Synthesis of α-aryloxy butanoic acids via asymmetric hydrogenation

ORGN 17

Shane W. Krska, Peter E. Maligres, Guy Humphrey, Yongkui Sun, and Edward J. J. Grabowski. Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc, RY818-B116, P.O. Box 2000, Rahway, NJ 07065
During the course of development of synthetic routes to an investigational drug candidate, we have discovered a facile preparation of chiral α-aryloxy butanoic acids via asymmetric hydrogenation of the corresponding unsaturated acids. A number of catalysts have been identified that give high product enantioselectivity, and the scope of the reaction has been examined with respect to substitution on the aromatic ring and olefin.

 

Asymmetric Reactions and Syntheses
8:00 AM-12:00 PM, Sunday, August 22, 2004 Pennsylvania Convention Center -- 201A, Oral

Division of Organic Chemistry

The 228th ACS National Meeting, in Philadelphia, PA, August 22-26, 2004