Abstract: The present application relates to certain compounds and to methods for the preparation of certain compounds that can be used in the fields of chemistry and medicine. Specifically, described herein are methods for the preparation of various compounds and intermediates, and the compounds and intermediates themselves. More specifically, described herein are methods for synthesizing Salinosporamide A and its analogs that includes forming a compound of formula (VIII).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel tricyclic diterpene compounds. These compounds, including their prodrug esters and acid-addition salts, are useful as Interleukin-1 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha modulators, and thus useful in the treatment of various diseases. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising, and uses of, theapeautically effective amounts of the above compounds and their prodrug esters, and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, are also disclosed, and are useful as, for example, anti-inflamatory analgestics, treatments for immune disorders, anti-cancer and anti-tumor agents, and in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, skin redness, and viral infection, for example. Completley synthetic and semi-synthetic methods of making these compounds and their analogs are disclosed.