Five-Step Enantioselective Synthesis of Islatravir via Asymmetric Ketone Alkynylation and an Ozonolysis Cascade

Chemistry. 2020 Nov 6;26(62):14118-14123. doi: 10.1002/chem.202003091. Epub 2020 Oct 1.

Abstract

A 5-step enantioselective synthesis of the potent anti-HIV nucleoside islatravir is reported. The highly efficient route was enabled by a novel enantioselective alkynylation of an α,β-unsaturated ketone, a unique ozonolysis-dealkylation cascade in water, and an enzymatic aldol-glycosylation cascade.

Keywords: asymmetric alkynylation; biocatalysis; ozonolysis; synthesis.