Phthalides and Phthalans: Synthetic Methodologies and Their Applications in the Total Synthesis

Small molecule natural products have been the mainstay of research in organic chemistry since its early development. The established classes of natural products, like alkaloids, amino acids, flavonoids, quinonoids, steroids, and terpenoids, have played vital roles in the discovery of new drugs. Research on the chemistry of natural products is continuing to generate new leads in medicinal chemistry. A case in point is the emerging class of compounds called isobenzofuranones, commonly termed as phthalides. NBP is a viscous oil and occurs as the major component of celery oil. It also exhibits antibacterial, antiviral, and antihypertensive activity. Mycophenolic acid is in clinical trial for the prevention and reversal of transplant rejection and anticancer. Dimeric forms of this core structure feature a few natural products.