Diarylketone Ketoreductase Screen and Synthesis Demonstration to Access mGlu2 Receptor Potentiators

Abstract

This communication describes proof of concept for an enantioselective enzyme-based synthesis of diarylmethanol ( S )- 1 to access mGlu2 receptor potentiators. A ketoreductase (KRED) screen was applied to benzophenone 8 to afford chiral diarylmethanol ( S )- 9, which is a useful intermediate for the preparation of chiral diarylmethanol ( S )- 1 . In addition, a more practical synthesis of benzophenone 8 was demonstrated utilizing Friedel–Crafts acylation and radical bromination chemistry.