Zhiguo J. Song

Synthesis of Vaniprevir (MK-7009): Lactamization To Prepare a 22-Membered Macrocycle

Development of a practical synthesis of MK-7009, a 20-membered [corrected] macrocycle, is described. A variety of ring-closing strategies were evaluated, including ring-closing metathesis, intermolecular palladium-catalyzed cross-couplings, and macrolactamization. Ring closure via macrolactamization was found to give the highest yields under relatively high reaction concentrations. Optimization of the ring formation step and the synthesis of key intermediates en route to MK-7009 are reported.

A Practical Process for the Preparation of Azetidine-3-carboxylic Acid

Abstract A practical and convenient synthesis of azetidine-3-carboxylic acid (1) that proceeded in 55% overall yield from commercially available diethylbis(hydroxymethyl)malonate (3) is reported. Azetidine ring-formation was achieved in high yield by cyclization of bistrifiate of the diol (3) and benzylamine. Decarboxylation under carefully pH-controlled conditions gave the mono acid azetidine that was hydrogenated to give the title compound.

A stereoselective aldol reaction via diisopinocampheyl boron-enolate in preparation of chromane carboxylate with quaternary carbon

Abstract A highly stereoselective aldol reaction was observed on chromane carboxylate ester 1 via the corresponding diisopinocampheyl boron-enolate using commercially available (−)-DIP-Cl reagent. The aldol product 2c was obtained in 89% yield with 48 dr and 92% ee. Further studies indicate that stereoselective formation of the enolate and proper chiral ligand on boron are responsible for the exceptional diastereo- and enantioselectivity in the aldol reaction.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Functionalized trans-Cyclopropoxy Building Block for Grazoprevir

A practical and asymmetric synthesis of a functionalized trans-cyclopropoxy building block for the preparation of the HCV NS3/4a protease inhibitor grazoprevir is reported. Intramolecular SN2 displacement-ring closure, followed by a Baeyer-Villiger oxidation, yields the desired trans-cyclopropanol with full control of diastereoselectivity. A terminal alkyne is then effectively installed using LiNH(CH2)2NEt2. Starting from (S)-epichlorohydrin, the cyclopropoxy building block is prepared in 51% overall yield with >99.8% optical purity without isolation of any intermediates.

A Next Generation Synthesis of BACE1 Inhibitor Verubecestat (MK-8931)

The development of a commercial manufacturing route to verubecestat (MK-8931) is described, highlights of which include the application of a continuous processing step to outcompete fast proton transfer in a Mannich-type ketimine addition, a copper-catalyzed amidation reaction, and an optimized guanidinylation procedure to form the key iminothiadiazine dioxide core.