The current focus of my research is the implementation of a stereodivergent strategy towards the total synthesis of the 5-F2 class of isoprostanes. Beginning with commercially available furfuryl alcohol all eight enantiomerically pure members of this family of compounds can be accessed via ring opening olefin metathesis. Isoprostanes have been used as markers for oxidative stress in mammalian cell lines by clinicians. They are thought to be derived from arachidonic acid, one of the major components of the cell membrane. A facile and efficient synthesis of these compounds will facilitate investigations into the potential cellular targets of these compounds.
