Development of a Second-Generation Process to Antibacterial Candidate Sulopenem

Steven J. Brenek, Stéphane Caron, Esmort Chisowa, Roberto Colon-Cruz, Mark P. Delude, M. Drexler, Robert E. Handfield, Brian P. Jones, Durgesh V. Nadkarni, Jade D. Nelson,

Organic Process Research & Development · 2012 · 11 citations · 42 references

Concepts

Abstract

The research, development, and scale-up of the broad-spectrum antibacterial candidate sulopenem are presented. An enabled medicinal chemistry synthesis of this active pharmaceutical ingredient was utilized for Phase 1 and early Phase 2 manufacture but was not conducive to larger scale. The limitations associated with the first-generation synthesis were partially addressed in an improved second-generation synthesis of the target molecule where the penem ring is constructed via a modified Eschenmoser sulfide contraction sequence. Other highlights of the second-generation process include an improved synthesis of an important trithiocarbonate intermediate and a superior process for Pd-catalyzed deallylation of the penultimate ester to obtain low levels of residual palladium.

References

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