An improved four-step approach for the stereoselective synthesis of long-chain anti-2-amino-3-alkanols is described. Using this method, the syntheses of antiproliferative (antitumoral) compounds, spisulosine (ES-285, 2), clavaminols A and B (3 and 4), the deacetylated products of clavaminols H and N (7 and 8), as well as (2S,3R)-2-aminododecan-3-ol (9) and xestoaminol C (10), have been achieved in excellent diastereoselectivities. In vitro study showed that these compounds induced cell death and dose-dependently inhibited cell proliferation in human glioblastoma cell line SHG-44, indicating the anti-tumor property of this series of compounds. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. ; National Basic Research Program (973 Program) of China[2010CB833200]; NSF of China[20832005]; NFFTBS[J1030415]; Fujian Province Health-Education Research Projects[WKJ2008-2-45]; Xiamen Science and Technology Key Program[3502Z20100006]