Synthesis of site-specifically labeled arachidonic acids as mechanistic probes for prostaglandin H synthase.

[structure: see text] Prostaglandin H synthase catalyzes the first committed step in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxane. Herein we report the synthesis of four site-specifically labeled arachidonic acids for investigation of the radical intermediate formed during this enzymatic reaction. Two compounds were prepared using a common C9-C11 fragment, while another target was synthesized using a previously reported advanced intermediate. An alkyne coupling followed by hydrogenation and Wittig reaction was used to prepare the final labeled substrate.