Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for isolating and/or purifying one or more taxanes from materials comprising taxanes. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: (a) treating a taxane containing material with an amino containing material attached to a solid matrix, such as a polyethyleneimine-bonded silica chromatographic resin; (b) eluting the desired taxane compound from the resin; and (c) recovering the eluted taxane compound.

Abstract: A process for harvesting yew biomass and a process of making Yew pellets from Yew tree material is disclosed herein. The process for harvesting comprising the steps of (i) harvesting the tops or roots of the Yew tree; (ii) washing the harvested material; (iii) drying the harvested material; and (iv) grinding the harvested material into a fine powder. The process for making Yew pellets comprising the steps of (i) adding from about 1% to about 20% w/w water to the Yew tree material; and (ii) compressing the Yew tree material in a die to form a pellet whereby the resulting pellet has a final moisture content of less than 10% by weight. The yew pellets produced herein are suitable for extracting taxane molecules from the pellets.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for preparing compounds using a benzoylating agent essentially free of ring chlorination. In one alternative embodiment, the present invention relates to methods and compositions for preparing taxanes essentially free of ring chlorinated impurities. In another alternative embodiment, the present invention comprises methods of converting taxane amine with a benzoylating agent essentially free of ring chlorination.

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 the taxane molecules.