Preparation of glucosidic derivatives of steganol.

Glucoside derivatives of steganol analogous to the semisynthetic podophyllotoxin derivative, VP 16-213, were prepared. Glucosidation of steganol with 2, 3, 4, 6-tetra-O-benzylglucopyranose gave the alpha-anomer of the glucoside as the major product. Subsequent removal of the benzyl groups and reaction with acetaldehyde dimethyl acetal gave the ethylidene derivative 10. The beta-anomer of the glucoside was similarly converted to 12. All derivatives prepared were screened for activity in the DNA breakage assay.