uD-C.sup.), 66.9 (uD-CHCH.sub.2O), 56.3 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 53.5 (uD-C.sup.), 52.7 (uB-C.sup.), 36.5 (uA-C.sup.), 35.8 (uA-C.sup.), 32.0 (uB-C.sup.), 31.2 (uD-C.sup.), 28.5 (uD-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 27.34 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 27.2 (uA-C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 9.7 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    TABLE-US-00053 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 803.20, t.sub.R = 12.8 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 803.20 (M-Boc + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.37H.sub.47Cl.sub.4N.sub.2O.sub.9).sup.+

    Fmoc-uC-OSu Y4

    [0462] Fmoc protected Unit C Y3 was synthesized according to B. OSSWALD (B. Osswald, Universitt Bielefeld, Dissertation, 2015).

    [0463] DCC (0.608 g, 2.94 mmol, 1 eq) in THF was added at 0 C. to a solution of Fmoc-Unit C Y3 (1.00 g, 2.96 mmol, 1 eq) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (0.34 g, 2.95 mmol, 1 eq) in THF. The reaction was stirred for 18 h at rt, filtered through a pad of silica and washed with THF. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was purified via column chromatography (PE/EtOAc, 1:1) to yield Y4 (1.07 g, 2.45 mmol, 83%) as a colorless solid.

    TABLE-US-00054 TLC: R.sub.f (PE/EtOAc, 1:1) = 0.30 TLC-MS (ESI+): m/z (found) 459.1, m/z (calc.) 459.1 (M + Na.sup.+); (C.sub.24H.sub.24N.sub.2NaO.sub.6).sup.+

    [0464] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=7.76 (d, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 2H, Fmoc.sup.ar-H), 7.63 (d, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 2H, Fmoc.sup.ar-H), 7.39 (t, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, 2H, Fmoc.sup.ar-H), 7.31 (t, .sup.3J=7.7 Hz, 2H, Fmoc.sup.ar-H), 5.97 (t, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, 1H, NH), 4.35 (d, .sup.3J=7.6 Hz, 2H, CH.sub.2NH), 4.25 (t, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 1H, Fmoc-CH.sub.2CH), 3.51 (d, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, 2H, Fmoc-CH.sub.2CH), 2.89 (d, .sup.3J=4.8 Hz, 4H, OSu-CH.sub.2CH.sub.2), 1.39 (s, 6H, C(CH.sub.3).sub.2).

    [0465] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=171.9 (C(O)O), 169.5 (OSu, C(O), 157.0 (NHC(O)O), 144.1 (Fmoc.sup.ar-C), 141.4 (Fmoc.sup.ar-C), 127.8 (Fmoc.sup.ar-C), 127.2 (Fmoc.sup.ar-C), 125.4 (Fmoc.sup.ar-C), 120.1 (Fmoc.sup.ar-C), 67.2 (Fmoc, CH.sub.2CH), 49.6 (CH.sub.2NH), 47.3 (Fmoc, CH.sub.2CH), 44.5 (C(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 25.8 (OSu, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2), 22.6 (C(CH.sub.3).sub.2).

    Fmoc-uC-uD[HSe(AII)]-uA[diol]-uB-OTCE Y5

    [0466] Unit DAB Y2 (0.603 g, 0.667 mmol, 1 eq.) was dissolved in DCM (7.34 mL) and water (1.55 mL) was added. The solution was cooled to 0 C. and TFA (7.34 mL) was added. The reaction was stirred for 5 min at 0 C. and 10 min at rt. The solvent was removed under vacuo and the residue was redissolved in DCM (7.34 mL) and water (1.55 mL) was added. The solution was cooled to 0 C. and TFA (7.34 mL) was added. The reaction was stirred for 5 min at 0 C. and 10 min at rt. The solvent was removed, and the residue was taken up in EtOAc (50 mL) and washed with NaHCO.sub.3 solution (sat., 50 mL). The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (350 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water (25 mL) and brine (25 mL) and dried over MgSO.sub.4. Removing the solvent in vacuo yielded a yellow oil which was dissolved in DCM (3 mL) Fmoc-protected Unit C-OSu Y4 (0.378 g, 0.867 mmol, 1.3 eq) and DiPEA (0.31 mL, 1.77 mmol, 2.7 eq) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 4 h at rt. It was diluted with DCM (20 mL) and citric acid solution (10%, 20 mL) was added. The phases were separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with DCM (515 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO.sub.4 and the solvent was removed under vacuo. Flash-chromatography (PE/EtOAc, 2:1 to pure EtOAc) yielded seco-cryptophycin Y5 (0.284 g, 0.262 mmol, 39%) as colorless foam.

    [0467] TLC: R.sub.f(PE/EtOAc 2:1)=0.11.

    [0468] .sup.1H NMR: (500 MHz, Chloroform-d): /ppm=7.76 (d, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 2H, Fmoc-ar-H), 7.63 (d, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 2H, Fmoc-ar-H), 7.42-7.26 (m, 9H, Fmoc-ar-H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.16 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.04 (dd, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, .sup.4J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.80 (m, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.59 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.93-5.58 (m, 2H, uD-CH.sub.2CH, uA-C.sup.H), 5.30-5.14 (m, 2H, uD-H.sub.2CCH), 5.07-4.91 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.78 (m, 1H, uB-CH.sub.2CCl.sub.3), 4.67 (m, 1H, uB-CH.sub.2CCl.sub.3), 4.55 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.46 (ddd, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 4.43-4.26 (m, 2H, Fmoc-CH.sub.2CH), 4.23 (t, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, 1H, Fmoc-CH.sub.2CH), 4.04-3.88 (m, 2H, uD-CHCH.sub.2O), 3.83 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.65-3.48 (m, 3H, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2, uA-C.sup.H), 3.39-3.26 (m, 2H, uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 3.21 (d, .sup.3J=3.7 Hz, uA-C.sup.OH), 3.18 (dd, .sup.2J=14.1 Hz, .sup.3J=5.7 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.07 (s, 1H, uA-C.sup.OH), 2.99 (dd, .sup.2J=14.0 Hz, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.51-2.40 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.32 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.20 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.47 (m, 1H, uA: uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3), 1.22 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B)), 1.12 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.04-0.90 (m, 3H, uA: uA-C.sup.HCH.sub.3).

    [0469] .sup.13C NMR: (126 MHz, Chloroform-d): /ppm=177.7 (uC-C(O)), 170.3 (uB-C(O)), 166.0 (uA-C(O)), 157.2 (Fmoc-NC(O)O), 154.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 144.1 (Fmoc-C.sup.ar), 141.5 (Fmoc-ArC.sup.ar), 138.6 (uA-C.sup.ar,1), 133.9 (uA-C.sup.), 131.5 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 129.4 (uB-C.sup.ar,1), 128.9 (uA-C.sup.ar,3), 128.6 (uB-C.sup.ar,6), 127.8 (Fmoc-C.sup.ar), 127.2 (uA-C.sup.ar,2), 127.0 (uA-C.sup.), 125.4 (Fmoc-C.sup.ar), 125.3 (Fmoc-C.sup.ar), 122.1 (uB-C.sup.ar,3), 120.1 (Fmoc-C.sup.ar) 120.0 (uB-C.sup.ar,3), 118.6 (uD-H.sub.2CCH), 112.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 94.6 (uB-CCl.sub.3), 76.3 (uA-C.sup.), 75.7 (uA-C.sup.), 75.3 (uA-C.sup.), 74.6 (uB-CH.sub.2CCl.sub.3), 72.7 (uD-H.sub.2CCHCH.sub.2), 67.7 (uD-C.sup.), 67.1 (Fmoc-CH.sub.2CH), 56.2 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 53.4 (uD-C.sup.), 53.2 (uB: C.sup.), 50.1 (uC-C.sup.), 47.4 (Fmoc-CH.sub.2CH), 43.5 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 37.9 (uA-C.sup.), 36.6 (uA-C.sup.), 33.5 (uB-C.sup.), 29.8 (uD-C.sup.), 23.3 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 22.4 (uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 10.1 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    TABLE-US-00055 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 1084.31, t.sub.R = 12.1 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 1084.31 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.54H.sub.62Cl.sub.4N.sub.3O.sub.12).sup.+

    Cryptophycin-[uA-diol]-[uD-HSe(AII)] Y6

    [0470] Seco-cryptophycin Y5 (0.249 g, 0.232 mmol, 1 eq) was dissolved in DMF (7 mL) and piperidine (115 L, 1.16 mmol, 5 eq) were added slowly at 0 C. The reaction was stirred at rt for 25 h and the solvent was removed under vacuo. Column chromatography (DCM/MeOH, 20:1) yielded cryptophycin-diol Y6 (71.8 mg, 0.10 mmol, 43%).

    TABLE-US-00056 TLC: R.sub.f (DCM/MeOH, 20:1) = 0.13. HPLC-MS m/z (found) 714.32, t.sub.R = 8.2 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 714.32 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.37H.sub.49ClN.sub.3O.sub.9).sup.+.

    [0471] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=7.35-7.27 (m, 5H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.22 (dd, .sup.3J=7.7, .sup.3J=4.5 Hz, 1H, uC-NH), 7.16 (d, .sup.4J=1.7 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.03 (d (broad), .sup.3J=7.7 Hz, 2H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H, uD-NH), 6.82 (d, .sup.3J=8.3 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.69 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.1 Hz, .sup.3J=10.7 Hz, .sup.3J=4.4 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.01 (d, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 5.86 (ddt, .sup.3J=16.4 Hz, .sup.3J=10.9 Hz, .sup.3J=6.0 Hz, 1H, uD-H.sub.2CCH), 5.69 (d, .sup.3J=15.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.25 (d, .sup.3J=17.5 Hz, 1H, uD-H.sub.2.sup.transBCCH), 5.19 (d, .sup.3J=10.3 Hz, 1H, uD-H.sub.2.sup.cisCCH), 5.08-5.02 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.69 (ddd, .sup.3J=7.9 Hz, .sup.3J=7.9 Hz, .sup.3J=4.8 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.54 (d, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.37 (ddd, .sup.3J=6.2 Hz, .sup.3J=6.2 Hz, .sup.3J=6.2 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.92 (d, .sup.3J=5.8 Hz, 2H, uD-H.sub.2CCHCH.sub.2), 3.85 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.82 (d, .sup.3J=8.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.53-3.44 (m, 2H, uD-C.sup.H.sub.2), 3.42 (s (broad), 1H, C.sup.OH), 3.35 (s (broad), 1H, uA-C.sup.OH), 3.27 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=7.6 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.21 (dd, .sup.2J=13.3 Hz, .sup.3J=4.2 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.07 (dd, 2J=14.5 Hz, .sup.3J=4.8 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.91 (dd, .sup.2J=14.5 Hz, .sup.3J=8.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.39 (ddd, .sup.2J=13.8 Hz, .sup.3J=3.4 Hz, .sup.3J=3.4 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.19-2.11 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.03 (dddd, .sup.2J=13.2, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, .sup.3J=4.3 Hz, .sup.3J=4.3 Hz 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.88 (dddd, .sup.2J=15.9 Hz, .sup.3J=5.4 Hz, .sup.3J=5.4 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.50-1.38 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.14 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.08 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 0.97 (d, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    [0472] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=178.0 (uC-C(O)), 172.0 (uD-C(O)), 170.8 (uB-C(O)), 165.4 (uA-C(O)), 154.1 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 142.6 (uA-C.sup.H), 140.6 (uA-C.sup.ar,1), 134.3 (uD-H.sub.2CCH), 131.0 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 129.8 (uB-C.sup.ar,1), 128.8 (uA-C.sup.ar), 128.5 (uA-C.sup.ar), 128.4 (uB-C.sup.ar,6), 127.1 (uA-C.sup.ar), 124.6 (uA-C.sup.), 122.5 (uB-C.sup.ar2-Cl), 118.0 (uD-H.sub.2CCH), 112.5 (uB-C.sup.ar,1), 76.1 (uA-C.sup.), 75.8 (uA-C.sup.), 74.7 (uA-C.sup.), 72.4 (uD-H.sub.2CCHCH.sub.2), 66.8 (uD-C.sup.), 56.3 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 54.7 (uB-C.sup.), 51.6 (uD-C.sup.), 47.3 (uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 42.6 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 38.1 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 36.6 (uA-C.sup.), 35.7 (uB-C.sup.), 31.0 (uD-C.sup.), 24.5 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 22.9 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 10.0 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    Cryptophycin-[uD-HSe(AII)] Y7

    [0473] Cryptophycin-Diol Y6 (71.8 mg, 0.1 mmol, 1 eq.) and PPTS (63 mg, 0.25 mmol, 2.5 eq.) were dried under high vacuum for 10 min and dissolved in abs. DCM (3 mL) under argon. Trimethyl orthoformate (1 mL, excess) was added and the reaction was stirred at rt for 2.5 h, before filtered through a pad of silica and eluted with EtOAc/DCM (1:1, 300 mL). The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and dried under high vacuum overnight. The intermediate orthoester was dissolved in abs. DCM (1.5 mL) and a freshly prepared AcBr-solution (0.5 M in abs. DCM, 0.5 mL, 0.25 mmol, 2.5 eq.) was added. The reaction was stirred for 5 h at rt and poured into NaHCO.sub.3-solution (half sat., 50 mL) and extracted with DCM (420 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO.sub.4 and the dissolved was removed under reduced pressure and dried under high vacuum overnight.

    [0474] An emulsion of abs. ethylene glycol (2.5 mL), abs. 1,2-dimethoxyethane (5.0 mL) and potassium carbonate (209 mg, 1.51 mmol) was freshly prepared over 3 molecular sieves (350 mg) and homogenized by vortexer and ultrasonic bath.

    [0475] The potassium carbonate emulsion (2.5 mL, 0.50 mmol K.sub.2CO.sub.3, 5 eq.) homogenized by constant shaking was added to the bromo-formate intermediate. The mixture was stirred for 5.5 min at rt then diluted with abs. dichloromethane (20 mL). The solution was given to KHSO.sub.4 solution (0.5%, 20 mL), phases were separated immediately, and the aqueous phase was further extracted with dichloromethane (320 mL).

    [0476] The combined organic phases were dried over MgSO.sub.4 and concentrated in vacuo. Column chromatography (pure EtOAc) yielded cryptophycin Y7 as colorless solid (46.6 mg, 66.9 mol, 67%).

    TABLE-US-00057 TLC: R.sub.f (pure EtOAc) = 0.20 HPLC-MS (ESI+): m/z (found) 696.31, t.sub.R = 10.0 min. m/z (calc.) 696.30 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.37H.sub.47ClN.sub.3O.sub.8).sup.+

    [0477] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=7.51 (dd, .sup.3J=7.9 Hz, .sup.3J=3.9 Hz, 1H, uC-NH), 7.38-7.30 (m, 3H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.22 (d, .sup.2J=1.8 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.21-7.17 (m, 3H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.03 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.83 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.76 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.1 Hz, .sup.3J=10.5 Hz, .sup.3J=4.6 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.84 (ddt, .sup.3J=17.3 Hz, .sup.3J=10.3 Hz, .sup.3J=5.8 Hz, 1H, uD-H.sub.2CCH), 5.75 (dd, .sup.3J=15.1 Hz, .sup.3J=1.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.65 (d, .sup.3J=8.0 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 5.24 (ddt, .sup.3J=17.3 Hz, .sup.2J=1.6 Hz, 1H, uD-H.sub.2.sup.transCCHCH.sub.2), 5.19 (dd, .sup.3J=10.3 Hz, .sup.2J=1.4 Hz, 1H, uD-H.sub.2.sup.cisCCHCH.sub.2), 5.15 (ddd, .sup.3J=11.3 Hz, .sup.3J=5.9 Hz, .sup.3J=1.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.75 (ddd, .sup.3J=8.1, Hz, .sup.3J=6.2 Hz, .sup.3J=6.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.26 (ddd, .sup.3J=6.7 Hz, .sup.3J=4.2 Hz, 1H uD-C.sup.H), 3.88 (dd, .sup.3J=5.8 Hz, .sup.3J=1.5 Hz, 2H, uD-H.sub.2CCHCH.sub.2), 3.87 (s, 3H, uD-OCH.sub.3), 3.66 (d, .sup.3J=1.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.35-3.32 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.30 (m, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sub.AH.sup.B), 3.24 (ddd, .sup.2J=9.5 Hz, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, .sup.3J=3.4 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.14 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=4.0 Hz, 1H uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.06 (d, .sup.3J=6.1 Hz, 2H, uB-C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.86 (dd, .sup.3J=7.9 Hz, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 2.57 (ddd, .sup.2J=12.6 Hz, .sup.3J=4.8 Hz, .sup.3J=2.4 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.42 (ddd, .sup.2J=14.5 Hz, .sup.3J=10.9 Hz, .sup.3J=10.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.80 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.75 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.60 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.14 (d, 3H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.13 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.06 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B).

    [0478] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=178.4 (uC-C(O)), 171.7 (uD-C(O)), 170.4 (uB-C(O), 165.1 (uA-C(O)), 154.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 141.5 (uA-C.sup.H), 136.9 (uA-C.sup.ar,1), 134.0 (uD-H.sub.2CCH), 131.1 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 129.6 (uB-C.sup.ar,1), 128.8 (uA-C.sup.ar), 128.6 (uA-C.sup.ar), 128.4 (uB-C.sup.ar,6), 125.7 (uA-C.sup.ar), 125.1 (uA-C.sup.), 122.7 (uB-C.sup.ar,3Cl), 118.0 (uD-H.sub.2CCH), 112.5 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 75.8 (uA-C.sup.), 72.4 (uD-H.sub.2CCHCH.sub.2), 67.3 (uD-C.sup.), 63.7 (uA-C.sup.), 59.5 (uA-C.sup.), 56.3 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 54.4 (uB-C.sup.), 52.3 (uD-C.sup.), 47.2 (uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 42.0 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 41.0 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 37.3 (uA-Cy), 35.6 (uB-C.sup.), 30.3 (uD-C.sup.), 24.2 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 23.2 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 14.1 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    Cryptophycin-[uD-HSe] Y8

    [0479] Allyl protected cryptophycin Y7 (16.5 mg, 23.7 mol, 1 eq) and Pd(PPh.sub.3).sub.4 (5 mg, 4.3 mol, 0.2 eq) was dissolved in degassed abs. DCM (0.5 mL) and phenyl silane (14.6 L, 118.7 mol, 5 eq) was added and the reaction was stirred for 24 h at rt. Purification via column chromatography (EtOAc/MeOH, 100:5) by directly injecting the reaction mixture on the column, yielded cryptophycin Y8 (13.7 mg, 20.0 mol, 84%).

    TABLE-US-00058 TLC: R.sub.f (EtOAc/MeOH, 100:5) = 0.17 HRMS: m/z (found) 678.2544 (ESI, +) m/z (calc.) 678.25527 (M + Na).sup.+ = (C.sub.34H.sub.42ClN.sub.3NaO.sub.8).sup.+.

    [0480] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) =7.38-7.28 (m, 3H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.22 (dd, .sup.3J=6.5 Hz, .sup.4J=1.4 Hz, 2H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.19 (d, .sup.4J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.04 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.84 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.77 (d, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 1H, uD-NH), 6.74 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.67 (dd, .sup.3J=8.2 Hz, .sup.3J=4.1 Hz, 1H, uC-NH), 5.75 (s (broad), 1H, uB-NH), 5.71 (dd, .sup.3J=14.9 Hz, .sup.3J=1.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.20 (ddd, .sup.3J=11.5 Hz, .sup.3J=6.7 Hz, .sup.3J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.63 (ddd, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, .sup.3J=5.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.40 (ddd, .sup.3J=10.5 Hz, .sup.3J=7.2 Hz, .sup.3J=3.6 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.87 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.67 (d, .sup.3J=1.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.49 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.40 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.37 (n, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.30 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=4.0 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.12 (dd, .sup.2J=14.6 Hz, .sup.3J=5.0 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.94 (dd, .sup.2J=14.5 Hz, .sup.3J=8.3 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.89 (dd, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 2.61 (dddd, .sup.3J=14.0 Hz, .sup.3J=4.3 Hz, .sup.3J=2.1 Hz, .sup.3J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.37 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.82-1.74 (m, 2H, uA-CEH, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.33 (dddd, .sup.2J=14.1 Hz, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, .sup.3J=3.3 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.20 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 1.16 (d, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 1.13 (s, 3H, uC-C(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B).

    [0481] .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=178.7 (uC-C(O)), 172.5 (uD-C(O)), 170.7 (uB-C(O), 164.9 (uA-C(O)), 154.3 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 142.0 (uA-C.sup.H), 136.8 (uA-C.sup.ar,1), 131.0 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 129.4 (uB-C.sup.ar,1), 129.2 (uA-C.sup.ar), 128.8 (uA-C.sup.ar), 128.4 (uB-C.sup.ar,6), 125.9 (uA-C.sup.ar), 125.1 (uA-C.sup.), 122.7 (uB-C.sup.ar,3Cl), 112.6 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 75.7 (uA-C.sup.), 63.7 (uA-C.sup.), 59.5 (uA-C.sup.), 58.4 (uD-C.sup.Y), 56.3 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 54.9 (uB-C.sup.), 50.6 (uD-C.sup.), 47.2 (uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 43.4 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 40.8 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 37.3 (uA-Cy), 35.7 (uB-C.sup.), 34.6 (uD-C.sup.), 25.2 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 22.1 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sup.A(CH.sub.3).sup.B), 13.9 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    ##STR00043##

    Boc-L-Thr(Allyl)-OH Z1

    [0482] Under inert conditions sodium hydride (1.37 g of a 60% oil dispersion, 0.82 g, 34.3 mmol, 2.5 eq.) was suspended in dry dimethylformamide (15 mL) and cooled to 0 C. in an ice-water bath. Boc-L-Thr-OH (2.97 g, 13.5 mmol, 1.0 eq.) was dissolved in dry dimethylformamide (30 mL) and added dropwise via a dropping funnel at 0 C. within 50 min. Afterwards the reaction mixture was warmed to RT, stirred for 30 min and cooled again to 0 C. before adding allyl bromide (2.0 mL, 23.1 mmol, 0.95 eq.) over 20 min. Then the reaction solution was warmed up to RT again and stirred for 2 h. Water (12 mL) was added, and the orange solution was evaporated. The residue was dissolved in water (30 mL) and washed with ethyl acetate (215 mL). The aqueous phase was then acidified with 6 M HCl to pH=2 and extracted with ethyl acetate (240 mL), dried over MgSO.sub.4 and evaporated to yield a yellow oil. EtOAc (100 mL) was added and washed with KHSO.sub.4 solution (340 mL) at pH=2 and extracted with sat. NaHCO.sub.3 solution (100 mL). The aqueous phase was then acidified with 5% KHSO.sub.4 solution to pH=2 and extracted with ethyl acetate (340 mL), dried over MgSO.sub.4 and evaporated to yield Z1 (1.94 g, 7.5 mmol, 55%) as yellowish oil.

    [0483] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): /ppm=9.18 (s, 1H, CO.sub.2H) 5.81 (ddt, .sup.3J=17.2 Hz, .sup.3J=10.3 Hz, .sup.3J=5.7 Hz, 1H, CHCH.sub.2), 5.31 (d, .sup.3J=9.22 Hz, 1H, NH), 5.23 (dd, .sup.3J=17.4 Hz, .sup.2J=1.7 Hz, 1H, CHCH.sub.(trans)H.sub.(cis)), 5.14 (dd, .sup.3J=10.4 Hz, .sup.2J=1.4 Hz, 1H, CHCH.sub.(trans)H.sub.(cis)), 4.33 (dd, .sup.3J=9.2 Hz, .sup.4J=2.5 Hz, 1H, C.sup.H), 4.12 (m, 1H, C.sup.H), 4.05 (m, 1H, CH.sub.2CHCH.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.91 (dd, .sup.2J=12.7 Hz, .sup.3J=5.8 Hz, 4J=1.5 Hz, .sup.4J=1.5 Hz, 1H, CH.sub.2CHCH.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.44 (s, 9H, C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 1.21 (d, .sup.3J=6.3 Hz, 3H, C.sup.H.sub.3).

    [0484] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): /ppm=175.8 (CO.sub.2H), 156.4 (NC(O)O.sup.tBu), 134.4 (CHCH.sub.2), 117.5 (CHCH.sub.2), 80.4 (OC(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 74.4 (C.sup.H), 70.3 (OCH.sub.2), 58.1 (C.sup.H), 28.4 (C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 16.3 (C.sup.H.sub.3).

    Boc-Thr(AII)-uA[acetonide]-uB-uC-OtBu Z2

    [0485] Seco-cryptophycin Z2 was synthesised following GP 1, starting with unit D Z1 (152 mg, 0.59 mmol, 1.5 eq.) and building block ABC A3 (254 mg, 0.37 mmol, 1 eq.). After purification by column chromatography (cyclohexane:ethyl acetate 1:1, 422 cm), the protected seco-cryptophycin Z2 (265 mg, 0.285 mmol, 48%) was obtained as a colourless foam.

    [0486] TLC: R.sub.f(EtOAc/CyH, 1:1)=0.33

    [0487] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): /ppm=7.44-7.31 (m, 5H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.23 (d, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.08 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.83 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.58-6.50 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.H und uB-NH), 6.42 (t, .sup.3J=6.4 Hz, 1H, uC-NH), 5.76 (m, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2), 5.40 (d, .sup.3J=15.5 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.28 (d, .sup.3J=9.5 Hz, 1H, uD-NH), 5.19 (dd, .sup.3J=17.2 Hz, .sup.2J=1.7 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sup.(trans)H.sub.(cis)), 5.10 (dd, .sup.3J=10.4 Hz, .sup.2J=1.5 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.(cis)H.sub.(trans)), 4.95 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.70 (d, .sup.3J=8.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.54 (ddd, .sup.3J=7.3 Hz, .sup.3J=7.3 Hz, .sup.3J=7.3 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.11 (dd, .sup.3J=9.6 Hz, .sup.3J=2.3 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 4.03-3.94 (m, 2H, uD-OCH.sup.AH.sup.BCHCH.sub.2 und uD-C.sup.H), 3.85 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.83 (dd, .sup.3J=3.2 Hz, .sup.3J=9.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.79 (m, 1H, uD-OCH.sup.AH.sup.BCHCH.sub.2), 3.25 (d, .sup.3J=6.3 Hz, 2H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B und uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.07 (dd, .sup.2J=13.9 Hz, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.92 (dd, .sup.2J=14.0 Hz, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.46-2.19 (m, 2H, uA-C+H.sup.AH.sup.B und uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.99 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.52 (s, 3H, uA-C(C.sup.AH.sub.3)(C.sup.BH.sub.3)), 1.46 (s, 3H, uA-C(C.sup.AH.sub.3)(C.sup.BH.sub.3)), 1.44 (s, 9H, uD-CO.sub.2C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 1.39 (s, 3H, uC-CO.sub.2C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 1.20 (d, .sup.3J=6.3 Hz, 3H, uD-C.sup.H.sub.3), 1.08 (d, .sup.3J=7.0 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 1.06 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(C.sup.AH.sub.3)(C.sup.BH.sub.3)), 1.01 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(C.sup.AH.sub.3)(C.sup.BH.sub.3)).

    [0488] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): /ppm=176.3 (uC-CO.sub.2C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 170.8 (uD-CO.sub.2CH), 170.7 (uB-CONH), 165.5 (uA-CONH), 156.5 (uD-CO.sub.2C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 154.0 (uB-C.sup.ar,1), 139.5 (uA-C.sup.H), 137.6 (uA-C.sup.ar,1), 134.5 (uD-CHCH.sub.2), 131.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 128.9 (uB-C.sup.ar,1), 128.7 (uA-C.sup.ar,4), 128.6 (2 uA-C.sup.ar), 128.5 (uB-C.sup.ar,6) 127.2 (2 uA-C.sup.ar), 125.3 (uA-C.sup.H), 122.4 (uB-C.sup.ar,3), 117.0 (uD-CHCH.sub.2), 112.3 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 109.2 (uA-(C(C.sup.BH.sub.3)(C.sup.AH.sub.3)), 82.8 (uA-C.sup.4H), 81.0 (uA-C.sup.7H), 80.9 (uC-CO.sub.2C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 80.2 (uD-NCO.sub.2C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 75.7 (uA-C.sup.H), 74.3 (uD-C.sup.H), 69.8 (uD-OCH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 58.7 (uD-C.sup.H), 56.3 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 55.2 (uB-C.sup.H), 46.8 (uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 43.6 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 36.9 (uB-C.sup.H.sub.2), 36.2 (uA-C.sup.H), 31.9 (uA-C.sup.H.sub.2), 28.5 (uD-C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 28.0 (uC-CO.sub.2C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 27.4 (uA-C(C.sup.AH.sub.3)(C.sup.BH.sub.3)), 27.2 (uA-C(C.sup.AH.sub.3)(C.sup.BH.sub.3)), 23.3 (uC-C.sup.(C.sup.AH.sub.3)(C.sup.BH.sub.3)), 23.2 (uC-C.sup.(C.sup.AH.sub.3)(C.sup.BH.sub.3)), 16.6 (uD-C.sup.H.sub.3), 9.5 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    Cryptophycin-[uA-Diol]-[uD-Thr(AII)] Z3

    [0489] Diol Z3 was synthesised following GP II using seco-cryptophycin Z2 (265 mg, 0.285 mmol, 1 eq.). After purification by column chromatography (dichloromethane:methanol 92:8, and dichloromethane:methanol 95:5), the diol with closed macrocycle Z3 (65 mg, 0.091 mmol, 32%) was obtained.

    TABLE-US-00059 TLC: R.sub.f (DCM/MeOH, 92:8) = 0.60 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 714.32, t.sub.R = 8.8 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 714.32 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.37H.sub.49ClN.sub.3O.sub.9).sup.+.

    [0490] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): /ppm=7.40-7.27 (m, 5H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.18 (d, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.03 (dd, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.82 (d, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.70 (dd, .sup.3J=11.1 Hz, .sup.3J=4.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.34 (d, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, 1H, uD-NH), 5.94 (d, .sup.3J=7.1 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 5.83 (dddd, .sup.3J=17.2 Hz, .sup.3J=10.3 Hz, .sup.3J=5.6 Hz, .sup.3J=5.6 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2), 5.65 (dd, .sup.3J=15.0 Hz, .sup.4J=1.7 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.24 (dd, .sup.3J=17.2 Hz, .sup.2J=1.6 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.(trans)H.sub.(cis)), 5.15 (dd, .sup.3J=10.4 Hz, .sup.2J=1.5 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.(cis)H.sub.(trans)), 5.11 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.66 (ddd, .sup.3J=8.8 Hz, .sup.3J=7.1 Hz, .sup.3J=4.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.55 (dd, .sup.3J=8.6 Hz, .sup.3J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.48 (dd, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, .sup.3J=3.3 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 4.03 (ddd, .sup.2J=13.1 Hz, .sup.3J=5.5 Hz, .sup.4J=1.5 Hz, 1H, uD-OCH.sup.AH.sup.BCHCH.sub.2), 3.94-3.87 (m, 2H, uD-OCH.sup.AH.sup.BCHCH.sub.2 und uA-C.sup.H), 3.85 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.78 (qd, .sup.3J=6.3 Hz, .sup.3J=3.4 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.34 (m, 3H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B und uA-C.sup.OH und uA-C.sup.7OH), 3.31 (d, .sup.3J=4.1 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.10 (dd, .sup.2J=14.6 Hz, .sup.3J=4.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.86 (dd, .sup.2J=14.6 Hz, .sup.3J=8.8 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.35 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.16 (ddd, .sup.2J=13.8 Hz, .sup.3J=11.4 Hz, .sup.3J=11.4 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sub.1.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.49 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.22 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(C.sup.AH.sub.3)(C.sup.BH.sub.3)), 1.16 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(C.sup.AH.sub.3)(C.sup.BH.sub.3)), 1.09 (d, .sup.3J=6.3 Hz, 3H, uD-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 1.00 (d, .sup.3J=7.0 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    [0491] .sup.13C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): /ppm=177.9 (uC-CONH), 170.9 (uB-CONH), 170.2 (uD-CO.sub.2CH), 165.1 (uA-CONH), 154.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 143.0 (uA-C.sup.H), 140.6 (uA-C.sup.ar,1), 134.5 (uD-CHCH.sub.2), 130.9 (uB-C.sup.ar,2) 129.7 (uB-C.sup.ar,1), 128.8 (2 uA-C.sup.ar), 128.5 (uA-C.sup.ar), 128.3 (uB-C.sup.ar,6), 127.2 (2 uA-C.sup.ar), 124.3 (uA-C.sup.H), 122.6 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 117.7 (uD-CHCH.sub.2), 112.5 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 76.6 (uA-C.sup.H), 75.9 (uA-C.sup.H), 74.7 (uA-C.sup.H), 74.0 (uD-C.sup.H), 70.2 (uD-OCH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 56.3 (uB-CH.sub.3), 56.2 (uD-C.sup.H), 54.9 (uB-C.sup.H), 47.3 (uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 43.6 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 37.9 (uA-C.sup.EH), 36.9 (uA-CYH), 35.7 (uB-C.sup.H.sub.2), 25.2 (uC-C.sup.(C.sup.AH.sub.3)(C.sup.BH.sub.3)), 22.5 (uC-C.sup.(C.sup.BH.sub.3)(C.sup.AH.sub.3)), 16.2 (uD-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 10.4 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    Cryptophycin-[uA-bromide]-[uD-Thr(Allyl)] Z5

    [0492] The formation of orthoester Z4 followed GP III using diol Z3 (60.2 mg, 0.084 mmol, 1 eq.). The product Z4 (51 mg, 0.067 mmol, 87%) was further reacted without further purification.

    [0493] Cryptophycin-bromide Z5 was synthesized by following GP IV using Z4 (51 mg, 0.067 mmol, 1 eq.), yielding product Z5 (74 mg, 0.091 mmol, quant.) as colorless foam.

    TABLE-US-00060 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 804.23 (70%), 806.23 (100%), t.sub.R = 10.5 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 804.23 (100%), 806.223 (97%), (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.38H.sub.48N.sub.3O.sub.9ClBr).sup.+.

