In order to investigate the biosynthesis of epothilones and generate novel biosynthetic epothilone analogues by a precursor-directed biosynthesis, two modified intermediates for epothilone biosynthesis were designed and synthesized, which were (2-methylthiazol-4-yl)carboxylic 2-acetamidoethylthiol thioester and (E)-2-methyl-3-(2-methyl-4-thiazoly)acrylic 2-acetamidoethylthiol thioester. The new synthetic procedures utilized were more inexpensive and convenient, and the structures of these compounds were confirmed by IR, MS, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectra and elemental analysis.

Key words: 2-acetamidoethylthiol thioester, epothilone, modified intermediate