Prostaglandins and congeners. 22. Synthesis of 11-substituted derivatives of 11-deoxyprostaglandins E1 and E2. Potential bronchodilators.

The interesting bronchodilator activity of l-11-deoxy-11 alpha-[(2-hydroxyethyl)thio]prostaglandin E2 methyl ester (3a) is described. The preparation of 3a and its analogues by Michael-type additions to various members of the PGA series or by total synthesis using the lithiocuprate conjugate addition process is also described. Structure-activity relationships in this series are discussed.