Development of a concise, asymmetric synthesis of a smoothened receptor (SMO) inhibitor: enzymatic transamination of a 4-piperidinone with dynamic kinetic resolution

Org Lett. 2014 Feb 7;16(3):860-3. doi: 10.1021/ol403630g. Epub 2014 Jan 22.

Abstract

A concise, asymmetric synthesis of a smoothened receptor inhibitor (1) is described. The synthesis features an enzymatic transamination with concurrent dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of a 4-piperidone (4) to establish the two stereogenic centers required in a single step. This efficient reaction affords the desired anti amine (3) in >10:1 dr and >99% ee. The title compound is prepared in only five steps with 40% overall yield.

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Molecular Structure
  • Piperidones / chemical synthesis*
  • Piperidones / chemistry*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / chemistry*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Piperidones
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled