A Concise and Industrially Viable Synthesis of Squalene

Abstract

Squalene, a naturally occurring molecule with anti-cancer, UV-protective, and dermophilic properties, is a valuable component for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. An industrially viable alternative to naturally sourced squalene was developed, hinging on skeletal editing techniques which prevent isomerization, under conditions which the sensitive molecule can tolerate upon being generated. Alternative pathways toward key intermediates were also investigated with industrial scalability being kept in consideration. Ultimately, a scalable synthesis of isomer-free squalene was successfully carried out, which presents the first concise and pharmacologically viable pathway to production of the elusive hydrocarbon.