This invention relates to a process for making substituted indoles useful as
cPLA2 inhibitors and intermediate compounds in that process.
BACKGROUND
Processes for alkylating the C-3 position of indoles are well known in the art.
The effect of different metal cations, base concentration, and catalysts for Ihe phase
transfer alkylation of indoles under basic conditions has been studied. Alkylation of
indoles can also proceed with catalytic amounts of acid. Trifluoroacetic acid and
triethylsilane have been used in combination to simultaneously alkylate and reduce at
the C-3 position of indoles. However, trifluoroacetic acid is incompatible with some
acid sensitive functional groups, such as benzhydryl groups.
Known methods for producing N-alkylated indoles generally require
expensive materials and processing. An efficient and economical method for
producing N-alkylated indoles is therefore desirable.
Su.V.MARY,OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides method for making a compound of formula 1:
comprising the steps of reacting compounds of formulas 2 and 3:
to produce an intermediate compound of formula 4:
wherein R1, R2, R3, 64 and R5 are defined as described herein. The reaction occurs
in the presence of a base, a palladium catalyst, and a copper catalyst. The
compound of formula 4 is then converted to the compound of formula 1.
The invention further comprises compounds of formulas 3 and 4 and methods
for making compounds of formulas 3 and 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The coupling reaction of a compound of formula 3, above, with N-substituted
2-iodo, 4-chloro anilines requires different reaction conditions depending on the
identity of the aniline amino substituent. When the amino substituent is a
trifluoroacetyl group, for example, the reaction is facile with relatively low levels of
catalysts (e.g., about 1 mole % Pd catalyst and 2 mole % Cul) at moderate
temperatures (e.g., less than 50 °C). However, when the amino substituent is a
benzhydryl group, more Pd catalyst (e.g., about 5 mole % or more) is necessary,
which increases the cost and complexity of the synthesis and purification.
It has been discovered that the coupling reaction of compounds of formulas 2
and 3 will proceed efficiently to produce the compound of formula 4 in high yield
when the amount of palladium catalyst is reduced (e.g., about 0.5 mole % to about
1.5 mole %), provided that the copper catalyst is present in at least about 5 mole %
and at least about 2 equivalents (i.e.. about 200 mole %) of a base is used. The use
of less palladium catalyst makes the method of the invention more efficient and
economical.
The present invention provides method for making a compound of formula 1:
comprising the steps of reacting compounds of formulas 2 and 3:
to produce an intermediate compound of formula 4:
wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 each is independently selected from the group consisting
of H, halogen, -CN, -CHO, -CF3, -OCF3, -OH. -NO2, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6, alkoxy. -NH2,
-NH2(C1-6 alkyl), -N(C1-6 alkyl)2, and -NHC(O)-C1-6 alkyl, and R5 is selected from the
group consisting of H and -C(O)O-C1-6 alkyl. The reaction occurs in the presence of
a base, a palladium catalyst, and a copper catalyst. The compound of formula 4 is
then converted to the compound of formula 1.
In some embodiments. R1, R2, R3, and R4 each is independently selected
from the group consistingy of H, halogen, -CF3, and -C1-6 alkyl. In certain
embodiments, R1 is H, R2 is Cl, R3 is Cl, and R4 is H. In other embodiments. R1 is
-CF3. R2 is H, R3 is H, and R4 is H.
At least about 2 equivalents (e.g., about 2-4 equivalents, or about 3
equivalents) of base may be present in the reaction mixture. Suitable bases include,
for example, trialkylamines (e.g., where alkyl has 1 -6 carbon itoms such as
diisopropylethylamine ortriethylamine), alkali earth metal carbonates (e.g., lithium
carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, or cesium carbonate), alkali
earth metal bicarbonates (e.g., lithium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium
bicarbonate, or cesium bicarbonate), alkaline earth metal carbonates (e.g.,
magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, or barium carbonate), and alkaline earth
metal bicarbonates (e.g., magnesium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, or barium
bicarbonate).
The palladium catalyst may be present in about 0.5 mole % to about 1.5 mole
%. Any palladium catalyst useful in Sonogashira-type coupling reactions may be
used, including, for example. PdCI2(PPh3)2. Pd(PPh3)4. Pd(CN)2CI2, Pd(OAc)2, and
PdCI2 with appropriate phosphine ligands such as PPh3 P(cyclohexyl)3, or
P(r-butyl)2methyl.
The copper catalyst may be present in at least about 5 mole % (e.g., 5 mole
% to about 15 mole %, or about 10 mole %). Any copper catalyst useful in
Sonogashira-type coupling reactions may be used, including, for example, copper
iodide (Cul).
Organic bases (e.g., trialkylamines) may be removed by distillation of the
product mixture, typically under reduced pressure. An alcohol, such as isopropanol,
may be added to keep minor impurities dissolved while the compound of formula 4 is
precipitated by addition of an anti-solvent, such as water, which obviates the need to
separate the product from water-soluble inorganic bases (e.g., alkalai and alkaline
earth metal carbonates and bicarbonates). Using the process of this invention,
compounds of formula 4 may be obtained in yields of at least about 90%, and at
purities of at' least about
The compound of formula 4 may be reacted with copper iodide to produce a
compound of formula 5:
The compound of formula 5 may be reacted with a compound of formula 6:
O—C1-6 alkyl
to produce a compound of formula 7:
The compound of formula 7 may be reacted with a base to remove the ester
c1-6 alkyl group and produce the compound of formula 1. The compound of formula
7 may be isolated by crystallization prior to reacting with the base, or alternatively,
the compound of formula 7 may be reacted with the base without prior purification.
IT
The compound of formula 1 may be purified, for example, by recrystallization
from an alcohol, such as ethanol.
