Eldecalcitol Synthesis via Cyclic Sulfate Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for synthesizing Eldecalcitol result in low yields and mixtures of isomers due to lack of selectivity and lengthy processes, necessitating the development of new intermediates and processes for improved efficiency and purity.

Innovation Solution

A novel process involving oxidative cleavage, vinylation, hydroxyl protection, diol protecting group removal, conversion of primary hydroxyl to homolog aldehyde, and Corey-Fuchs reaction to produce compounds of formula (I), which are then used to synthesize Eldecalcitol by introducing the hydroxypropyl chain at a later stage, enhancing yield and purity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If addition of acetylide to epoxide is used to introduce alkyne moiety, then the A ring fragment can be synthesized, but the synthesis is lengthy and yields are low

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveselectivityVSAvoidsynthesis length
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary protection of the epoxide group as a cyclic sulfate ester before introducing the alkyne moiety. This preliminary action prevents side reactions and ensures high selectivity. The protected intermediate is then used in subsequent steps to efficiently introduce the alkyne group, reducing the overall synthesis length while maintaining high yield and selectivity throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If addition of acetylide to epoxide is used to introduce alkyne moiety, then the A ring fragment can be synthesized, but the overall yield is low due to lack of selectivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall yieldVSAvoidselectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cyclic sulfate ester intermediate as a mediator between the epoxide and the final A ring fragment. This intermediary structure provides a stable, selective platform for subsequent reactions. The cyclic sulfate ester protects the epoxide functionality while enabling controlled introduction of the alkyne group, thereby improving both selectivity and overall yield compared to direct acetylide addition to the unprotected epoxide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If many synthetic steps are used to prepare A ring fragment from D-mannitol, then the desired enyne can be obtained, but the process requires 18 steps which is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepurityVSAvoidnumber of steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the synthesis into distinct modular stages: (1) protection of epoxide as cyclic sulfate ester, (2) introduction of alkyne moiety, (3) formation of A ring fragment, and (4) final coupling to Eldecalcitol. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, reducing the total number of steps from 18 to a more efficient sequence while maintaining high purity through selective reactions at each stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Quantity of substance

If previous synthesis methods are used, then A ring fragment can be obtained, but mixtures of isomers are formed reducing yield

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveyieldVSAvoidisomer purity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality control by selectively protecting specific functional groups (the epoxide oxygen) while leaving other parts of the molecule unchanged. This localized protection strategy ensures that reactions occur at specific positions with high stereoselectivity, preventing the formation of isomer mixtures. The cyclic sulfate ester protection creates a rigid, defined geometry that guides subsequent reactions to produce a single isomer, thereby improving both yield and isomer purity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The new process achieves high yield and purity of Eldecalcitol by employing a distinct approach that addresses the limitations of previous methods, providing a more efficient and selective synthesis pathway.

Implementation Method 1

oxidative cleavage, vinylation, hydroxyl protection, diol protecting group removal, conversion of primary hydroxyl to homolog aldehyde, and Corey-Fuchs reaction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidative cleavage: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP3969459B1Process and intermediates for the preparation of eldecalcitol
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 FAES FARMA SA
  • EP3969459B1 patent drawing
  • EP3969459B1 patent drawing
  • EP3969459B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to new intermediates in the synthesis of Eldecalcitol and to processes for the preparation of said intermediates and of Eldecalcitol.