The presence of this chiral side chain has proven to be essential for the biological activity of taxol, one of the most promising anticancer agents being investigated. The challenging synthesis of taxol has stimulated interest in the attachment of the C-13 side chain to naturally derived taxanes like baccatin III.
(2R,3S)-N-Benzoyl-3-phenylisoserine is an intermediate in the preparation of potent anticancer drug Paclitaxel (P132500) used to study the location of the binding sites. (2R,3S)-N-Benzoyl-3-phenylisoserine shows cytotoxic, antiviral and immunomodulatory activity.
