We report a modular three-component dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) that affords enantiomerically enriched hemiaminal esters derived from azoles and aldehydes. The novel and scalable reaction can be used to synthesize valuable substituted azoles in a regioselective manner by capping (e.g., acylation) of the equilibrating azole-aldehyde adduct. With the use of a prolinol-derived DMAP catalyst as the chiral Lewis base, the products can be obtained in high chemical yield and with high enantiomeric excess. The DKR was performed on a multikilogram scale to produce a tetrazole prodrug fragment for a leading clinical candidate that posed formidable synthesis challenges.

This work describes the process development and manufacture of early-stage clinical supplies of a hepatoselective glucokinase activator, a potential therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Critical issues centered on challenges associated with the synthesis of intermediates and API bearing a particularly racemization-prone α-aryl carboxylate functionality. In particular, a T3P-mediated amidation process was optimized for the coupling of a racemization-prone acid substrate and a relatively nonnucleophilic amine. Furthermore, an unusually hydrolytically-labile amide in the API also complicated the synthesis and isolation of drug substance. The evolution of the process over multiple campaigns is presented, resulting in the preparation of over 110 kg of glucokinase activator.

An efficient four-step synthesis of 1 is described in which utilization of ReactIR was key to efficient processing and reaction monitoring. Key chemical steps included (i) nucleophilic aromatic substitution, iron reduction of aromatic nitro group to aniline, (ii) decarboxylation, and (iii) ester formation.

Statistical design of experiments (DOE) was used to rapidly optimize Red-Al reduction of an imide to produce, after deprotection and salt formation, 3,4-isopropylidenedioxypyrrolidine hydrotosylate (1), an intermediate in the synthesis of Ingliforib. A Red-Al reduction process was successfully scaled to produce multikilogram quantities of 1, thus demonstrating a safer and more economical process. Further development resulted in an optimized procedure, which not only avoided borane reduction but also allowed the three-step procedure to be performed without isolation of the intermediates, solvent exchange, or distillation.

The synthesis of multigram quantities of small molecule PCSK9 inhibitor (R,S)-3 is described. The route features a safe, multikilogram method to prepare 5-(4-iodo-1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-2H-tetrazole (10). A three-component dynamic kinetic resolution between tetrazole 10, acetaldehyde, and isobutyric anhydride was catalyzed by a chiral DMAP catalyst to afford enantiomerically enriched hemiaminal ester (S)-12 on multikilogram scale. Magnesiation, transmetalation, and Negishi coupling provided access to Boc-intermediate (R,S)-13, which was deprotected to provide (R,S)-3 in multigram quantities.