The compound of formula 2 can be prepared by reacting 2-iodo-4-
chloroanilfrie (obtained, for example, by iodination of p-chloroaniline, or by any other
method known in the art) with benzhydrol in the presence of an acid such as an
organic sulfonic acid (e.g., benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, or the like),
in an aprotic solvent (e.g., acetonitrile, toluene, or the like). In some embodiments
this reaction proceeds slowly and requires slow addition of the benzhydrol to the
2-iodo-4-chloroaniline to achieve a good yield. Addition and reaction times can be
reduced without reducing the yield or purity of the product by heating the reaction, for
example, to at least about 75°C, or at least about 80°C, or to the reflux temperature
of the solvent. The compound of formula 2 thus produced may be purified by
precipitation and filtration, followed by trituration with a solvent (e.g.. methanol) to
remove impurities. The compound can be obtained in a purity of at least about 90 %
(e.g.. about 98-99%) by this method.
The compound of formula 3 may be prepared by reacting a compound of
formula 8 with a compound of formula 9:
in the presence of a base, wherein R55 i:s„ -C(O)O-C1-6 alkyl (such as, for example,
tert-butoxycarbonyl).
The invention also provides a method for making a compound of formula 4:
Cl
R1 R2
according to the methods described above. The invention further provides
compounds of formula 4.
The invention further provides compounds of formula 3:
wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 each is independently selected from the group consisting
of H, halogen. -CN, -CHO, -CF3, -OCF3, -OH. -NO2. -C1-6 alkyl. -C1-6 alkoxy. -NH2.
-NH(C,.6 alkyl). -N(C1-6 alkyal)l2k.y l. and R5a ins ds elected f-rNoHmC t(hoe)
group consisting of H and -C(O)O-C1-6 alkyl. In some embodiments, R1, R2, R3, and
R4 each is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halogen, -CF3, and
-c1-6 alkyl. In certain embodiments, R1 is H, R2 is Cl, R3 is Cl, and R4 is H. In other
embodiments, R1 is -CF3, R2 is H, R3 is H, and R4 is H. In still other embodiments, R1
is CH3, R2 is H, R3 is H, and R4 is CH3. Examples of compounds of formula 3 include
N-but-3-ynyl-C-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)methanesulfonamide, N-but-3-ynyl-C-(3,4-
dichlorophenyl)methanesulfonamide, and N-but-3-ynyl-C-(2-[trifluoromethyl]phenyl)
methanesulfonamide.
The term mole % as used herein refers to the ratio of the moles of a reactant
to the moles of the compound of formula 2 or of formula 3. whichever is less.
As used herein, the term halogen refers to fluorine, chlorine, bromine and
iodine. The term alkyl includes both straight and branched chain alkyl groups, e.g.,
of 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The term alkoxy refers to -O-alkyl, where alkyl is defined as
described above.
An embodiment of the present invention is shown below in Scheme 1.
In the reaction between the compounds of formulas 2 and 3, about half of the
palladium catalyst can be combined with the compound of formula 3 in a first mixture,
and the other half can be combined with the compound of formula 2, the Cul. and the
base in a second mixture. The first mixture can then be added slowly to the second.
The compound of formula 4 may be precipitated and recovered as a solid by
filtration, leaving the bulk of the palladium catalyst in the mother liquor solution. If the
palladium-catalyzed coupling reaction and indole cyclization reaction are
concatenated, the palladium catalyst may be removed during an extractive workup,
for example, by washing the organic product layer with an aqueous solution of Nacetylcysteine,
a procedure known in the art. The solid precipitate may also be
washed if additional palladium extraction is needed.
Following extraction of the palladium catalyst, the compound of formula 4 is
reacted with copper iodide in an aprotic solvent to induce indole cyclization. If the R6
group is a carbamate (e.g., tert-butoxycarbonyl), it will be removed during this step.
When this reaction is run at higher temperatures, the rate of cyclization generally is
more rapid and fewer impurities are found in the product. Suitable solvents include
DMF, DMA, or the like. The reaction generally is run at a temperature at least about
100 °C, preferably about 145-155 °C. Although the reactants may be mixed all at
once, it is preferable to slowly add the compound of formula 4 to a hot solution of the
copper iodide, especially when the reaction is carried out on large scale.
The compound of formula 6 may be obtained by any method known in the art,
for example, by reacting the corresponding alkyl 4-iodobenzoate with allyl alcohol in
a stirred suspension of sodium bicarbonate, tetrabutyl-ammonium bromide and
palladium*(ll) acetate in DMF. The compound of formula 6 may be purified, for
example, by forming the metabisulfite salt 6a, as shown in Scheme 2 below.
For example, the compound of formula 6 may be dissolved in a suitable organic
solvent (e.g.. toluene) and converted to the metabisulfite salt 6a by addition of an
aqueous metabisulfite solution. Although Scheme 2 includes sodium metabisulfite
(Na2S2O5) as a reactant, other metabisulfite salts (e.g., potassium metabisulfite.
calcium metabisulfite) may be used. Separation of the organic layer removes organic
impurities. The metabisulfite salt 6a. which remains dissolved in the aqueous layer,
can then be converted back to the compound of formula 6 by reacting it with a base
(e.g., potassium carbonate) in a water-ethyl acetate mixture and separating the ethyl
acetate layer to isolate the compound. Using this method, the compound of formula
6 can be isolated having a purity of greater than about 95%.
In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of formulas 5 and 6 are
reacted with boron trifluoride etherate, trifluoroacetic acid and triethylsilane in
methylene chloride to produce the compound of formula 7.
The compound of formula 7 can be converted to the compound of formula 1
by treatment with base (e.g., a mixture of aqueous NaOH and THF in ethanol)
followed by-lowering the pH (using, for example, an acid such as aqueous acetic
acid) to produce the compound of formula 1. The product may be precipitated, for
example, by reducing the solvent volume and reducing the temperature.
Preferably, the compound of formula 7 is converted to the compound of
formula 1 without previously isolating the compound of formula 7. Alternatively, the
compound of formula 7 may be crystallized prior to conversion, for example, by
•4
evaporating the solvent to produce a syrup, and then stirring the syrup with ether and
seed crystals. The compound may also be crystallized from an alcohol (e.g.,
methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and the like) or any other suitable solvent.
The compound of formula 1 may be purified by recrystallization from a variety
of solvent systems, for example, from toluene, toluene/heptane mixtures, ethyl
acetate/heptane mixtures, and the like. Recrystallization from 100% ethanol has
been shown to effectively purify the compound without reducing yield.
Scheme 3 illustrates a route for making a compound of formula 3.
As illustrated in Scheme 3, the compound of formula 8 may be prepared, for
example, by reacting a sulfonyl chloride 10 with aqueous or gaseous ammonia to
form a sulfonamide 11. which can then be protected as a carbamate, for example, by
reacting with tert-butoxycarbonyl anhydride (BOC-anhydride). The reaction may be
run at elevated temperature (e.g., about 45 °C) in a solvent such as toluene and in
the presence of 4-dimethylaminopyridune (DMAP) and triethylamine (EtaN).
The compound of formula 9 may be prepared by reacting 3-butyn-1-ol with 4-
chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine in toluene. In this
reaction, it is convenient to keep the reaction temperature below about 20 °C, as the
triethylamine hydrochloride salt byproduct precipitates and is readily separated by
filtration. The product can be precipitated from the solution, for example, by reducing
the solvent volume and adding propanol and cold water.
In one example according to the invention, the reaction between the
compounds of formulas 8 and 9 occurs in the presence of potassium carbonate
granules or powder in DMF at elevated temperatures (e.g., 50-55 °C). The last step
of Scheme 2, the removal of the tert-butoxycarbonyl (BOC) group, is optional, since
either compound can be used in the reaction in Scheme 1.
The reaction of compounds of formulas 8 and 9 is an example of a
homopropargylation reaction. Homopropargylation generally involves an SN2
reaction using a homopropargyl precursor containing a leaving group, such as a
halogen or tosylate. The methods known in the art may not be suitable for weaker
nucleophiles, however, especially if the compound includes base sensitive functional
groups. The triflate group (CF3SO3-) has been shown to be a good leaving group,
but is relatively expensive. A milder method known in the art for introducing the
homopropargyl group involves a Mitsunobu type reaction with 3-bufyn-1-ol and
triphenylphosphine. This reaction, however, suffers from poor atom-economy.
Using the methods of the present invention, SNrtype homopropargylation
reactions can be achieved under relatively mild conditions by using the leaving group
p-chlorophenylsulfonyl. The homopropargylation reaction is^shown in Scheme 4
below, in which Nu represents a nucleophile.
In addition to the advantages of relatively low cost and mild conditions, this
process also has the advantage that the compound of formula 9 is a solid that can be
p/epared in high yield and is stable to extended storage at room temperature. The
Selectivity of homopropargylation using the compound of formula 9 is illustrated by
•tire high yield (~90 %) of the homopropargylations in the examples described herein,
using only a slight (<10%) molar excess of the compound of formula 9.
Examples of compounds that can be synthesized using the methods of this
"invention include those in which the groups R^ have one of the combinations of
shown in the following table:
The following examples are presented to illustrate certain embodiments of the
present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this invention.
Example 1: Benzhydryl-(4-chloro-2-iodo-phenyl)-amine
A solution of benzhydrol (13.5 g, 73.3 mmol) and acetonitrile (56 ml) was
added over 1h to a warm (80 °C), stirred solution of 2-chloro-4-iodoaniline (16 g, 63.1
mmol), benzenesulfonic acid (0.323 g, 2.0 mmol) and acetonitrile (53 mL). The
solution was maintained at 80 °C for an additional 2.5 h. The mixture was allowed to
cool to room temperature. Water (31 mL) was added over 1h to the stirred mixture.
The mixture was stirred for 2h at room temperature! The solid product was collected
by filtration. The solid product was combined with methanol (67 mL) and warmed to
reflux for 30m. The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature. The purified
product was collected by filtration, washed with methanol (2x10 mL) and vacuum
dried to give 22.3 g of benzhydryl-(4-chloro-2-iodo-phenyl)-amine with 99% purity (as
determined by HPLC). Mp 107-110.
Example 2: 4-Chloro-benzenesulfonic acid but-3-ynyl ester
A solution of 3-butyn-1-ol (365 g. 5.21 mo!), triethylamine (526 g. 5.21 mol),
and toluene (419 mL) was added to a cooled (0-5 °C) stirred solution of 4-
chlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (1.0 kg, 4.74 mol) and toluene (2.10 L). The reaction
temperature was maintained below 20 °C during the addition. Precipitation of
triethylamine hydrochloride salt occurred during the reaction. The reaction mixture
was stirred at room temperature for 2-4h. The triethylamine hydrochloride byproduct
was separated by filtration and washed with toluene (2x350 mL). The combined
filtrates were concentrated to remove toluene under reduced pressure above 45 °C to
maintain the residue as a liquid. 2-Propanol (1.20 L) was added to the residue and
the stirred solution was cooled to 20-25 °C. Water (1.80 L) was added over 15m.
The slurry of product and solvent was cooled to 0-5 °C and stirred for 1h. The white
solid product was collectedfby filtration, washed with 33% aqueous 2-propanoI (v/v),
and vacuum dried to give 4-chloro-benzenesulfonic acid but-3-ynyl ester with 99%
purity (as determined by HPLC.
Example 3: (3,4-Dichloro-pheny1)-methanesulfonamide
A solution of (3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-methanesulfonyl chloride (500 g, 1.93 mol)
and acetone (470 mL) was added over 2h to cooledXO-5 °C), stirred concentrated
ammonium hydroxide (28%, 900 mL, 227 g NH3,13.3 mol). The reaction mixture
was maintained below 12 °C during the addition. The reaction mixture was allowed
to warm to room temperature and was stirred for 1h. Water (900 mL) was added to
the reaction mixture and it was stirred for 1h. The white solid was collected by
filtration, washed with cold water (2x500 mL), and vacuum dried to give 375 g (81%)
of (3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-methanesulfonamide with 99% purity (as determined by
HPLC).
Example 4: Carbamic acid, [(3,4-dichlorophenylmethyl)-sulfonyl]-1,1 -dimethylethyl
ester
A solution of di-tert-butyl-dicarbonate (390 g, 1.79 mol) and toluene (740 mL)
was added over 1.5h to a stirred, warm (45 °C) mixture of (3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-
methanesulfonamide (370 g, 1.54 mol), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (18.8 g, 0.154 mol),
triethylamine (234 g, 2.32 mol), and toluene (3.0 L). The reaction mixture was stirred
at 45 °C for 2h. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0-5 °C. Tetrahydrofuran (185
mL) was added to the reaction mixture A 10% aqueous solution of phosphoric acid
was added to the reaction mixture over 1h, maintaining an internal temperature of <5
C. The organic phase was collected and washed with 2.5% aqueous sodium
bicarbonate (2.0 L). The combined water phases were washed with tetrahydrofuran
(200 mL). The combined organic phases were concentrated under reduced pressure
to a volume of 2.5 L. The mixture was cooled in an ice bath, and heptane (3.7 L) was
charged over 15 m to complete product precipitation. The mixture was stirred at 0-5
°C for 1-2h. The product was collected by filtration, washed with heptane (2x750mL),
fir
and vacuum dried at < 35^C to give 463 g (88%) of carbamic acid, [{3,4-
dichlorophenylmethyl)sulfonyl]-, 1,1 -dimethylethyl ester with 98% purity (as
determined by HPLC).
Examples: N-BOC-N-but-3-ynyl-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-methanesulfonamide
A mixture of carbamic add, [(3,4-dichlorophenylmethvJ)sulfonyl]-, 1,1- 1 ^
dimethylethyl ester (443 g, 1.13 mol), 4-chloro-benzenesulfonic acid but-3-ynyl ester
(332.5 g, 1.36 mol), granular potassium carbonate (359 g, 2.60 mol), and N.Ndimethylformamide
(1.38 L) was combined stirred, and warmed to 55 °C. The
mixture was stirred and maintained at 50-55 °C for 21 h. Additional charges of
potassium carbonate (about 40 g) were added at 4h intervals. The mixture was
cooled to 30 °C. The potassium carbonate was removed by filtration. The potassium
carbonate cake was washed with DMF (2250 mL). Water (600 mL) was added to the
'stirred filtrates over 30m. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1-2h after
complete water addition. The solid was collected by filtration and washed with 50%
v/v aqueous methanol (2x350 mL). The product was vacuum dried at <50 °C to give
412 g (81%) of N-BOC-N-but-3-ynyl-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-methanesulfonamide with
99% purity (as determined by HPLC).
N-f-butoxycarbonyl-N-{4-[2-(benzhydryl-amino)-5-chloro-phenyl]-but-3-
ynyl}-C-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-methanesulfonamide
A warm (45 °C) solution of N-BOC-N-but-3-ynyl-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-
methanesulfonamide (347 g, 0.885 mol), dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)palladium
(II) (3.50 g, 4.99 mmol), and DMF (700 ml) was added slowly over 8h to a warm (55
°C), stirred mixture of benzhydryl-(4-chloro-2-iodo-phenyl)-amine (350 g, 0.833 mol),
dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (II) (3.5 g, 4.99 mmol), copper (I) iodide
(20.0 g, 0.105 mol). triethylamine. (259 g, 2.56 mol), and DMF (250 ml). The
reaction mixture was stirred and maintained at 55 °C for 30m after complete addition.
The reaction mixture was distilled at reduced pressure using a heating bath
temperature of 40-45 °C to remove triethylamine. The reaction mixture was filtered
through a celite pad. The pad was washed with DMF (40 mL). 2-Propanol (280 mL)
was added to the filtrate. The mixture was warmed to 55 °C. Water (280 mL) was
added slowly over 1h to the stirred mixture. The stirred mixture was maintained at 55
°C for 30m after complete water addition. The mixture was cooled to 10 °C. The
solid product was collected by filtration and washed with cold 171 (v/v) IPA/water
(2x300 mL). The solid was vacuum dried at <50 °C to give N-f-butoxycarbonyl-N-{4-
[2-(benzhydryl-amino)-5-chloro-phenyl]-but-3-'ynyl}-C-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-
methanesulfonamide (534.5 g, 94%) with 98% purity (as determined by HPLC).
•f
Example 7: N-[2-(1 -Benzhydryl-5-chloro-1 H-indol-2-yl}-ethyl]-C-(3.4-dichlorophenyO-
rrlethanesulfonamide <
A solution of N-f-butoxycarbonyl-N-{4-[2-(benzhydryl-amino)-5-chloro-phenyrjbut-
3-ynyl}-C-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-methanesulfonamide (400 g, 0.585 mol) and N.Ndimethylacetamide
(800 mL) was added slowly over 1h to a hot (150 °C). stirred
mixture of copper (I) iodide (12.2 g. 0.064 mol) and N,N-dimethylacetamide (740 mL).
The reaction mixture was stirred and maintained at 150 °C for an additional 2h. The
reaction mixture was cooled to 40 °C. The mixture was filtered through a celite pad
and the pad was washed with IPA (2x100 mL). An additional charge of IPA (1400
mL) was added to the filtrate. The mixture was stirred and warmed to 60 °C. Water
(2.2 L) was added to the mixture over 30m, maintaining an internal temperature of
55-60 °C. The mixture was held at 60 °C for 30m. then it was cooled to 5 °C. The
solid product was collected by filtration and the cake was washed with cold IPA/water
(3/2 v/v. 2x200 mL). The solid was vacuum dried at <50 °C to give N-[2-(1-
benzhydryl-5-chloro-1H-indol-2-yl)-ethyl]-C-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-
methanesulfonamide (338 g, 99%) with 98% purity (as determined by HPLC).
Example 8: 4-{3-[1 -Benzhydryl-5-chioro-2-(2-{I(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-sulfonyl]amino}
ethyl)-1 H-indol-3-yl]propyl}benzoic acid
A solution of boron trifluoride etherate (50.7 g. 0.357 mot) and methylene
chloride (83 ml) was added over 10 min to a stirred, cooled (-20 °C) mixture of N-[2-
(1-benzhydryl-5-chloro-1H-indoI-2-y!)-ethyl]-C-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-
methanesulfonamide (275 g, 0.471 mol), triethylsilane (1.42 mol), 4-(3-oxo-propyl)-
benzoic acid ethyl ester (213.6 g, 1.04 mol), and methylene chloride (2.6 L). An
exotherm was observed and the reaction temperature increased to -13 °C. The
reaction mixture was cooled to and maintained at -20 °C. Trifluoroacetic acid (53.7
g, 0.471 mol) was added to the reaction mixture 30 min after complete addition of
boron trifluoride. The reaction mixture was stirred at -20 °C for 2h. The reaction
mixture was added to a stirred solution of sodium bicarbonate (127 g, 1.51 mol) and
water (1.37 L). The mixture was filtered through a celite pad and the pad *.' was
washed with metnylene chloride (50 mL). The layers were separated. The aqueous
layer was washed with methylene chloride (200 mL). The combined organic layers
were concentrated to 1.1 L at ambient pressure. Ethanol (1.38 L) was added to the
mixture. The mixture was concentrated to 1.1 L at ambient pressure. The stirred
mixture was cooled to 50 °C and tetrahydrofuran (275 mL) and 50% aqueous sodium
hydroxide (188 g, 2.35 mol) was added. The mixture was warmed to reflux for 30
min. The mixture was cooled to 50 °C and tojuene $.38 L), water (225 mL), and
acetic acid (141 g, 2.35 mol) was added. The mixture was stirred for 30 min. The
mixture was filtered through a celite pad. The layers were separated and the
aqueous layer was washed with a solution of tetrahydrofuran and toluene (1/1 v/v,
100 ml). The organic layer was washed consecutively with 3% aqueous sodium
bicarbonate (100 ml), saturated sodium chloride (100 mL), and water (2x125 mL).
The organic layer was concentrated to 1.1 L at ambient pressure. Toluene (550 mL)
was added and the mixture was concentrated to 1.1 L at ambient pressure. The
mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and stirred overnight. Heptane
(110 mL) was added to the stirred mixture after precipitation of solid product was
observed. The solid product was collected by filtration and washed with cold toluene
(2x275 mL). The product was vacuum dried at 66 °C to give 4-{3-{1-benzhydryl-5-
chloro-2-(2-{[(3.4-dichlorobenzyl)sulfonyl]amino}ethyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propyl}benzoic
acid (227 g, 65%) with a purity of 99 % (as determined by HPLC). The product can
be recrystallized from ethanoi in 91 % recovery. MP 190 °C.
Example 9: 4-(3-Oxo-propyl)-benzoic acid ethyl ester
Ethyl 4-iodobenzoate (200 g, 0.725 mol) and allyl alcohol (63 g. 1.087 mol)
are added to a stirred suspension of Sodium bicarbonate (152 g, 1.812 mol),
tetrabutyl-ammounium bromide (117 g, 0.362 mol) and Palladium (II) acetate (3.2 g,
0.014 mol) in DMF (600 mL). The reaction mixture is warmed to 75-80 °C for 3-3.5
hours and cooled to 40 °C -50 °C. Toluene (1 L) is added to the reaction mixture with
vigorous agitation and the mixture is stirred for 15 min at room temperature. The
resulting mixture is filtered through a celite pad. The pad is washed with toluene (2 x
200 ml). The filtrate and wash are combined, washed with water (3 x 1 L),
evaporated to constant weight at 30°G-40°C and 10 mmHg. The crude product
147.5g (98.8%, 84% by HPLC) of 4-(3-Oxo-propyl)-benzoic acid ethyl ester as dark
brown oil is obtained.
1H NMR (DMSO-d6): 61.38(1, 3H), 2.81(t, 2H), 3.03(t. 2H), 4.39(q. 2H), 7.27(d. 2H),
7.98(d,2H),9.81(s, 1H). ^
Example 10: Purification of 4-(3-Oxo-propyl)-benzoic acid ethyl ester
Crude 4-(3-Oxo-propyl)-benzoic acid ethyl ester (52% purity as determined by
HPLC) was dissolved in toluene (80 mL) and combined with water (100 mL). The
mixture wae stirred. A solution of sodium metabisulfite (55.4 |j) and water (130 mL)
was added over 45 min to the stirred solution. The reaction mixture was warmed to
32 °C for 1h. The layers were separated and the aqueous layer was washed with
toluene (2x25 mL). The layers were separated. Water (600 mL) and ethyl acetate
(150 mL) were added to the aqueous layer. The mixture was stirred and cooled to 2
°C. A solution of potassium carbonate (165 g) and water (160 mL) was added over
1h to the stirred reaction mixture, maintaining an internal temperature of 0-2 °C. The
reaction mixture was warmed to 20-23 °C in 1h and then stirred for 2h. The layers
were separated and the aqueous layer was washed with ethyl acetate (2x20 mL).
The combined organic layers were washed with water (2x50 mL). The ethyl acetate
was removed under reduced pressure at <24 °C to give purified 4-(3-Oxo-propyl)-
benzoic acid ethyl ester (20.6 g. 41% recovery). The purity was 96% (as determined
by HPLC). Mp109°C.
Example 11: (2,6-Dimethylphenyl)-methanesulfonamide
A solution of (2.6-dimethylphenyl)-methanesulfonyl chloride (452 g, 2.07 mol)
and acetone (2.0 L) was added over 90 m to cooled (0-5 °C), stirred, concentrated
ammonium hydroxide (28%, 900 ml, 227 g NH3,13.3 mol). The reaction mixture
was maintained <10 °C during the addition. The reaction mixture was allowed to
warm to room temperature and was stirred for 1h. Water (2.0 L) was added to the
reaction mixture and it was stirred for 1h at 0-5 °C. The white solid was collected by
filtration, washed with cold water (2x1 L), and vacuum dried to give 349 g (85%) of
(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-methanesulfonamide with 99% purity (as determined by HPLC).
Example 12: Carbamic acid, [(2,6-dimethylphenyl)methyi-sulfonylJ-1,1-dimethylethyl
ester
A solution of di-terf-butyl-dicarbonate (490 g, 2.25 mol) and toluene (100 ml)
was added over 3h to a stirred, warm (40 °C) mixture of (2,6-dimethylphenyl)-
methanesulfonamide (325 g, 1.63 mol), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (19.9 g, 0.163 mol),
triethylamine (248 g, 2.46 mol), and toluene (2.60 L). The reaction mixture was
stirred at 40 °C for 2h. Tffe reaction mixture was cooled to 0-5 °C. Tetrahydrofuran
(650 ml) was added to the reaction mixture. A 10% aqueous solution of phosphoric
acid (2.6 L) was added to the reaction mixture over 1h, maintaining an internal
temperature of <5 C. The organic phase was collected and washed with water (650
ml). The organic phase was collected and washed with 5%% aqueous sodium
bicarbonate (650 ml_). The combined organic phases were concentrated under
reduced pressure to a volume of 1.7 L. The mixture was cooled in an ice bath, and
heptane (3.25 L) was charged over 1 hour to complete product precipitation. The
mixture was stirred at 0-5 °C for 1-2h. The product was collected by filtration,
washed with heptane (2x650mL), and vacuum dried at <35 °C to give 427 g (87%) of
carbamic add. [(2,6-dimethylphenyl)methylsulfonyl]-, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester with
98% purity (as determined by HPLC).
Example 13: N-BOC-N-but-3-ynyl-(2,6-Dimethylphenyl)-rnethanesulfonarnide
A mixture of carbamic acid, [(2,6-dimethylphenyl)methylsulfonyrj-, 1,1 -
dimethylethyl ester (415 g, 1.38 mol). 4-chloro-benzenesulfonic acid but-3-ynyl ester
(349 g, 1.43 mol). granular potassium carbonate (382 g. 2.77 mol), and N.Ndimethylformamide
(1.29 L) was combined stirred, and warmed to 50-55 °C. The
mixture was stirred and maintained at 50-55 °C for 21h. Additional charges of
potassium carbonate (about 40 g) were added at 4h intervals. The mixture was
cooled to 30 °C. The potassium carbonate was removed by filtration. The potassium
carbonate cake was washed with DMF (2x230 ml). Water (560 mL) was added to
the stirred filtrates over 30m. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1-2h
after complete water addition. The solid was collected by filtration and washed with
50% v/v aqueous methanol (2x330 mL). The product was vacuum dried at <50 °C to
give 436 g (90%) of N-BOC-N-but-3-ynyl-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-methanesulfonamide
with 99% purity (as determined by HPLC).
Example 14: N-[2-(1-Benzhydryl-5-chloro-1 H-indol-2-yl)-ethyl]-C-(2,6-
dimethylphenyl)-methanesulfonamide
A warm (40-45 °C) solution of N-Boc-N-but-3-ynyl-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-
methanesulfonamide (44.4 g, 0.106 mol). dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)palladium
(II) (0.50 g, 0.713 mmol), and DMF (125 mL) was added slowly over 7h to a warm
(55 °C), stirred mixture of benzhydryl-(4-chloro-2-iodo-phenyl)-arnine (50 g, 0.119
mol), dichlor6bis(triphenyloRosphine)palladium (II) (0.50 g, 0.713 mmol), copper (I)
iodide (3.0 g, 15.7 mmol), tn'ethylamine. (42.2 g, 0.418 mol), and DMF (75 mL).
Toluene (250 mL) and water (250 mL) were added to the reaction mixture. The
aqueous phase was separated and washed with toluene (2x100 mL). The combined
/
organic phases were filtered through a celite pad. The filtrate was washed with an
8.3% aqueous solution of N-acetylcysteine (2x150 mL), then again with water (150
« 4
mL). The organic phase was washed with 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate (150
mL). then again with water (150 mL). The organic phase was concentrated to a
heavy oil under reduced pressure. The oil was dissolved in N,N-dimethylacetamide
(DMA, 175 mL). This DMA solution was added over 1 hour to a stirred mixture of
copper iodide (2.26 g, 11.8 mmol) and DMA at 150 °C. The reaction mixture was
stirred at 150 °C for an additional 2.25 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to
room temperature and filtered through a celite pad with a DMA wash (2x25 mL). 2-
Propanol (400 mL) was added to the warmed (45-40 °C), stirred filtrate. Then water
(600 mL) was added to the stirred, warm (45-50 °C) mixture over 1 hour. The
mixture was cooled to room temperature and stirred for a minimum of 12 hours. The
solid was collected by filtration and washed with 2-propanol (2x50 mL). The solid '
was vacuum dried at 50 °C to give N-[2-(1-benzhydryl-5-chloro-1H-indol-2-yl)-ethylJC-(
2,6-dimethylphenyl)-methanesulfonamide (60.6 g. 94%) with 98% purity (as
determined by HPLC).
Example 15: 4-{3-[1 -Benzhydryl-5-chloro-2-(2-{[(2,6-dimethylbenzyl)-
sulfonyl]amino}ethyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propyl}benzoic acid
A solution of boron trifluoride etherate {55 g, 0.387 mol) and methylene
chloride (75 ml) was added over 10 min to a stirred, cooled (-20 °C) mixture of N-[2-
(1-benzhydryl-5-chloro-1H-indol-2-yl)-ethyl]-C-(2)6-dimethylphenyl)-
methanesulfonamide (300 g, 0.552 mol), triethylsilane (192 g,1.66 mol), 4-(3-oxopropyl)-
benzoic acid ethyl ester (250 g, 1.21 mol), and methylene chloride (2.8 L).