    Cryptophycin-[uD-Thr(Allyl)] Z6

    [0494] Cryptophycin Z6 was synthesized following GP VI starting from Z5 (74 mg, 0.091 mmol, 1 eq.). Purification via column chromatography (DCM/MeOH 96:4, 422 cm, and EtOAc/Toluene 95:5, and 420 cm, EtOAc/Cyclohexane 50:50, 422 cm) yielded Cryptophycin Z6 (25.1 mg, 0.036 mmol, 40%) as colorless foam.

    TABLE-US-00061 TLC: R.sub.f (EtOAc/MeOH, 96:4) = 0.2 TLC: R.sub.f (EtOAc/Toluol, 95:5) = 0.2 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 696.32, t.sub.R = 10.0 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 696.30 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.37H.sub.47ClN.sub.3O.sub.8).sup.+ HRMS m/z (found) 718.2859 (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 718.28657 (M + Na).sup.+ = (C.sub.37H.sub.46ClN.sub.3O.sub.8Na).sup.+

    [0495] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): /ppm=7.39-7.31 (m, 3H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.25-7.22 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.17 (d, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.03 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.93 (dd, .sup.3J=9.0 Hz, .sup.3J=3.3 Hz, 1H, uC-NH), 6.83 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5H), 6.77 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.2 Hz, .sup.3J=11.2 Hz, .sup.3J=4.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.31 (d, .sup.3J=8.8 Hz, 1H, uD-NH), 5.73 (m, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.2), 5.68-5.62 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.H und uB-NH), 5.21 (ddd, .sup.3J=11.4 Hz, .sup.3J=5.4 Hz, .sup.4J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.14 (dd, .sup.3J=17.2 Hz, .sup.2J=1.7 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.(trans)H.sub.(cis)), 5.09 (dd, .sup.3J=10.4 Hz, .sup.2J=1.5 Hz, 1H, uD-CHCH.sub.(cis)H.sub.(trans)), 4.67 (ddd, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, .sup.3J=4.8 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.35 (dd, .sup.3J=8.8 Hz, .sup.3J=2.7 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.86 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.77 (m, 1H, uD-OCH.sup.AH.sub.BCHCH.sub.2), 3.68 (d, .sup.3J=1.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 3.60 (m, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.58 (m, 1H, uD-OCH.sup.AH.sub.BCHCH.sub.2), 3.41 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=8.9 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.19 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=3.3 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.10 (dd, .sup.2J=14.6 Hz, .sup.3J=4.8 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.95 (dd, .sup.2J=14.6 Hz, .sup.3J=8.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.89 (dd, .sup.3J=7.7 Hz, .sup.3J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 2.57 (dddd, .sup.3J=14.2 Hz, .sup.3J=4.2 Hz, .sup.3J=3.1, .sup.3J=3.1, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.37 (ddd, .sup.2J=14.2 Hz, .sup.3J=11.3 Hz, .sup.3J=11.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.77 (dqd, .sup.3J=13.9 Hz, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, .sup.3J=1.3 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.21 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(C.sup.AH.sub.3)(C.sup.BH.sub.3)), 1.16 (d, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 1.15 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(C.sup.AH.sub.3)(C.sup.BH.sub.3)), 1.04 (d, .sup.3J=6.2 Hz, 3H, uD-C.sup.8CH.sub.3).

    [0496] .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): /ppm=178.5 (uC-CONH), 170.6 (uB-CONH), 170.2 (uD-CO.sub.2CH), 164.8 (uA-CONH), 154.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 142.3 (uA-C.sup.H), 137.0 (uA-C.sup.ar,1), 134.4 (uD-CHCH.sub.2), 130.9 (uB-C.sup.ar,2) 129.6 (uB-C.sup.ar,1), 128.8 (2 uA-C.sup.ar), 128.7 (uA-C.sup.ar), 128.3 (uB-C.sup.ar,6), 125.7 (2 uA-C.sup.ar), 124.5 (uA-C.sup.H), 122.7 (uB-C.sup.ar,3), 117.1 (uD-CHCH.sub.2), 112.5 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 75.7 (uA-C.sup.H), 73.9 (uD-C.sup.H), 70.0 (uD-OCH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2), 63.6 (uA-C.sup.H), 59.3 (uA-C.sup.H), 56.3 (uB-OCH.sub.3), 56.2 (uD-C.sup.H), 54.8 (uB-C.sup.H), 47.0 (uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 43.4 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 40.9 (uA-C.sup.H), 37.5 (uA-C.sup.H), 35.8 (uB-C.sup.H.sub.2), 25.0 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 22.9 (uC-C.sup.(C.sup.AH.sub.3)(C.sup.BH.sub.3)), 17.1 (uD-C.sup.CH.sub.3), 14.0 (uC-C.sup.(C.sup.AH.sub.3)(C.sup.BH.sub.3)).

    Cryptophycin-[uD-Thr] Z7

    [0497] Allyl protected cryptophycin Z6 (21.0 mg, 0.030 mmol, 1 eq) and Pd(PPh.sub.3).sub.4 (6.98 mg, 6.0 mol, 0.2 eq) was dissolved in degassed abs. DCM (0.5 mL) and phenyl silane (18.5 L, 0.15 mmol, 5 eq) was added and the reaction was stirred for 24 h at rt. Purification via column chromatography (EtOAc/MeOH, 100:5, 320 cm, and EtOAc/MeOH, 97:3, 1.522 cm) yielded cryptophycin Z7 (16.8 mg, 0.027 mmol, 85%).

    TABLE-US-00062 TLC: R.sup.f (EtOAc/MeOH, 97:3) = 0.1 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 656.28, tR = 8.8 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 656.27 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.34H.sub.43N.sub.3O.sub.8Cl).sup.+. HRMS m/z (found) 678.2556 (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 678.25527 (M + Na).sup.+ = (C.sub.34H.sub.42ClN.sub.3O.sub.8Na).sup.+

    [0498] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): /ppm=7.41-7.31 (m, 3H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.25-7.21 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.arH), 7.18 (d, .sup.4J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,2H), 7.04 (dd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.4J=2.2 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,6H), 6.90 (dd, .sup.3J=8.8 Hz, .sup.3J=3.6 Hz, 1H, uC-NH), 6.84 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.ar,5 H), 6.73 (ddd, .sup.3J=15.1 Hz, .sup.3J=11.2, .sup.3J=4.0 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 6.42 (d, .sup.3J=8.7 Hz, 1H, uD-NH), 5.77 (dd, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, .sup.3J=2.4 Hz, 1H, uB-NH), 5.71 (dd, .sup.3J=14.9 Hz, .sup.4J=1.8 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 5.19 (ddd, .sup.3J=11.5 Hz, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, .sup.4J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 4.65 (dd, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, .sup.3J=4.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H), 4.27 (dd, .sup.3J=8.7 Hz, .sup.4J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.87 (s, 3H, uB-OCH.sub.3), 3.79 (qd, .sup.3J=6.4 Hz, .sup.4J=2.0 Hz, 1H, uD-C.sup.H), 3.69 (d, .sup.4J=1.9 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.7H), 3.39 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=8.7 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.22 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=3.5 Hz, 1H, uC-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 3.10 (dd, .sup.2J=14.6 Hz, .sup.3J=4.9 Hz, 1H, uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.98-2.92 (m, 2H, uA-C.sup.H und uB-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.61 (dddd, .sup.2J=12.2 Hz, .sup.3J=2.1 Hz, .sup.3J=2.1 Hz, .sup.4J=2.1 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.35 (ddd, .sup.2J=14.1 Hz, .sup.3J=11.4 Hz, .sup.3J=11.4 Hz, 1H, uA-C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.85 (m, 1H, uA-C.sup.H), 1.21 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(C.sup.AH.sub.3)(C.sup.BH.sub.3)), 1.16 (s, 3H, uC-C.sup.(C.sup.AH.sub.3)(C.sup.BH.sub.3), 1.16 (d, .sup.3J=6.5 Hz, 3H, uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3) 1.00 (d, .sup.3J=6.3 Hz, 3H, uD-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    [0499] .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): /ppm=178.6 (uC-CONH), 171.2 (uD-CO.sub.2CH), 170.6 (uB-CONH), 164.8 (uA-CONH), 154.2 (uB-C.sup.ar,4), 141.9 (uA-C.sup.H), 136.8 (uA-C.sup.ar,1), 130.9 (uB-C.sup.ar,2), 129.5 (uB-C.sup.ar,1), 128.9 (2 uA-C.sup.ar), 128.8 (uA-C.sup.ar), 128.3 (uB-C.sup.ar,6), 125.8 (2 uA-C.sup.ar), 125.1 (uA-C.sup.H), 122.6 (uB-C.sup.ar,3), 112.5 (uB-C.sup.ar,5), 75.6 (uA-C.sup.H), 67.2 (uD-C.sup.H), 63.8 (uA-C.sup.H), 59.2 (uA-C.sup.H), 56.7 (uD-C.sup.H), 56.3 (uB-CH.sub.3), 54.8 (uB-C.sup.H), 47.1 (uC-C.sup.H.sub.2), 43.5 (uC-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 40.6 (uA-C.sup.H), 37.0 (uA-C.sup.H.sub.2), 35.7 (uB-C.sup.H.sub.2), 25.1 (uC-C.sup.(C.sup.AH.sub.3)(C.sup.BH.sub.3)), 22.8 (uC-C.sup.(C.sup.AH.sub.3)(C.sup.BH.sub.3)), 19.8 (uD-C.sup.H.sub.3), 13.9 (uA-C.sup.CH.sub.3).

    ##STR00044##

    4-Pentynoyl-Val-Ala-PAB-Cryptophycin C8

    [0500] 4-Pentynoyl-Val-Ala-PAB-PNP (3.16 mg, 5.76 L, 1 eq.) and crypto C.sub.6 (4.07 mg, 6.21 mol, 1.08 eq.) was dissolved in dry DMF (1 mL) and DiPEA (3.0 L 17.2 mol, 3 eq) was added. After 3 hours the crude was injected into preparative HPLC and yielded the conjugate C.sub.8 as white solid (3.30 mg, 3.13 mol, 54%).

    TABLE-US-00063 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 1054.45, t.sub.R = 9.1 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 1054.47 (M + H.sup.+); (C.sub.55H.sub.69ClN.sub.7O.sub.12+.sup.+).

    Octreotide-4-Pentynoyl-Val-Ala-PAB-Cryptophycin C9

    [0501] Conjugate C8 (3.30 mg, 3.13 mol, 1 eq) and octreotide azide (3.50 mg, 3.21 mol, 1 eq) was dissolved in water (0.5 mL) and tert-butanol (1 mL) and degassed properly. Then copper dust (2 mg) was added to the mixture. After stirring for 23 hours at rt it was diluted with water/acetonitrile (1:1, 5 mL) and filtered over celite. The filtrate was lyophilized and resolved in water/acetonitrile (1:1, 1 mL). Preparative HPLC and yielded the conjugate C.sub.9 as white solid (0.60 mg, 0.27 mol, 9%)

    TABLE-US-00064 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 1085.30, t.sub.R = 7.6 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 1085.47 (M + 2H.sup.+); (C.sub.107H.sub.139ClN.sub.20O.sub.23S.sub.2.sup.2+).

    4-Pentynoyl-Val-Ala-PAB-Cryptophycin C8

    [0502] 4-Pentynoyl-Val-Ala-PAB-PNP (3.16 mg, 5.76 L, 1 eq.) and crypto C.sub.6 (4.07 mg, 6.21 mol, 1.08 eq.) was dissolved in dry DMF (1 mL) and DiPEA (3.0 L 17.2 mol, 3 eq) was added. After 3 hours the crude was injected into preparative HPLC and yielded the conjugate C.sub.8 as white solid (3.30 mg, 3.13 mol, 54%).

