First total synthesis of 4-methylthio-3-butenyl glucosinolate.

The first total synthesis of 4-methylthio-3-butenyl glucosinolate (MTBG), a natural bioactive compound and a precursor of radish phototropism-regulating substances, was achieved from commercially available 1,4-butanediol. The glucosinolate framework was prepared by coupling of an oximyl chloride derivative and tetraacetyl thioglucose. A methylthio group was introduced to the framework by a Wittig reaction between triphenylphosphonium thiomethylmethylide and an aldehyde intermediate of glucosinolate. The synthetic route should facilitate preparation of various derivatives needed for probe synthesis based on MTBG.