An exotherm was observed and the reaction temperature increased to -9 °C. The
reaction mixture was cooled to and maintained at -20 °C. Trifluoroacetic acid (63 g,
0.553 mol) was added to the reaction mixture 30 min after complete addition of boron
trifluoride. The reaction mixture was stirred at -20 °C for 2h. The reaction mixture
was added to a stirred solution of sodium bicarbonate (138 g, 1.64 mol) and water
(1.50 L). The mixture was filtered through a celite pad and the pad was washed with
methylene chloride (150 ml). The layers were separated. The aqueous layer was
washed with methylene chloride (300 mL). The combined organic layers were
concentrate^ to 1.2 L at ajnbient pressure. Ethanol (1.50 L) was added to the
mixture. The mixture was concentrated to 1.2 L at ambient pressure. The stirred
mixture was cooled to 50 °C and tetrahydrofuran (450 ml) and 50% aqueous sodium
hydroxide (221 g, 2.76 mol) was added. The mixture was warmed to reflux for 30
min. The mixture was cooled to 50 °C and toluene (1.50 L), water (300 mL). and
acetic acid (166 g, 2.76 mol) was added. The mixture was stirred for 30 min. The
mixture was filtered through a celite pad. The layers were separated and the
H
aqueous layer was washed with a solution of tetrahydrofuran and toluene (1/1 v/v,
100 ml). The organic layer was washed consecutively with 3% aqueous sodium
bicarbonate (100 ml), saturated sodium chloride (100 ml), and water (2x125 mL).
The organic layer was concentrated to 1.2 L at ambient pressure. Toluene (600 mL)
was added and the mixture was concentrated to 1.2 L at ambient pressure. The
mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and stirred overnight. Heptane
(100 mL") was added to the stirred mixture after precipitation of solid product was
observed. The solid product was collected by filtration and washed with cold toluene
(3x300 mL). The product was vacuum dried at 66 °C to give 4-{3-[1-benzhydryl-5-
chloro-2-(2-{[(2l6-dimethylbenzyl)sulfonyl]-amino}ethyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]propyl}benzoic
acid (317 g, 81%) with a purity of 96 % (as determined by HPLC). The product can
be recrystallized from ethanol/water in 91% recovery. MP 193 °C.
Example 16: Ethyl 4-{3-[5-chloro-2-(2-{[(2.6-dimethylbenzyl)-sulfonyl]amino}ethyl)-1-
(diphenylmethyl)-l H-indol-3-yl]propyl}benzoate
To a stirred mixture of N-{2-[5-chloro-1 -(diphenylmethyl)-l H-indol-2-yl]ethyl}-
1-(2.6-dimethylphenyl)methanesulfonimide (35.00 g, 64.44 mmoF) and ethyl 4-(3-
oxopropyl)benzoate (29.24 g, 141.77 mmol) in dichloromethane (250mL) cooled to -5
°C was added triethylsilane (31 mL, d=0.728,194.08 mmol) with a rinse of
dichloromethane (100ml_). Cooling was continued to -20 °C. A solution of boron
trifluoride etherate (5.50mL. d=1.12, 43.40 mmol) in dichloromethane (40 mL) was
added dropwise over 5 min. The temperature rose to -15 °C. When the temperature
had dropped to -20 °C once more, the remnants of the boron trifluoride etherate were
rinsed into the reaction vessel with dichloromethane (30 mL). The temperature was
maintained between -15°C and -20 °C for 40 min. Trifluoroacetic acid (5.0 mL,
d=1.48, 64.90 mmol) was added and the stirred mixture was kept at -15°C and -20
°C for 3 hours with monitoring with HPLC [85.89% yield (at 220 nm and excluding
excess ethyl 4-(3-oxopropfyj)benzoate)]. The mixture was poured into a stirred
aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate (20 g in 220 mL water) and stirred for 5
hours, allowing the mixture to warm to room temperature. The mixture was
refrigerated overnight. The mixture was filtered and the layers were allowed to
separate in a separatory funnel (100 mL rinse to complete transfer). The light blue
aqueous phase was separated and the organic phase was washed with water (3 x
100 mL) until the washings were pH 7 (pH paper). The volume was made up 650 mL
with dichloromethane. A 200 mL portion at room temperature was removed and
distilled to a volume of 160 mL The stirred solution was then distilled while adding
dropwise 2B ethanol (260 mL) at such a rate that the level of liquid in the distillation
flask remained at the 160 mL mark. The final boiling point of the solution was 80-
80.5 °C. The solution was allowed to cool. It was seeded at 68°C, allowed to cool to
50 °C and placed in a water bath at 50 °C. The slurry of crystals was allowed to cool
slowly to 26 °C, and then to 5-10 °C with an ice/water bath. Further cooling to -10 °C
was achieved using a dry ice/acetone bath. The stirred slurry was kept at -20 °C for
15 min and then filtered. The filter cake was washed with cold (-20 °C) 2B ethanol (3
x 20 mL). The mother liquor and washings deposited more product on standing. The
wet cake weighed 17.68 g. After drying overnight in a vacuum oven at 54 °C the
crushed product (weighing 9.52 g) was dried once more overnight to provide 9.46 g
(65%). HPLC purity (area %) of the material was 97.84%. NMR data was consistent
with the product.
Variations of the present invention not illustrated herein will occur to those
skilled in the art. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated
and described herein, but encompasses all the subject matter within the scope of the
appended claims.

What is claimed is:
1. A method for making a compound of formula 1:
said method comprising the steps o£a) reacting compounds of formulas 2 and 3:
to produce a compound of formula 4:(Figure Removed)
wherein:R1, R2, R3, and R4 each is independently selected from the group consisting of
H, halogen, -CN, -CHO, -CF3, -OCF3, -OH, -N02, -C1-6 alkyl, -C1-6 alkoxy, -NH2,
-NH(C1-8 alkyl), -N(C1-6i alkyl)2, and -NHC(O)-C1-6 alkyl; and
R5 is selected from the group consisting of H and -C(O)O-C1-6 alky!,
said reaction occurring in the presence of a base, a palladium catalyst, and a
copper catalyst; and
b) converting the compound of formula 4 to the compound of formula 1.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein R1, R2, R3, and R" each is independently
selected from the group consisting of H, halogen, -CF3, and -C1-6 alkyl.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein R1 is H, R2 is Cl, R3 is Cl, and R" is H.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein R1 is -CF3, R2 is H, R3 is H, and R" is H.
