10déacétylbaccatine

10-deacetylbaccatin III is a naturally occurring diterpenoid compound found in the bark and needles of various yew tree species, particularly those in the genus Taxus. It is a precursor molecule in the biosynthesis of paclitaxel (Taxol), a widely used chemotherapy drug. While 10-deacetylbaccatin III itself has limited direct therapeutic applications, its significance lies in its role as a crucial intermediate for the production of paclitaxel and other semi-synthetic taxane derivatives.

The extraction and isolation of 10-deacetylbaccatin III from yew trees have been a primary source for the synthesis of paclitaxel. However, the low yield from natural sources and concerns about the sustainability of harvesting yew trees have driven research into alternative production methods. These include plant cell culture techniques and total chemical synthesis. The chemical structure of 10-deacetylbaccatin III is complex, featuring a highly oxygenated diterpene skeleton with several chiral centers. Its conversion to paclitaxel involves a series of chemical modifications, primarily the addition of a specific side chain. Understanding the biosynthesis and chemical properties of 10-deacetylbaccatin III is fundamental to developing more efficient and sustainable methods for producing life-saving cancer treatments.