Improved Plasmalogen Synthesis Using Organobarium Intermediates

Abstract

An improved synthesis of plasmalogen type lipids is described. Transmetalation of lithioalkoxy allyl intermediates with BaI2 and subsequent alkylation with 1-iodoalkanes enables the stereoselective formation of O-(Z)-alkenyl ether as precursors for the synthesis of plasmenyl- and bisplasmenylcholines. This method provides a simple and adaptable approach for the stereocontrolled synthesis of plasmenyl derivatives with variations at the sn-1, sn-2, and sn-3 positions of the glycerol backbone