    TABLE-US-00065 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 1054.45, t.sub.R = 9.1 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 1054.47 (M + H.sup.+); (C.sub.55H.sub.69ClN.sub.7O.sub.12+.sup.+).

    Octreotide-4-Pentynoyl-Val-Ala-PAB-Cryptophycin C9

    [0503] Conjugate C8 (3.30 mg, 3.13 mol, 1 eq) and octreotide azide (3.50 mg, 3.21 mol, 1 eq) was dissolved in water (0.5 mL) and tert-butanol (1 mL) and degassed properly. Then copper dust (2 mg) was added to the mixture. After stirring for 23 hours at rt it was diluted with water/acetonitrile (1:1, 5 mL) and filtered over celite. The filtrate was lyophilized and resolved in water/acetonitrile (1:1, 1 mL). Preparative HPLC and yielded the conjugate C.sub.9 as white solid (0.60 mg, 0.27 mol, 9%)

    TABLE-US-00066 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 1085.30, t.sub.R = 7.6 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 1085.47 (M + 2H.sup.+); (C.sub.107H.sub.139ClN.sub.20O.sub.23S.sub.2.sup.2+).

    ##STR00045##

    4-Pentynoyl-Glu(allyl)-Val-Ala-PAB-Cryptophycin[uD-Dap(Me)] P12

    [0504] Cryptophycin P11 (18.2 mg, 27.8 mol, 1 eq.) and PNP-Linker L2 (22 mg, 31.1 mol, 1.1 eq.) were dissolved in dry DMF (0.3 mL). DiPEA (15 L, 86 mol, 3.1 eq.) was added and the reaction was stirred for 20 h at rt. Purification of the reaction mixture by RP-HPLC yielded 4-pentynoyl-Glu(allyl)-Val-Ala-PAB-Cryptophycin [uD-Dap(Me)]P12 (23.0 mg, 18.8 mol, 68%).

    TABLE-US-00067 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 1223.54, t.sub.R = 9.6 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 1323.54 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.63H.sub.80ClN.sub.8O.sub.15).sup.+. HRMS m/z (found) 1245.5259 (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 1245.52456 (M + Na).sup.+ = (C.sub.63H.sub.79ClN.sub.8O.sub.15Na).sup.+.

    4-Pentynoyl-Glu-Val-Ala-PAB-Cryptophycin [uD-Dap(Me)] P13

    [0505] 4-Pentynoyl-Glu(allyl)-Val-Ala-PAB-Cryptophycin [uD-Dap(Me)] P12 (22 mg 18 mol, 1 eq.) and morpholine (15.6 L, 180 mol, 5 eq.) were dissolved in dry DCM (1 mL). The solution was degassed by freezing, pumping and thawing three times and then Pd(PPh.sub.3).sub.4 (2.7 mg, 2.4 mol, 13 mol %) was added. The reaction was stirred for 1 h at rt in darkness. All volatiles were removed and RP-HPLC yielded 4-Pentynoyl-Glu-Val-Ala-PAB-Cryptophycin [uD-Dap(Me)] P13 (10.4 mg, 8.8 mol, 49%).

    TABLE-US-00068 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 1183.28, t.sub.R = 8.4 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 1183.51 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.60H.sub.76ClN.sub.8O.sub.15).sup.+. HRMS m/z (found) 1205.4949 (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 1205.49326 (M + Na).sup.+ = (C.sub.60H.sub.75ClN.sub.8O.sub.15Na).sup.+.

    Conjugate P14

    [0506] Folate-Asp-Arg-Asp-Asp-Lys(N.sub.3)OH D2 (3.0 mg, 2.7 mol, 1.6 eq.) and 4-Pentynoyl-Glu-Val-Ala-PAB-Cryptophycin [uD-Dap(Me)] P13 (2.0 mg, 1.7 mol, 1.0 eq.) were dissolved in DMF (300 L) and water (100 L). The solution was degassed by freezing, pumping, and thawing three times. A stock solution of tetrakis(acetonitrile)copper(I) hexafluorophosphate and tris(3-hydroxypropyltriazolylmethyl)amine (THPTA) (3.1 mM; 8.0 mM) in DMF/water (5:1) was prepared. The stock solution (150 L, 0.47 mol, 0.2 eq. copper-cat and 1.2 mol, 0.44 eq. THPTA, respectively) in, 150 L) was added and the mixture was stirred for 3 hours then diluted with acetonitrile/water (1:1, 5 mL) and lyophilized. RP-HPLC yielded the conjugate P14 (0.47 mg, 0.21 mol, 12%).

    TABLE-US-00069 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 1140.23, t.sub.R = 7.1 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 1140.46 (M + 2H).sup.+ = (C.sub.103H.sub.133ClN.sub.26O.sub.32).sup.2+

    ##STR00046##

    4-Pentynoyl-Glu(AII)-Val-Ala-PAB-PNP L2

    [0507] 4-Pentynoyl-Glu(AII)-Val-Ala-PAB-OH L1 (20 mg, 0.037 mmol, 1 eq.) was dissolved in dry DMF (0.3 mL) under Argon. DiPEA (12.5 L, 0.074 mmol, 2 eq.) and Bis(4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (16.9 mg, 0.056 mmol, 1.5 eq.) were added and the reaction was stirred for 3 h at rt. Purification of the reaction mixture by RP-HPLC yielded 4-pentynoyl-Glu(AII)-Val-Ala-PAB-PNP L2 (20.2 mg, 0.029 mmol, 77%).

    TABLE-US-00070 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 708.30, t.sub.R = 9.3 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 708.29 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.35H.sub.42N.sub.5O.sub.11).sup.+

    4-Pentynoyl-Glu(AII)-Val-Ala-PAB-NMeCH.SUB.2.CH.SUB.2.NMe-Boc L3

    [0508] 4-Pentynoyl-Glu(AII)-Val-Ala-PAB-PNP L2 (195 mg, 0.276 mmol, 1 eq.) was dissolved in dry DMF (1.5 mL). N,N-Dimethylethylenediamine (160 L, 0.827 mmol, 3 eq.) and DiPEA (167 L, 0.966 mmol, 3.5 eq.) were added and the reaction was stirred for 4 h at rt. Purification of the reaction mixture by RP-HPLC yielded 4-pentynoyl-Glu(AII)-Val-Ala-PAB-NMeCH.sub.2CH.sub.2NMe-Boc L3 (207 mg, 0.273 mmol, 99%).

    TABLE-US-00071 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 657.34, t.sub.R = 8.8 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 657.36 (MBoc + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.33H.sub.49N.sub.6O.sub.8).sup.+

    [0509] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl.sub.3, rotamers) /ppm=9.92 (s, 1H, C.sup.Ar,1NH), 8.84 (s, 2H, Val: NH, Ala: NH), 8.21 (s, 1H, Glu: NH), 7.68 (d, .sup.3J=8.3 Hz, 1H, C.sup.Ar,2,6H), 7.36 (d, .sup.3J=8.0 Hz, 2H, C.sup.Ar,3,5H), 5.82 (dddd, .sup.3J=16.4 Hz, .sup.3J=10.9 Hz, .sup.3J=5.7 Hz, .sup.3J=5.7 Hz, 1H, Glu: CHCH.sub.2), 5.46 (s, 1H, Glu: C.sup.H), 5.39 (s, 1H, Ala: C.sup.H), 5.22 (d, .sup.3J=17.2 Hz, 1H, Glu: CHCH.sup.AH.sup.B), 5.14 (d, .sup.3J=10.4 Hz, 1H, Glu: CHCH.sup.AH.sup.B), 5.09 (s, 2H, C.sup.Ar,4CH.sub.2), 4.99 (s, 1H, Val: C.sup.H), 4.50 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=5.7 Hz, 1H, Glu: CH.sup.AH.sup.BCHCH.sub.2), 4.46 (dd, .sup.2J=13.2 Hz, .sup.3J=5.7 Hz, 1H, Glu: CH.sup.AH.sup.BCHCH.sub.2), 3.45-3.26 (m, 4H, NMeCH.sub.2CH.sub.2NMe), 2.95 (s, 3H, NCH.sub.3), 2.88 (s, 1.7H, NCH.sub.3), 2.82-2.70 (m, 3.3H, NCH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CCH), 2.61-2.52 (m, 3H, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CCH, Glu: C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.46 (ddd, .sup.2J=16.0 Hz, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, 1H, Glu: C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.16 (s (broad), Glu: C.sup.AH.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.04 (m, 1H, Val: CAH), 2.02 (t, .sup.3J=2.6 Hz, CCH), 1.56 (s, 3H, Ala: C.sup.H.sub.3), 1.43 (s, 9H, C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 0.97 (m, 6H, Val-C.sup.(CH.sub.3).sub.2).

    4-Pentynoyl-Glu(AII)-Val-Ala-PAB-NMeCH.SUB.2.CH.SUB.2.NHMe TFA salt L4

    [0510] 4-Pentynoyl-Glu(AII)-Val-Ala-PAB-NMeCH.sub.2CH.sub.2NMe-Boc L3 (60.5 mg, 0.080 mmol, 1 eq.) was dissolved in DCM (1.2 mL) and TFA (1.2 mL) was added at 0 C. The reaction was stirred for 30 min at 0 C. and H.sub.2O/Acetonitrile mixture (1:1, 60 mL) were added and the solution was freeze dried. Dissolving in H.sub.2O/Acetonitrile mixture (1:1, 30 mL) and freeze drying yielded 4-pentynoyl-Glu(AII)-Val-Ala-PAB-NMeCH.sub.2CH.sub.2NHMe TFA salt L4 (61.7 mg, 0.080 mmol, quant.).

    TABLE-US-00072 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 657.40, t.sub.R = 5.8 6.0 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 657.36 (MTFA.sup.).sup.+ = (C.sub.33H.sub.49N.sub.6O.sub.8).sup.+

    ##STR00047##

    [0511] Based on I. R. Vlahov et al. (Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 2006, 16(19), 5093-5096) folate linker D2 was synthesized using standard Fmoc/tBu solid phase peptide synthesis.

    Folate(N.SUP.10.-TFA)-Asp-Ara-Asp-Asp-Lys(N.SUB.3.)OH D1

    [0512] 2-CTC resin (functionalization: 1.51 mmol/g, 1.21 g, 1.81 mmol) was placed into a polypropylene syringe fitted with a polyethylene filter disk. The resin was swollen in dry DCM (10 mL) for 30 min, washed with dry DCM (35 mL) and Fmoc-Lys(N3)-OH (362 mg, 0.92 mmol, 0.5 eq.) was added in dry DCM (5 mL) and DiPEA (1.25 mL, 7.24 mmol, 4 eq.) and the syringe was shaken for 16 h. MeOH (1 mL) was added and further shaking (40 min) was performed. The resin was washed with DCM (10), DMF (10) and DCM (10) and dried with Et.sub.2O and high vacuum. The loading was determined to 0.6 mmol/g. Coupling of aminoacid: Fmoc-Asp(tBu)-OH, Fmoc-Asp(tBu)-OH, Fmoc-Arg(Pbf)-OH, Fmoc-Asp(tBu)-OH, Fmoc-Glu-OtBu were performed using GP VII. The resin was dried with Et.sub.2O and high vacuum. A portion of the resin (1.02 g, approx. 0.31 mmol, 1 eq.) was swollen in DCM (30 min) and a mixture of piperidine/DMF (2:8+0.1 M HOBt, 2+27+15 min) was added. The resin was washed with DMF, DCM and DMF for (3 times each). N.sup.10-(Trifluoroacetyl)pteroic acid (187.4 mg, 0.459 mmol, 1.5 eq.), Oxyma (66 mg, 0.46 mmol, 1.5 eq.) and DIC (71 L, 0.46 mmol, 1.5 eq.) were added in DMF and shaking was performed for 22 h. The resin was washed with DMF, DCM and MTBE and dried under high vacuum. Cleavage cocktail TFA/H.sub.2O/TIPS (95:2.5:2.5, 20 mL+10 mL) was added and shaking was performed for 2 h. The liquid was poured into cold Et.sub.2O (3 ml/ml). The precipitate was collected and dried under high vacuum. Purification via RP-HPLC yielded Peptide D1 (134 mg, 0.112 mmol, 37%).

