Novel Compound Synthesis Using Asymmetric Alkylation for Epimerization Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing synthesis method for M-COPA results in low yields due to epimerization at the α position of the aldehyde group, and there is a need for new analogs with improved efficiency and high yields.

Innovation Solution

A novel synthesis method involving specific steps such as asymmetric alkylation, reduction, oxidation, Mukaiyama Aldol reaction, hydroxy group protection, and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction to produce a compound represented by formula (1), which includes functional groups like -C(O)OR d< or -C(O)NR e< R f< , with R d< and R f< being pyridin-3-ylmethyl, pyridin-4-ylmethyl, oxazol-4-ylmethyl, oxazol-5-ylmethyl, thiazol-2-ylmethyl, or thiazol-5-ylmethyl groups.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the existing synthesis method is used to produce M-COPA, then the compound can be obtained, but the yield is low due to epimerization at the α position of the aldehyde group

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveyieldVSAvoidepimerization control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the synthesis method by using asymmetric alkylation with a chiral auxiliary (Evans auxiliary) instead of the conventional method. This parameter change in the reaction conditions prevents epimerization at the α position of the aldehyde group, thereby improving both yield and stereochemical control to produce high-yield M-COPA with correct stereochemistry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If new analogs are developed from M-COPA, then cancer treatment options are improved, but the synthesis complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalogue developmentVSAvoidsynthesis complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by establishing a robust asymmetric alkylation methodology with chiral auxiliary control before developing analogs. This preliminary synthesis framework provides a reliable starting point that simplifies subsequent analog development, as the stereochemical control is already built into the method, reducing the complexity of producing new derivatives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method enables the production of a novel compound with high efficiency, suitable for cancer treatment, and a pharmaceutical composition containing it as an active ingredient, effective in inhibiting receptor tyrosine kinases and treating various cancers.

Implementation Method 1

asymmetric alkylation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAsymmetric alkylation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

reduction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReduction: Reduction

Implementation Method 3

oxidation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 4

Mukaiyama Aldol reaction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMukaiyama Aldol reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 5

hydroxy group protection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydroxy group protection:

Implementation Method 6

Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHorner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4293013B1Novel compound, production method therefor, and pharmaceutical composition
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE
  • EP4293013B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4293013B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4293013B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a compound, represented by formula (1) below, useful for treating cancer or the like. In the formula, R1 and R3-R8 each independently indicate a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. R2 indicates a hydrogen atom or a group represented by -ORa or the like. R9 indicates a group represented by - C(O)NReRf or the like. Ra, Re, and Rf each independently indicate a hydrogen atom, an arylalkyl group that may have a substituent, a heteroarylalkyl group, or the like. In addition, provided are: a production method that enables the compound to be produced with high efficiency; and a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound as an active ingredient.