Preparative Scale Synthesis of the Biaryl Core of Anacetrapib via a Ruthenium-Catalyzed Direct Arylation Reaction: Unexpected Effect of Solvent Impurity on the Arylation Reaction

Abstract

In this report, we disclose our findings regarding the remarkable effect of a low-level impurity found in the solvent used for a ruthenium-catalyzed direct arylation reaction. This discovery allowed for the development of a robust and high-yield arylation protocol that was demonstrated on a multikilogram scale using carboxylate as the cocatalyst. Finally, a practical, scalable, and chromatography-free synthesis of the biaryl core of Anacetrapib is described.