    TABLE-US-00073 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 1193.38, t.sub.R = 5.0 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 1193.40 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.45H.sub.56F.sub.3N.sub.18O.sub.18).sup.+.

    [0513] .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, DMSO-d6) /ppm=12.45 (s (broad), 5H, 5COOH), 8.78 (d, .sup.3J=7.6 Hz, 1H, folic acid: Glu: NH), 8.66 (s, 1H, folic: pteridinyl-C.sup.ArH), 8.22 (d, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 1H, Asp: NH), 8.12 (d, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, 1H, Asp: NH), 8.07 (d, .sup.3J=7.9 Hz, 1H, Asp: NH), 8.02 (d, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 1H, Arg: NH), 7.92 (d, .sup.3J=8.2 Hz, 2H, folic acid: C.sup.ArH), 7.76 (d, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, 1H, Lys(N.sub.3): NH), 7.63 (d, .sup.3J=8.1 Hz, 2H, folic acid: C.sup.ArH), 7.47 (t, .sup.3J=5.8 Hz, 1H, Lys(N.sub.3): C.sup.H.sub.2NH), 7.40-6.68 (m, 6H, folate: C.sup.ArNH.sub.2, N.sup.ArH, Arg: C.sup.H.sub.2NHC(NH)NH.sub.2), 5.13 (s, 2H, folic acid: C.sup.ArCH.sub.2), 4.61-4.45 (m, 3H, 3Asp: C.sup.H), 4.36 (ddd, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, .sup.3J=4.9 Hz, 1H, folic acid: Glu: C.sup.H), 4.19 (ddd, .sup.3J=7.4 Hz, .sup.3J=7.3 Hz, .sup.3J=7.3 Hz, 1H, Arg: C.sup.H), 4.13 (ddd, .sup.3J=8.3 Hz, .sup.3J=8.3 Hz, .sup.3J=5.0 Hz, 1H, Lys(N.sub.3): C.sup.H), 3.30 (t, .sup.3J=7.0 Hz, 2H, Lys(N.sub.3): C.sup.H.sub.2), 3.07 (dt, .sup.3J=6.7 Hz, .sup.3J=6.7 Hz, 2H, Arg: C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.74 (dd, .sup.2J=16.8 Hz, .sup.3J=5.0 Hz, 1H, Asp: C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.71-2.65 (m, 2H, 2Asp: C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.54-2.46 (m, 3H, 3Asp: C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B) 2.26 (dd, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, .sup.3J=7.8 Hz, 2H, folate: Glu: C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.10 (dd, .sup.2J=11.1 Hz, .sup.3J=5.0 Hz, 1H, folate: Glu: C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.91 (ddt, .sup.2J=16.9 Hz, .sup.3J=8.2 Hz, .sup.3J=8.2 Hz, 1H, C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.77-1.66 (m, 2H, Arg: C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, Lys(N.sub.3): C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B) 1.62 (dddd, .sup.2J=14.0 Hz, .sup.3J=9.2, .sup.3J=9.2, .sup.3J=5.4 Hz, 1H, Lys(N.sub.3): C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.56-1.42 (m, 5H, Arg: C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, C.sup.H.sub.2, Lys: C.sup.H.sub.2), 1.38-1.25 (m, 2H, Lys(N.sub.3): C.sup.H.sub.2).

    Folate-Asp-Arg-Asp-Asp-Lys(N.SUB.3.)OH D2

    [0514] Peptide D1 (19 mg, 0.016 mmol, 1 eq) was dissolved in NH.sub.3 solution (1%, 2.8 ml) and stirred for 1 h at rt. H2O (10 mL) and AcOH (1 M, 3.2 mL) were added, and the mixture was freeze dried to yield peptide D2 (19 mg, 0.016 mmol, 98%).

    TABLE-US-00074 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 1097.42, t.sub.R = 4.5 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 1097.41 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.43H.sub.57N.sub.18O.sub.17).sup.+. HRMS m/z (found) 1097.41911 (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 1097.41436 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.43H.sub.57N.sub.18O.sub.17).sup.+.

    [0515] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, D20) /ppm=8.79 (s, 1H, folic: pteridinyl-C.sup.ArH), 7.69 (d, .sup.3J=8.4 Hz, 1H, folic acid: C.sup.ArH), 6.83 (d, .sup.3J=8.3 Hz, 1H, folic acid: C.sup.ArH), 4.69 (s, 2H, folic acid: C.sup.ArCH.sub.2), 4.60 (dd, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 1H, Asp: C.sup.H), 4.37 (dd, .sup.3J=8.5 Hz, .sup.3J=4.8 Hz, 1H, folic acid: Glu: C.sup.H), 4.27 (dd, .sup.3J=8.3 Hz, .sup.3J=5.4 Hz, 1H, Arg: C.sup.H), 4.19 (dd, .sup.3J=8.9 Hz, .sup.3J=4.7 Hz, 1H, Lys(N.sub.3): C.sup.H), 3.26 (t, .sup.3J=6.9 Hz, 1H, Lys(N.sub.3): C.sup.H.sub.2), 3.12 (t, .sup.3J=6.8 Hz, 1H, Arg: C.sup.1H2), 2.83 (dd, .sup.2J=16.4 Hz, .sup.3J=5.1 Hz, 2H, 2Asp: C.sup.H), 2.78-2.69 (m, 3H, 3Asp: C.sup.H), 2.66 (dd, .sup.2J=16.3 Hz, .sup.3J=7.3 Hz, 1H, Asp: C.sup.H), 2.54-2.37 (m, 2H, folate: Glu: C.sup.H.sub.2), 2.23 (dd, .sup.2J=13.8 Hz, .sup.3J=6.6 Hz, 1H, folate: Glu: C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.10 (dd, .sup.2J=14.5, .sup.3J=7.5 Hz, 1H Glu: C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 2.03 (s, 6H, CH.sub.3COOH), 1.90-1.79 (m, 2H, Arg: C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, Lys(N.sub.3): C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.73 (dd, .sup.2J=15.3 Hz, .sup.3J=8.6 Hz, 1H, Arg: C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B, Lys(N.sub.3): C.sup.H.sup.AH.sup.B), 1.61-1.50 (m, 4H, Arg: C.sup.H.sub.2, Lys(N.sub.3): C.sup.H.sub.2), 1.42-1.29 (m, 2H, Lys(N.sub.3): C.sup.H.sub.2).

    ##STR00048##

    Cryptophycin [uD-Ser-PNP] H9

    [0516] Cryptophycin [uD-Ser] H8 (46 mg, 0.072 mmol, 1 eq.) was dissolved in dry DMF (0.5 mL) under argon. DiPEA (25 L, 0.144 mmol, 2 eq.) and Bis(4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (35 mg, 0.115 mmol, 1.6 eq.) were added and stirred for 3.5 h at rt. Purification by RP-HPLC yielded Cryptophycin [uD-Ser-PNP]H9 (39.6 mg, 0.049 mmol, 68%).

    TABLE-US-00075 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 807.26, t.sub.R = 10.2 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 807.26 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.40H.sub.44ClN.sub.4O.sub.12)+

    4-Pentynoyl-Glu(AII)-Val-Ala-PAB-NMeCH.SUB.2.CH.SUB.2.NMe-Cryptophycin [uD-Ser] H10

    [0517] 4-Pentynoyl-Glu(AII)-Val-Ala-PAB-NMeCH.sub.2CH.sub.2NHMe TFA salt L4 (32.2 mg, 0.042 mmol, 1.3 eq.) was dissolved in dry DMF (0.4 mL) and DiPEA (21.8 L, 0.128 mmol, 4 eq.) was added under argon. Cryptophycin [uD-Ser-PNP]H9 (39.6 mg, 0.049 mmol, 1 eq.) solution in dry DMF (0.4 mL) was added dropwise and the reaction was stirred for 3.5 h at rt in darkness. Diluting with H2O/Acetonitrile (1:1, 600 L) and purification via RP-HPLC yielded 4-pentynoyl-Glu(AII)-Val-Ala-PAB-NMeCH.sub.2CH.sub.2NMe-Cryptophycin [uD-Ser] H10 (25.9 mg, 0.020 mmol, 61%).

    TABLE-US-00076 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 1324.57, t.sub.R = 9.6 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 1324.59 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.67H.sub.87ClN.sub.9O.sub.17).sup.+. HRMS m/z (found) 1346.5723 (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 1346.57224 (M + Na).sup.+ = (C.sub.67H.sub.86ClN.sub.9O.sub.17Na).sup.+.

    4-Pentynoyl-Glu-Val-Ala-PAB-NMeCH.SUB.2.CH.SUB.2.NMe-Cryptophycin [uD-Ser] H11

    [0518] 4-Pentynoyl-Glu(AII)-Val-Ala-PAB-NMeCH.sub.2CH.sub.2NMe-Cryptophycin [uD-Ser] H10 (18.9 mg, 0.014 mmol, 1 eq.) and Pd(PPh.sub.3).sub.4 (2.2 mg, 1.9 mol, 0.1 eq) were dissolved in dry degassed DCM (2.5 mL) under argon and morpholine (6.2 L, 0.0715 mmol, 5 eq.) was added. The reaction was stirred for 1 h at rt in darkness. Column chromatography (DCM/MeOH, 85:15, 220 cm) yielded 4-pentynoyl-Glu-Val-Ala-PAB-NMeCH.sub.2CH.sub.2NMe-Cryptophycin [uD-Ser] H11 (20.0 mg, quant.).

    TABLE-US-00077 TLC: R.sub.f (DCM/MeOH, 85:15) = 0.20 0.25 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 1284.56, t.sub.R = 9.0 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 1284.56 (M + H).sup.+ = (C.sub.64H.sub.83ClN.sub.9O.sub.17).sup.+. HRMS m/z (found) 1306.5438 (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 1306.54094 (M + Na).sup.+ = (C.sub.64H.sub.82ClN.sub.9O.sub.17Na).sup.+.

    Conjugate H12

    [0519] Folate-Asp-Arg-Asp-Asp-Lys(N3)-OH D2 (1.1 mg, 1 eq.) and 4-pentynoyl-Glu-Val-Ala-PAB-NMeCH.sub.2CH.sub.2NMe-Cryptophycin [uD-Ser] H11 (1.2 mg, 0.93 mol, 1 eq.) were dissolved in DMF (75 L) and water (25 L). The solution was degassed by freezing, pumping, and thawing three times. A stock solution of tetrakis(acetonitrile)copper(I) hexafluorophosphate and tris(3-hydroxypropyltriazolylmethyl)-amine (THPTA) (3.1 mM; 8.0 mM) in DMF/water (5:1) was prepared. The stock solution was degassed by freezing, pumping, and thawing three times. The stock solution (60 L, 0.19 mol, 0.2 eq. and 0.48 mol, 0.5 eq., respectively) was added to the reaction and was stirred at rt for 3 h and more stock solution (70 L, 0.22 mol, 0.2 eq. and 0.56 mol, 0.6 eq., respectively) was added. The reaction was stirred at rt for 20 h. The reaction was diluted with water/acetonitrile (1:1, 0.5 mL). Purification via RP-HPLC yielded H12 (0.38 mg, 0.16 mol, 17%).

