Asymmetric synthesis of a potent, aminopiperidine-fused imidazopyridine dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor.

A practical asymmetric synthesis of a novel aminopiperidine-fused imidazopyridine dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitor 1 has been developed. Application of a unique three-component cascade coupling with chiral nitro diester 7, which is easily accessed via a highly enantioselective Michael addition of dimethyl malonate to a nitrostyrene, allows for the assembly of the functionalized piperidinone skeleton in one pot. Through a base-catalyzed, dynamic crystallization-driven process, the cis-piperidionone 16a is epimerized to the desired trans isomer 16b, which is directly crystallized from the crude reaction stream in high yield and purity. Isomerization of the allylamide 16b in the presence of RhCl(3) is achieved without any epimerization of the acid/base labile stereogenic center adjacent to the nitro group on the piperidinone ring, while the undesired enamine intermediate is consumed to <0.5% by utilizing a trace amount of HCl generated from RhCl(3). The amino lactam 4, obtained through hydrogenation and hydrolysis, is isolated as its crystalline pTSA salt from the reaction solution directly, as such intramolecular transamidation has been dramatically suppressed via kinetic control. Finally, a Cu(I) catalyzed coupling-cyclization allows for the formation of the tricyclic structure of the potent DPP-4 inhibitor 1. The synthesis, which is suitable for large scale preparation, is accomplished in 23% overall yield.

Chlorination/cyclodehydration of amino alcohols with SOCl2: an old reaction revisited.

A simple, one-pot preparation of cyclic amines via efficient chlorination of amino alcohols with use of SOCl(2) has been developed. This approach obviates the need for the classical N-protection/O-activation/cyclization/deprotection sequence commonly employed for this type of transformation. The reaction pathways and the general scope of this method have also been investigated.

Highly selective cascade couplings for the syntheses of functionalized piperidinones and bispidines.

Efficient cascade couplings to synthesize functionalized piperidinones 1 and bispidines 2 and 3 have been developed. Simple modifications to the reaction conditions allow for the highly controlled and selective formation of each compound. In addition, the cis isomer of 1 can be selectively obtained under acidic conditions, while the preparation of the corresponding trans isomer can also be readily realized through a base-catalyzed, dynamic crystallization-driven process.

Stereocontrolled synthesis of trisubstituted cyclopropanes: expedient, atom-economical, asymmetric syntheses of (+)-Bicifadine and DOV21947.

[reaction: see text] An expedient, atom-economical, asymmetric synthesis of 1-aryl-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes, including (+)-Bicifadine and DOV21947, in a single-stage through process without isolation of any intermediates has been developed. The key of this synthesis is the in-depth mechanistic understanding of the complicated epoxy nitrile coupling at each reaction stage. Therefore, the desired trisubstituted cyclopropane can be prepared in high ee and yield by controlling the reaction pathway through manipulating the nitrile anion aggregation state.

Direct N-acetyl enamine formation: lithium bromide mediated addition of methyllithium to nitriles.

An improved protocol for N-acetyl enamine formation is disclosed which involves LiBr-mediated addition of MeLi to substituted nitriles. The resulting enamides are isolated in high yields and excellent purity which permits subsequent hydrogenation at very low catalyst loading.

Direct synthesis of 4-arylpiperidines via palladium/copper(I)-cocatalyzed Negishi coupling of a 4-piperidylzinc iodide with aromatic halides and triflates.

A general procedure for the synthesis of 4-arylpiperidines via the coupling of 4-(N-BOC-piperidyl)zinc iodide with aryl halides and triflates is presented. The reaction requires cocatalysis with both Cl(2)Pd(dppf) and a copper(I) species. An improved, safer procedure for the activation of zinc dust is also presented.

Highly Chemoselective Trichloroacetimidate-Mediated Alkylation of Ascomycin: A Convergent, Practical Synthesis of the Immunosuppressant L-733,725.

L-733,725, a new immunosuppressant drug candidate, was prepared by a highly chemoselective alkylation of the macrolide ascomycin at the C32 hydroxy position with the imidazolyl trichloroacetimidate 16. The trichloroacetimidate-activated side chain 16 was prepared by an efficient four-step sequence in 42% overall yield. The high chemoselectivity in the alkylation of the C32 hydroxy group of the unprotected ascomycin was the result of the synergetic effects of the electron-donating protecting group on the imidazole 16, the polar, moderately basic solvent, and the strong acid catalyst. N,N-Dimethylpivalamide mixed with acetonitrile was found to be the best solvent and trifluromethanesulfonic acid the best catalyst. This synthesis coupled with a resin column purification of L-733,725 followed by crystallization of its tartrate salt has been used to make multi-kilogram quantities of the bulk drug with consistent and high purity.