Thiohydantoin Synthesis via Segmented Intermediate Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current anti-androgen therapy for prostate cancer, particularly in hormone refractory cases, is ineffective due to overexpression of the androgen receptor, necessitating the development of more potent AR antagonists to slow cancer progression.

Innovation Solution

A novel synthetic methodology for biarylthiohydantoins, such as A52 and A51, is developed, involving the preparation of intermediates 3-(trifluoromethyl)-5-isothiocyanatopyridine-2-carbonitrile and 4-(1-cyano-1-cyclobutylamino)-2-fluoro-N-methylbenzamide, which are coupled to form the final product, enabling a more efficient and scalable production of these anti-androgen compounds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional synthesis methods are used for biarylthiohydantoins, then the compounds can be produced, but the synthesis efficiency and scalability are insufficient for pre-clinical and clinical studies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynthesis efficiencyVSAvoidscalability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The synthesis is divided into two independent intermediate preparation steps followed by a coupling reaction. Intermediate 1 (3-(trifluoromethyl)-5-isothiocyanatopyridine-2-carbonitrile) and Intermediate 2 (4-(1-cyano-1-cyclobutylamino)-2-fluoro-N-methylbenzamide) are prepared separately using optimized conditions, then coupled to form A52. This segmentation allows each step to be independently optimized and scaled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The synthesis employs specific parameter optimizations including solvent selection (DMF for cyanation, toluene for coupling), temperature control (reflux conditions), and reagent ratios (equimolar amounts for coupling). These parameter changes improve reaction efficiency and facilitate scalable production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If existing synthesis routes are used, then compounds can be obtained, but the quantity and purity required for pre-clinical and clinical studies cannot be efficiently produced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompound quantityVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The methodology prepares and characterizes intermediates in advance with optimized purification protocols. Intermediate 1 is prepared via cyanation followed by reduction and cyclization, while Intermediate 2 is prepared via nitration followed by reduction and formylation. These preliminary actions ensure high purity materials are available for efficient large-scale coupling to meet pre-clinical and clinical quantities.

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

This approach provides a more efficient and scalable synthesis of potent anti-androgen compounds, overcoming the limitations of existing therapies by effectively slowing the progression of hormone-sensitive and hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

Implementation Method 1

two intermediates, 3-(trifluoromethyl)-5-isothiocyanatopyridine-2-carbonitrile and 4-(1-cyano-1-cyclobutylamino)-2-fluoro-N-methylbenzamide, are prepared and coupled together to form the compound A52

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclization reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS9926291B2Synthesis of thiohydantoins
Publication Date: 2018.03.27 SLOAN KETTERING INST FOR CANCER RES
  • US9926291B2 patent drawing
  • US9926291B2 patent drawing
  • US9926291B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A novel synthesis of the anti-androgen, A52, which has been found to be useful in the treatment of prostate cancer, is provided. A52 as well as structurally related analogs may be prepared via the inventive route. This new synthetic scheme may be used to prepare kilogram scale quantities of pure A52.