The method for the synthesis of disodium combretastatin A-4 phosphate was studied. The target product was prepared from 3,4,5-trimethoxyl benzaldehyde as the starting material, through 7-step reactions including reduction, bromation, phosphonium salt formation, Wittig reaction, detritylation reaction, dibenzylphosphorylation reaction, deprotection and disodium salt formation. Disodium combretastaton A-4 phosphate (1) was prepared with HPLC purity of 99. 8% and the total yield of 43.0%. The optimized synthetic process has the advantages of available starting material, simplicity and cheapness, which was more suitable for industrialized production.

Key words: disodium combretastatin A-4 phosphate, anti-cancer drug, synthesis