5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least about 2 equivalents
of the base are present.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein about 2-4 equivalents of the base are
present7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the base is selected from the
group consisting of a trialkylamine, an alkali earth metal carbonate, an alkali earth
metal bicarbonate, an alkaline earth metal carbonate, and an alkaline earth metal
bicarbonate.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the base is diisopropylethylamine,
triethylamine, or a combination thereof.
9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein about 0.5 mole % to about
1.5 mole % of the palladium catalyst is present.
10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least about 5 mole % of
the copper catalyst is present.
11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein about 5 mole % to about 15
mole % of the copper catalyst is present
12. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein step b) comprises the step
of reacting the compound of formula 4 with copper iodide to produce a compound of
formula 5:
13. The method of claim 12, wherein step b) further comprises the step of
reacting the compound of formula 5 with a compound of formula 6:
O—C1-6 alkyl(Figure Removed)
to produce a compound of formula 7:
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the compound of formula 6 is purified by:
a) treating the compound of formula 6 with aqueous metabisulfite solution to
form a metabisulfite salt of the formula 6a:
alkyt
6a
wherein M is Na or K, and
b) treating the metabisulfite salt of formula 6a with a base to form the compound
of formula 6.
i
15. The method of claim 13"or claim 14, wherein step b) further comprises the *
step of reacting the compound of formula 7 with a base to remove the ester C1-6 e alkyl
group.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the compound of formula 7 is not isolated
prior to reacting with the base.17. The method of claim 15, wherein the compound of formula 7 is isolated by
crystallization prior to reacting with the base.
18. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising the step of
recrystallizing the compound of formula 1 from a solvent comprising an alcohol.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the alcohol is ethanol.
20. The method of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the compound of formula 2
is prepared by reacting 2-iodo-4-chloroaniline with benzhydrol in the presence of an
acid.
21. The method of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the compound of formula 3
is prepared by reacting a compound of formula 8 with a compound of formula 9:
in the presence of a base, wherein R5 is -C(O)O-C1_6 alkyl.
22. A compound of formula 3:
wherein: (Figure Removed)
R1, R2, R3, and R4 each is independently selected from the group consisting of
H, halogen, -CN. -CHO, -CF3, -OCF3. -OH, -NO2. -C^ alkyl, -C^ alkoxy, -NH2,
-NH(d.6 alkyl), -N(C^ a!ky!)2, and -NHCXOV-C,^ alky!; and
R5 is selected from the group consisting of H and -C(O)O-d^ alkyl.
23. The compound of claim 22, wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 each is independently
selected from the group consisting of H, halogen, -CF3l and -Ci-e alkyl.
24. The compound of claim 23. wherein R1 is H, R2 is Cl, R3 is Cl. and R4 is H.
25. The compound of claim 23, wherein R1 is -CF3, R2 is H. R3 is H, and R4 is H.
26. The compound of claim 22, selected from the group consisting of:
N-but-3-ynyl-C-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)methanesulfonamide,
N-but-3-ynyl-C-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)methanesulfonamide, and
N-but-3-ynyl-C-(2-[trifluoromethyl]phenyl)methanesulfonamide.
27 A method for making a compound of formula 4:
comprising the step of reacting compounds of formulas 2 and 3:
wherein(Figure Removed)Ri , R2- Ra. and R, each are independently selected frqim the group consisting
r'
of H, halogen, -CN, -CHO, -CF3, -OCF3, -OH, -NO2l -C,^ alkyl, C^ alkoxy, -NH2,
-NH(Ci.6 alkyl), -N(C,^ alkyl)2, and -NHC(0)-C,< alkyl; and
R5 is selected from the group consisting of H and -C(O)O-Ci^ alkyl,
said reaction occurring in the presence of a base, a palladium catalyst, and a
copper catalyst.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein R,, R2, Rj, and R, each is independently
selected from the group consisting of H and halogen.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein R1 is H, R2 is Cl. R3 is Cl, and R" is H.
30. The method of claim 28, wherein R'' is -CF3, R2 is H, R3 is H, and R" is H.
31 . The method of any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein at least about 2
equivalents of base are present.
32. The method of any one of claims 27 to 31, wherein the base is selected from
the group consisting of a trialkylamine, an alkali earth metal carbonate, an alkali earth
metal bicarbonate, an alkaline earth metal carbonate, and an alkaline earth metal
bicarbonate.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein the base is diisopropylethylamine,
triethylamine, or a combination thereof.
34. The method of any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein about 0.5 mole % to about
1.5 mole % of the palladium catalyst is present.
35. The method of any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein about 5 mole % to about
15 mole % of the copper catalyst is present
36. A compound of formula 4:'
(Figure Removed)wherein:
R1 R2, R3. and R4, each are independently selected from the group consisting
of H, halogen. -CN, -CHO. -CF3, -OCF3, -OH, -N02, -C^ alkyl, C^ alkoxy, -NH2,
-NH(C1.6 alkyl), -N(C1-6 aiky!)2, and -NHC(O)-C1J6 alkyl; and
R5 is selected from the group consisting of H and -CfCOO-C^ alkyl.
37. The compound of claim 36, wherein R1, R2, R3. and R* each is independently
selected from the group consisting of H, halogen, -CF3, and -C,^ alkyl.
38. The compound of claim 37, wherein R1 is H. R2 is Cl. R3 is Cl. and R4 is H.
39. The compound of claim 37. wherein R1 is -CF3. R2 is H. R3 is H, and R4 is H.
40. The Invention substantially such as herein before described.