Process Research and Kilogram Synthesis of an Investigational, Potent MEK Inhibitor

TAK-733 (1) is an investigational, novel MEK kinase inhibitor that bears a 6-fluoropyridopyrimidone core. Process research of 1 was conducted, and an efficient, scalable route was developed. The key intermediate, a multisubstituted fluoropyridone, was formed in one pot via a three-step cascade reaction: condensation between α-fluoromalonate and malononitrile, methyl amide formation, and intramolecular cyclization. Chlorination of the hydroxyl functionality and cyclization with formic acid provided the desired pyridopyrimidone core in high yield. Subsequent N-alkylation with the nosylate of (R)-glycerol acetonide and displacement of the chlorine with 2-fluoro-4-iodoaniline proceeded successfully with good yields. Final acid-catalyzed deprotection of the acetonide functionality followed by a controlled crystallization protocol afforded the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) with the desired polymorph. Compared to the initial synthesis, this route was more concise (six steps compared to the original nine...