An Improved Synthesis of the Selective Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor, Ro 28-2653

Abstract

An efficient synthesis of Ro 28-2653, a selective matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, has been developed. The title compound was prepared in four steps and 76% overall yield from 4-biphenylacetic acid. The key, barbituric acid formation step was significantly improved by using 2-propanol and potassium tert-butoxide as the solvent and base, respectively, instead of the typical ethanol and sodium ethoxide combination.