A Chemo-Enzymatic Approach for Preparing Efinaconazole with High Optical Yield

J Org Chem. 2023 Oct 20;88(20):14803-14808. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c01641. Epub 2023 Oct 4.

Abstract

Herein, we present a novel and ecofriendly biocatalytic approach for synthesizing efinaconazole (7), a clinically used antifungal agent. This method involves utilizing benzaldehyde lyase (BAL) to catalyze the crucial benzoin condensation step in the ketone precursor. Treating 2,4-difluorobenzaldehyde with BAL in the presence of thiamin-diphosphate (ThDP) and Mg2+ resulted in the formation of α-hydroxy ketone which then underwent the preparation of 7. This innovative approach not only provides a greener alternative but also offers significant advantages over the traditional chemical process. Through our efforts and development work, we have established efficient and scalable procedures that enable the production of 7 in a moderate 38% yield.

MeSH terms

  • Benzoin
  • Ketones
  • Thiamine Pyrophosphate*
  • Triazoles*

Substances

  • efinaconazole
  • Triazoles
  • Thiamine Pyrophosphate
  • Benzoin
  • Ketones