10-Deacetylbaccatin III (10-DAB III) is used as an API intermediate in the preparation of the anti-cancer drugs - Paclitaxel, Docetaxel and Cabazitaxel.
10-DAB III is extracted from the leaves of Yew tree (Genus –Taxus).
10-DAB III is a tetracyclic diterpenoid and a secondary alpha-hydroxy ketone. It is described chemically as (2aR,4S,4aS,6R,9S,11S,12S,12aR,12bS)-12b-(Acetyloxy)-12-(benzoyloxy)-1,2a,3,4,4a,6,9,10,11,12,12a,12b-dodecahydro-4,6,9,11-tetrahydroxy-4a,8,13,13-tetramethyl-7,11-methano-5H-cyclodeca(3,4)benz(1,2-b)oxet-5-one. Its molecular formula is C29H36O10, its molecular weight is 544.59.
10-DAB III exists as white to off-white powder having melting point between 229-239°C. The drug intermediate is freely soluble in Dimethyl formamide and Dimethyl sulphoxide, soluble in Methanol, slightly soluble in Ethanol (95%) and Acetone, insoluble in Water, Ethyl acetate, Chloroform, Dichloromethane, Acetonitrile, aq. HCl and aq. NaOH solutions.