    TABLE-US-00078 HPLC-MS m/z (found) 1191.49, t.sub.R = 7.3 min. (ESI+): m/z (calc.) 1191.49 (M + 2H).sup.2+ = (C.sub.107H.sub.140ClN.sub.27O.sub.34).sup.2+

    Example 2: Biological Tests

    [0520] The KB-3-1 and KBV1 cells were cultivated as a monolayer in DMEM (Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium) with glucose (4.5 g L.sup.1), L-glutamine, sodium pyruvate and phenol red, supplemented with 10% (KB-3-1) and 15% (KBV1) fetal bovine serum. 50 g mL.sup.1 gentamycin is added for the KBV1 cells. The cells were maintained at 37 C. and 5.3% CO.sub.2/humidified air. KBV1 cells were continuously selected during cultivation with vinblastine sulfate (150 nM). On the day before the test, the cells (70% confluence) were detached with trypsin/ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution (0.05%/0.02% in DPBS) and plated in sterile 96-well plates in a density of 10,000 cells in 100 L medium per well. The dilution series of the compounds were prepared from stock solutions in DMSO of concentrations of 1 mm or 10 mm. The stock solutions were diluted with culture medium (15% FBS [KBV1]; 10% FBS [KB-3-1]) at least 50 times. Some culture medium was added to the wells to adjust the volume of the wells to the wanted dilution factor. The dilution prepared from stock solution was added to the wells. Each concentration was tested in six replicates. Dilution series were prepared by pipetting liquid from well to well. The control contained the same concentration of DMSO as the first dilution. After incubation for 72 h at 37 C. and 5.3% CO.sub.2/humidified air, 30 L of an aqueous resazurin solution (175 M) was added to each well. The cells were incubated at the same conditions for 6 h. Subsequently, the fluorescence was measured. The excitation was effected at a wavelength of 530 nm, whereas the emission was recorded at a wavelength of 588 nm. The IC.sub.50 values were calculated as a sigmoidal dose response curve using GraphPad Prism 4.03. The IC.sub.50 values equal the drug concentrations, at which vitality is 50%.

    [0521] Results of the biological tests in form of IC.sub.50 values of cryptophycin compounds are shown in Table 1:

    TABLE-US-00079 TABLE 1 IC50 values of cryptophycin compounds. Compound KB-3-1 cells KB-V1 cells C5 2.2e.sup.10 mol/L 4.0e.sup.7 mol/L C6 1.0e.sup.9 mol/L >5e.sup.5 mol/L C7 3.8e.sup.11 mol/L 2.1e.sup.7 mol/L C10 2.1e.sup.11 mol/L 8.7e.sup.10 mol/L P10 4.5e.sup.11 mol/L 8.9e.sup.7 mol/L P11 8.7e.sup.12 mol/L 2.1e.sup.8 mol/L B10 2.1e.sup.11 mol/L 9.0e.sup.8 mol/L T7 2.0e.sup.11 mol/L 4.9e.sup.8 mol/L G5 4.2e.sup.6 mol/L >5e.sup.7 mol/L G6 6.0e.sup.5 mol/L >5e.sup.7 mol/L H7 1.1e.sup.11 mol/L 2.9e.sup.8 mol/L H8 1.2e.sup.10 mol/L 1.1e.sup.6 mol/L Y7 1.8e.sup.11 mol/L 9.3e.sup.8 mol/L Y8 8.0e.sup.10 mol/L >5e.sup.7 mol/L Z6 1.5e.sup.9 mol/L >1e.sup.6 mol/L Z7 2.6e.sup.11 mol/L 3.0e.sup.07 mol/L

    Example 3: Synthesis of Sulfonium Linker and In Vitro Characterization

    ##STR00049##

    Benzyldimethylsulfonium triflate (N1)

    Procedure 1:

    [0522] AgOTf (1 eq.) and dimethyl sulfide (1 eq.) were dissolved in dry ACN (4.6 mL/mmol of dimethyl sulfide) under argon atmosphere. The reaction was started by dropwise addition of benzyl bromide (2 eq.) and stirred for 17 h at rt. The filtrate was washed with cyclohexane (3) and the solvent was removed in vacuo. Optionally, the residue can be dissolved in ACN, which will precipitate remaining silver. This can then be removed by filtration, followed by evaporation of the solvent. The sulfonium salt was purified by silica column chromatography using a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol.

    TABLE-US-00080 Yield: 62.8% (synthesis with 1.75 mmol benzyl bromide) TLC: 0.71 (20% MeOH in DCM) ESI-MS (+): m/z (found) 153.0 m/z (calc.) 153.26 (M.sup.+)

    [0523] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=2.86 (s, 6H, S(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 4.71 (s, 2H, CH.sub.2), 7.39-7.46 (m, 5H, Ph-H).

    Procedure 2:

    [0524] Benzyl alcohol (1 eq.) and dimethyl sulfide (1 eq.) were dissolved in dry DCM (1.71 mL/mmol of benzyl alcohol) under argon atmosphere and the solution was cooled to 0 C. The reaction was started by dropwise addition of TfOH (1 eq.) and stirred overnight at rt. After removal of the solvent, the sulfonium salt was purified by silica column chromatography using a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol. Optionally, the residue can be dissolved in acetonitrile and washed with n-hexane to increase purity.

    TABLE-US-00081 Yield: 90.6% (synthesis with 1.75 mmol benzyl alcohol) TLC: 0.71 (20% MeOH in DCM) ESI-MS (+): m/z (found) 153.0 m/z (calc.) 153.26 (M.sup.+)

    [0525] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) /ppm=2.88 (s, 6H, S(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 4.72 (s, 2H, CH.sub.2), 7.41-7.48 (m, 5H, Ph-H).

    ##STR00050##

    2-(7-Methoxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)-N-(3-(methylthio)propyl)acetamide (N2)

    [0526] 7-Methoxycoumarin-4-acetic acid (1 eq.), HOAt (0.5 eq.), EDC-HCl (1.1 eq.) and DIPEA (2 eq.) were dissolved in dry THF (23.5 mL/mmol of Mca-OH) and stirred for 20-30 min at rt. Then, the amine-functionalized thioether (1.1 eq.) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 18 h at rt. After removal of the solvent under reduced pressure, the residue was dissolved in EtOAc and washed with 0.05 M HCl, sat. NaHCO.sub.3 and brine. The organic layer was dried over MgSO.sub.4, and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Finally, the fluorophore was purified by silica column chromatography using a mixture of ethyl acetate and petroleum ether.

    TABLE-US-00082 Yield: 62.2% (synthesis with 0.85 mmol Mca-OH) TLC: 0.17 (EtOAc:PE, 1:1, v/v) HPLC-MS (ESI+): m/z (found) 322.21, t.sub.R = 7.4 min. m/z (calc.) 322.10 (M + H.sup.+) HRMS (ESI+): m/z (found) 344.0928 m/z (calc.) 344.0927 (M + Na.sup.+)

    [0527] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, DMF-d.sub.7) /ppm=1.75 (p, .sup.3J=6.98 Hz, 2H, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2), 2.05 (s, 3H, SCH.sub.3), 2.50 (t, .sup.3J=6.98 Hz, 2H, CH.sub.2S), 3.28 (q, .sup.3J=6.47 Hz, 2H, NHCH.sub.2), 3.81 (s, 2H, CH.sub.2CO), 3.94 (s, 3H, OCH.sub.3), 6.33 (s, 1H, Coumarin-H), 6.93-7.03 (m, 2H, Coumarin-H), 7.81 (d, .sup.3J=9.51 Hz, 1H, Coumarin-H), 8.24 (t, .sup.3J=5.65 Hz, 1H, NH).

    [0528] .sup.13C NMR (125 MHz, DMF-d.sub.7) /ppm=15.4 (SCH.sub.3), 29.9 (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2), 32.0 (CH.sub.2S), 39.3 (NHCH.sub.2), 40.4 (CH.sub.2CO), 56.8 (OCH.sub.3), 101.9 (Coumarin-C), 113.2 (Coumarin-C), 114.0 (Coumarin-C), 127.8 (Coumarin-C), 152.3 (Coumarin-C), 156.6 (Coumarin-C), 161.4 (Coumarin-C), 164.0 (CO.sub.2), 168.9 (CONH).

    ##STR00051##

    H-Ala-PAB-OH (N3)

    [0529] Fmoc-Ala-PAB-OH (930 mg, 2.23 mmol, 1 eq.) was dissolved in DMF (18.6 mL) and treated with piperidine (440.1 L, 4.46 mmol, 2 eq.) at rt for 45 min. Then, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was suspended in ACN:H.sub.2O (1:1, v/v)+0.1% TFA. After filtration and lyophilization, H-Ala-PAB-OH.Math.TFA (564 mg) was obtained as a colorless solid and used without further purification.

    Fmoc-Val-Ala-PAB-OH (N4)

    [0530] Fmoc-Val-OH (1.084 g, 3.19 mmol, 1.74 eq.), HOAt (0.395 g, 2.90 mmol, 1.58 eq.) and HATU (1.159 g, 3.05 mmol, 1.66 eq.) were dissolved in DMF (4 mL) and DIPEA (557 L, 3.19 mmol, 1.74 eq.) was added. After preincubation at rt for 30 sec, a solution of H-Ala-PAB-OH (564 mg, 1.83 mmol, 1 eq.) in DMF (1 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 4 h. The solvent was removed, and the residue dissolved in EtOAc. The organic phase was washed with sat. NaHCO.sub.3, 1 M HCl and brine, and dried over MgSO.sub.4. After removal of the solvent, Fmoc-Val-Ala-PAB-OH (0.611 g, 1.18 mmol) was purified via silica column chromatography (DCM:MeOH, 50:1+0.1 AcOH ->30:1+0.1% AcOH) and obtained as a beige solid with minimal contamination of HOAt.

    TABLE-US-00083 Yield: 53.1% HPLC-MS (ESI+): m/z (found) 516.23, t.sub.R = 9.0 min. m/z (calc.) 516.24 (M + H.sup.+) HRMS (ESI+): m/z (found) 538.2316 m/z (calc.) 538.23124 (M + Na.sup.+)

    [0531] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-de) 6/ppm=0.86 (d, .sup.3J=6.74 Hz, 3H, Val-C.sup.H), 0.89 (d, .sup.3J=6.78 Hz, 3H, Val-C.sup.H), 1.31 (d, .sup.3J=7.03 Hz, 3H, Ala-C.sup.H), 1.94-2.04 (m, 1H, Val-C.sup.H), 3.87-3.97 (m, 1H, Val-C.sup.H), 4.23 (m, 2H, CHCH.sub.2), 4.25-4.35 (m, 1H, CHCH.sub.2), 4.38-4.48 (m, 2H, Ala-C.sup.-H+CH.sub.2OH), 5.10 (s, 1H, OH), 7.24 (d, .sup.3J=8.18 Hz, 2H, Ph-H), 7.32 (t, .sup.3J=7.41 Hz, 2H,), 7.41 (td, .sup.3J=7.52, 2.44 Hz, 2H, Fmoc-H), 7.45 (d, .sup.3J=8.95 Hz, 1H, NH), 7.53 (d, .sup.3J=8.15 Hz, 1H, Ph-H), 7.74 (t, .sup.3J=8.15 Hz, 2H, Fmoc-H), 7.89 (d, .sup.3J=7.51 Hz, 2H, Fmoc-H), 8.17 (d, .sup.3J=7.01 Hz, 1H, NH), 9.92 (s, 1H, NH).

