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HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor

Preparation of a HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor via an Optimized Imidazole-Forming Condensation Reaction.

Tuesday, 31 March 2020

Development work toward an enabling synthesis of preparative scale batches of an imidazole-based HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor is described. The desired target was synthesized in 16% yield over 7 steps, highlighted by an imidazole-forming condensation reaction in which the yield was improved from 20% to >70% via modification of the solvent, acid, and amine equivalents. The step 2 acylation was improved, and a problematic benzyl ester in step 4 was converted into the corresponding benzyl amide to decrease trans-amidation during the step 5 imidazole formation. A highly effective salt formation and crystallization protocol was also developed.