PDE10 Inhibitor Synthesis Yield Optimization

Solution Overview

Problem

The synthesis of compounds of Formula (I) and (II), particularly Compound 1001, is challenging due to complex structures and limited yield in existing methods, making large-scale production inefficient and economically unviable.

Innovation Solution

A multi-step synthetic process involving the conversion of boronic acid to carbaldehyde, followed by cyanation, hydrolysis, and amidation using specific catalysts and reagents, along with the preparation of lithium alkyl metal bases, to produce compounds of Formula (II) and their derivatives, such as Compound 1001, with improved yield and chemical purity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If known synthetic methods are used to prepare compounds of Formula (II) and Compound 1001, then the compounds can be produced, but the yield is limited and the process is not economical for large-scale production

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes key reaction parameters including using specific catalysts (palladium catalyst for coupling reactions, metal catalysts for cyanation), optimizing reaction conditions (temperature, solvent systems, reaction time), and modifying reagent ratios to achieve significantly improved yields compared to known methods. These parameter changes make the process economically viable for large-scale production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If known synthetic methods are used to prepare compounds of Formula (II) and Compound 1001, then the compounds can be produced, but the number of steps is excessive and efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple reaction steps into fewer operations by using versatile intermediates and one-pot reactions where possible. The synthetic route integrates coupling reactions, cyanation, and other transformations in a streamlined sequence that reduces the total number of isolation and purification steps, thereby improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary preparation of key intermediates (such as the boronic acid compound and the anionic coupling reagent) that can be used in subsequent reactions. This preliminary action allows for better planning and optimization of the overall synthesis route, reducing the effective number of steps needed for final product formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If known synthetic methods are used to prepare compounds of Formula (II) and Compound 1001, then the compounds can be produced, but the chemical purity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs readily available, commercially sourced starting materials and reagents that are optimized for high purity. By using high-purity inputs and selective reactions that minimize side products, the process achieves both high chemical purity of the final product and maintains good overall yield, resolving the contradiction between purity and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

This process enhances the efficiency and yield of Compound 1001 production, enabling more economical large-scale manufacturing with fewer steps and higher chemical purity, addressing the limitations of existing methods.

Implementation Method 1

converting boronic acid A1 to carbaldehyde B1 through activation of the boronic acid with an activating reactant A2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

converting carbaldehyde B1 to acetal C1 under acid catalysis with a suitable source of orthoformate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcid catalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 3

converting acetal C1 to nitrile D1 through catalyzed cyanation with a metal catalyst and a cyanide source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 4

hydrolyzing D1 with a suitable acid to give carboxylic acid E1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 5

converting carboxylic acid E1 to amide F1 with a suitable base, a suitable coupling reagent, and a source amine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 6

converting amide F1 to a compound of Formula (II) with an anionic coupling reagent having structure H1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3137462B1Processes and intermediates for the preparation of a PDE10 inhibitor
Publication Date: 2019.01.30
  • EP3137462B1 patent drawing
  • EP3137462B1 patent drawing
  • EP3137462B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is directed to an improved process for the preparation of compounds of Formula (II) and Formula (III), which are useful in the inhibition of PDE10. In particular, the present invention is directed to an improved process for the preparation of 1-(5-(4-chloro-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)furan-2-yl)-2-ethoxy-2-(4-(5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)phenyl)ethanone, which is useful in the inhibition of PDE10.