Methyl ethers of podophyllotoxin-related cyclolignans.

Methyl ethers of podophyllotoxin [1] and its epimers at positions 7 and 8' were obtained through the corresponding chlorinated or brominated derivatives at position 7. Additionally, the corresponding diol methyl ethers were obtained by reducing the lactone with LiAlH4. 7-O-Methylepipicropodophyllotoxin [12], 7-O-methylpicropodophyllotoxin [13], the diol methyl ethers 15-18 and the corresponding diacetates are described here for the first time. Most of the cyclolignans obtained were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity.