Asymmetric synthesis of potent chroman-based Rho kinase (ROCK-II) inhibitors

Rho kinase (ROCK) is currently investigated as a target for various diseases such as glaucoma and spinal cord injury. Herein, we report the asymmetric synthesis of chroman 1, a highly potent ROCK inhibitor, and its analogs. The inhibitory properties of these compounds for ROCK-II and a selected set of highly homologous kinases are also discussed.