Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for converting taxane amides to paclitaxel or other taxanes. In one alternative embodiment, the present invention comprises; (i) selectively protecting at least one OH group of a taxane amide; (ii) contacting the taxane amide with a transition metal compound to reduce the amide; (iii) contacting the reduced amide with an agent capable of substantially removing the transition metal; (iv) contacting the reduced amide with a hydrolyzing amount of acid to form a taxane amine salt in solution; (v) adding a sufficient amount of solvent to solidify the amine salt; and (vi) converting the taxane amine salt into paclitaxel or other taxanes.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for converting taxane amides to paclitaxel or other taxanes. In one alternative embodiment, the present invention comprises; (i) selectively protecting at least one OH group of a taxane amide; (ii) contacting the taxane amide with a transition metal compound to reduce the amide; (iii) contacting the reduced amide with an agent capable of substantially removing the transition metal; (iv) contacting the reduced amide with a hydrolyzing amount of acid to form a taxane amine salt in solution; (v) adding a sufficient amount of solvent to solidify the amine salt; and (vi) converting the taxane amine salt into paclitaxel or other taxanes.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for reductively deoxygenating an amide group at a C-3? position of a taxane molecule followed by subsequent intra-molecular acyl migration of an acyl group to the C-3? position.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for selectively acylating a specific hydroxyl group in a molecule of interest containing at least two unprotected secondary hydroxyl groups. Although the methods and compositions of the invention have general applicability, they are particularly useful in the selective acylation of taxane molecules.