    [0532] .sup.13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) /ppm=18.14 (Val-C.sup.C), 18.26 (Ala-C.sup.C), 19.19 (Val-C.sup.C), 21.06 (residual acetone), 30.39 (Val-C.sup.C), 46.68 (Fmoc-C), 48.99 (Ala-C.sup.C), 60.00 (Val-C.sup.C), 62.58 (-Ph-CH.sub.2OH), 65.70 (Fmoc-C), 118.86 (Ph-C), 120.11 (Fmoc-C), 125.37 (Fmoc-C), 127.63 (Ph-C), 127.65 (Fmoc-C), 128.54 (Fmoc-C), 137.42 (Ph-C), 137.56 (Ph-C), 140.69 (Fmoc-C), 140.70 (Fmoc-C), 143.79 (Fmoc-C), 143.87 (Fmoc-C), 156.15 (CO), 170.89 (CO), 171.01 (CO).

    H-Val-Ala-PAB-OH (N5)

    [0533] Fmoc-Val-Ala-PAB-OH (500 mg, 0.97 mmol, 1 eq.) was dissolved in DMF (8 mL) and treated with piperidine (192.0 L, 1.94 mmol, 2 eq.) at rt for 45 min. Then, the solvent was in vacuo and the residue was suspended in ACN:H.sub.2O (1:1, v/v)+0.1% TFA. After filtration and lyophilization, H-Val-Ala-PAB-OH.Math.TFA (17) (457 mg) was obtained as a yellow solid and used without further purification.

    DNP-PEG.SUB.2.-Val-Ala-PAB-OH (N6)

    [0534] HOAt (1 eq.), HATU (1 eq.) and the acid (1 eq.) were dissolved in DMF (2 mL/0.39 mmol of acid). DIPEA (2.5 eq.) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 2 min. Next, H-Val-Ala-PAB-OH (1.25 eq.) was added in portions and the solution was stirred at rt for 3 h under exclusion of light. The final peptide was either purified via silica column chromatography or directly via preparative HPLC (without acid additive).

    TABLE-US-00084 Yield: 52.5% HPLC-MS (ESI+): m/z (found) 587.26, t.sub.R = 7.8 min. m/z (calc.) 587.24 (MH.sub.2O + H.sup.+) HRMS (ESI+): m/z (found) 627.2380 m/z (calc.) 627.23851 (M + Na.sup.+)

    [0535] .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) /ppm=0.78 (d, .sup.3J=6.79 Hz, 3H, Val-C.sup.H), 0.84 (d, .sup.3J=6.76 Hz, 3H, Val-C.sup.H), 1.29 (d, .sup.3J=7.11 Hz, 3H, Ala-C.sup.H), 1.96 (h, .sup.3J=6.72 Hz, 1H, Val-C.sup.H), 3.61-3.71 (m, 8H, PEG-H), 3.93 (s, 2H, OCH.sub.2CO), 4.27 (dd, .sup.3J=6.42, 8.99 Hz, 1H, Val-C.sup.H), 4.35 (p, .sup.3J=7.04 Hz, 1H, Ala-C.sup.H), 4.40 (d, .sup.3J=5.54 Hz, 2H, CH.sub.2OH), 5.15 (t, .sup.3J=5.64 Hz, 1H, CH.sub.2OH), 7.19 (d, .sup.3J=8.24 Hz, 2H, Ph-H), 7.23 (d, .sup.3J=9.72 Hz, 1H, Ph(NO.sub.2).sub.2H), 7.46 (d, .sup.3J=6.89 Hz, 1H, NH), 7.47 (d, .sup.3J=6.36 Hz, 2H, Ph-H), 8.21 (dd, .sup.3J=9.60, .sup.4J=2.76 Hz, 1H, Ph(NO.sub.2).sub.2H), 8.34 (d, .sup.3J=6.71 Hz, 1H, NH), 8.83 (d, .sup.4J=2.83 Hz, 1H, Ph(NO.sub.2).sub.2H), 9.84 (s, 1H, NH).

    [0536] .sup.13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) /ppm=17.92 (Val-C.sup.), 17.98 (Ala-C.sup.), 19.21 (Val-C.sup.), 31.23 (Val-C.sup.), 42.78 (PEG-C), 49.33 (Ala-C.sup.), 56.74 (Val-C.sup.), 62.73 (CH.sub.2OH), 68.48 (PEG-C), 69.71 (PEG-C), 69.83 (PEG-C), 70.55 (OCH.sub.2CO), 115.65 (Ph(NO.sub.2).sub.2C), 119.06 (Ph-C), 123.66 (Ph(NO.sub.2).sub.2C), 127.04 (Ph-C), 129.84 (Ph(NO.sub.2).sub.2C), 130.04 (Ph(NO.sub.2).sub.2C), 135.07 (Ph(NO.sub.2).sub.2C), 137.48 (Ph-C), 138.62 (Ph-C), 148.50 (Ph(NO.sub.2).sub.2C), 169.29 (CO), 170.63 (CO), 170.99 (CO).

    DNP-PEG.SUB.2.-Val-Ala-PAB-Br N7

    [0537] 25 L of a thionyl bromide (I.1-3 eq.) stock solution in DMF was used to dissolve N6 (5 mg, 8.27 mol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 0 C. for 30-60 min. Then, water (300 L) was added and N7 precipitated as a yellow solid. The supernatant was removed, and conversion was determined using TLC. The crude was used without further purification.

    TABLE-US-00085 TABLE 2 Determination of conversion by TLC. Reaction progress (determined SOBr.sub.2 / eq. Time / min using TLC) 1.1 30 min 50% 3.0 30 min 75% 3.0 60 min ~100%, side products were formed
    DNP-PEG.sub.2-Val-Ala-PAB-S.sup.+(Me)-(CH.sub.2).sub.3NH-Mca (N8)

    [0538] The peptide N7 (12.3 mg, 20.3 mol, 1.15 eq.), thioether N2 (5.7 mg, 17.7 mol, 1 eq.) and TfOH (2.98 mg, 1.7 L, 19.9 mol, 1.1 eq.) were dissolved in dry DCM (1 mL) and stirred at rt for 2 h under exclusion of light. After removal of the solvent, N8 was purified via preparative RP-HPLC (with 0.1% acetic acid) and obtained as a yellow solid.

    TABLE-US-00086 Yield: 26.2% HPLC-MS (ESI+): m/z (found) 908.53, t.sub.R = 6.8 min. m/z (calc.) 908.35 (M + H.sup.+) HRMS (ESI+): m/z (found) 908.34634 m/z (calc.) 908.34948 (M + H.sup.+)

    ##STR00052##

    Stability Assay of Sulfonium Linker

    Background Fluorescence Measurement:

    [0539] To determine the background fluorescence and quenching efficiency, the emission at 393 nm (.sub.exc 325 nm) of different components or mixtures (N8, N2, N6, N6+N2) were measured in PBS at different concentrations (3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25 and 50 M) using a black 96-well plate and Tecan reader.

    Stability Assay in PBS and Acetate Buffer with Various Additives:

    [0540] A 2.5 M solution of N8 in PBS (pH 7.4) or acetate buffer (50 mM acetic acid, 1 mM EDTA, pH 5.5) was prepared from a 1 mM stock solution (ACN:H2O, 1:1, v/v), which was then treated with 1 or 10 mM of different additives (Arg, Met, GSH and DTT). For each sample, 2100 L were transferred to a black 96-well plate (double determination), and emissions were determined at defined time intervals (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 24 h) at 393 nm (.sub.exc 325 nm) using a Tecan reader. For the measurement with BSA (final concentration: 35 mg/mL), higher concentrations of N8 were used (25, 60, 75 and 100 M) since BSA has high background fluorescence.

    [0541] A stability assay of the sulfonium linker N8 was carried out and the results are shown in FIG. 1. A) Concentration-dependent emission of compounds that have been investigated or are being formed. B) Time-dependent stability assay of N8 in the presence of different biologically occurring nucleophiles/components.

    ##STR00053##

    Cathepsin B Cleavage Assay

    Ratio Series:

    [0542] To accurately determine the CatB-mediated cleavage of peptide N8, a ratio series was generated. For this purpose, 10 L of a 1 mM stock solution (in DMF or ACN:H.sub.2O) of N2 or N8 was diluted with 1990 L of acetate buffer (50 mM acetic acid, 1 mM EDTA, 1 mM DTT, pH 5.0; final concentration: 5 M) and a ratio series was prepared as shown below. For each ratio, 2100 L were transferred to a black 96-well plate (double determination), and the emissions were determined at 393 nm (.sub.exc 325 nm) using a Tecan reader. The measurements were performed in parallel to the cleavage assay.

    TABLE-US-00087 TABLE 3 Volume and percentage of N8 and N2 in the ratio series. Percentage Percentage V of 5 M stock V of 5 M stock of N8 of N2 solution of N8 / L solution of N2 / L 100 0 250 0 90 10 225 25 80 20 200 50 70 30 175 75 60 40 150 100 50 50 125 125 40 60 100 150 30 70 75 175 20 80 50 200 10 90 25 225 0 100 0 250

    Preincubation of Cathepsin B:

    [0543] 13.2 L of a buffered aqueous cathepsin B solution (10 U/mL; 200 mM NaCl, 50 mM acetic acid, 1 mM EDTA, 0.5 mM MgCl.sub.2, pH 5.0) was diluted with 106.8 L of prewarmed (37 C.) cleavage buffer (50 mM acetic acid, 1 mM EDTA, pH 5.0; final activity: 1.11 U/mL) and 1.2 L of 100 mM DTT (final concentration: 1 mM) was added. The mixture was incubated at 37 C. for 15 min.

    Cleavage:

    [0544] A 1 mM stock solution (in DMF or ACN:H.sub.2O) of the compound to be tested (N8 or Z-Arg-Arg-AMC) was diluted to 50 M with cleavage buffer, and 13.33 L of it was added to 120 L of the above prepared CatB solution. All measurements were performed in triplicate. As a negative control, the cleavage assay was carried out in the absence of CatB.

    Incubation and Detection

    [0545] 100 L of each sample was transferred to a black 96 well and the plate incubated at 37 C. in the dark. At specific intervals (15, 30, 60, 120, 240, and 360 min), emissions (N8: .sub.exc 325 nm, .sub.em 393 nm; Z-Arg-Arg-AMC: .sub.exc 348 nm, .sub.em 440 nm) were measured using a Tecan reader.

    [0546] FIG. 1 shows the analysis of Cathepsin B cleavage assay. A) Stability of N8 in acetate buffer, which is used for the cathepsin B cleavage assay. B) Time course of fluorescence of N8 (.sub.exc 325 nm, .sub.em 393 nm) and Z-Arg-Arg-AMC (sensitive fluorogenic substrate for quantitative determination of CatB activity; .sub.exc 348 nm, .sub.em 440 nm) during Cathepsin B cleavage assay.

    [0547] FIG. 2 shows C.sub.18 RP-HPLC-MS analysis of Cathepsin B cleavage assay recorded at 220 nm. Top: Elution diagram with a linear acetonitrile gradient (5-95%+0.1% formic acid). Bottom: Associated ESI-MS spectrum of the elution bands A and B.