PROCESS FOR PREPARATION OF (3R)-2,4-DI-LEAVING GROUP-3-METHYLBUT-1-ENE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional patent application No. 61/565,094, filed Nov. 30^th, 2011. The content of the above-noted patent application is hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the detailed description hereof.

[0002] This specification relates to a process for the preparation of (3R)-2,4-di-leaving group-3-methylbut-1-ene, and intermediates thereof.

[0003] Halinchondrin analogs have been disclosed as having anti-cancer and antimitotic activity (U.S. Pat. No. 6,214,865, incorporated herein by reference). In particular, Halichondrin B has been reported as a potent anticancer agent that was first isolated from the marine sponge Halichondria okadai (U.S. Pat. No. 6,214,865; WO 2005/118565 A1 and WO 2009/124237 A1, all incorporated herein by reference).

[0004] (3R)-2,4-diiodo-3-methylbut-1-ene (7a) has been disclosed as a building block in the synthesis of halichondrin natural products and derivatives ((1)(a) Katrina, L. et al., Angewandte Chemie, International Edition, 2009, v. 48, no. 13, 2346-2350, (b) Kim, D-S. et al., Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2009, v. 131, no. 43, 15636-15641, (c) Guo, H. et al., Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2009, v. 131, no. 42, 15387-15393, (d) Choi, H-w. et al. Organic Letters, 2002, v. 4, no. 25, 4435-4438, all incorporated herein by reference). The preparation of (3R)-2,4-diiodo-3-methylbut-1-ene (7a) has been disclosed by two synthetic methods,^1b both of which can be unsuitable for large scale manufacturing of pharmaceutical quality material. The first approach involves the asymmetric SN2′ reaction of a cuprate. In addition to the difficulties that can be inherent to cuprate chemistry, the product is isolated in 98% enantiomeric excess (e.e.), with its enantiomer present in levels well above the 0.10% that can generally be required by regulatory agencies. The second method involves the use of trimethylaluminum, a pyrophoric chemical, which can pose a significant hazard for large scale reaction.

[0005] There is a need in the art for a process for preparation of (3R)-2,4-diiodo-3-methylbut-1-ene (7a), and its analogs (7), that can be used in the preparation of halichondrin natural products, its derivatives and analogs, such as, for example and without limitation, eribulin the compounds described in recent publication of S. Narayan and others (Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry letters, 2011, 1630-1633; Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry letters, 2011, 1634-1638, Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry letters, 2011, 1639-1643), and other eribulin analogs with modified side chains on position C32 of eribulin. In addition, there is a need in the art for a process for preparation of (3R)-2,4-diiodo-3-methylbut-1-ene (7a), and its analogs (7), that can be prepared from commercially available starting material. Moreover, there is a need in the art for a process for the preparation of (3R)-2,4-diiodo-3-methylbut-1-ene (7a), and its analogs (7), that lead to (3R)-2,4-diiodo-3-methylbut-1-ene (7a), and its analogs (7), in high enantiomeric excess. In addition, there is a need in the art for a process for preparation of (3R)-2,4-diiodo-3-methylbut-1-ene (7a), and its analogs (7), where the process is scalable.

[0006] In one aspect, the specification discloses a process for the preparation of a compound of formula 7,

[0007] where LG is a leaving group, and hal is a halide and is Cl, Br or I;

[0008] the process comprising:

• • [0009] conversion of a compound of formula 4 to form a compound of formula 5, where PG is a protecting group and hal is as defined above;

• • [0010] deprotecting the compound of formula 5 to form the compound of formula 6; and

• • [0011] converting or substituting the hydroxyl group of the compound of formula 6 to a leaving group LG, to form the compound of formula 7

wherein, LG is as defined above.

[0012] In another aspect, the specification discloses a compound of formula 8

wherein Ts is tosylate CH₃C₆H₄SO₂.

[0013] As described above, in one aspect the specification relates to a process for the preparation of a compound of formula 7,

[0014] where LG is a leaving group, and hal is a halide and is Cl, Br or I;

[0015] the process comprising:

• • [0016] conversion of a compound of formula 4 to form a compound of formula 5, where PG is a protecting group and hal is as defined above;

• • [0017] deprotecting the compound of formula 5 to form the compound of formula 6; and

• • [0018] converting or substituting the hydroxyl group of the compound of formula 6 to a leaving group LG, to form the compound of formula 7

wherein, LG is as defined above.

[0019] The process for the conversion of a compound of formula 4 to a compound of formula 5 is not particularly limited, and can take place by the addition of a halide, where the halide is Cl, Br or I. Different reagents can be used for the addition of the halide to the alkyne, depending upon the protecting group and the overall synthetic scheme. The reagent used for addition of the halide to the alkyne is not particularly limited, and should also be known to a person of skill in the art or can be determined. In one embodiment, for example and without limitation, a hydrogen halide or a borane reagent is used for addition of the halide to the alkyne. In a further embodiment, for example and without limitation, the hydrogen halide is HCl, HBr or HI. In another embodiment, for example and without limitation, the borane reagent is B-iodo-9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (B—I-9-BBN) or B-bromo-9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (B—Br-9-BBN).

[0020] A leaving group as disclosed herein is a molecular fragment or stable species that can be detached from a molecule in a bond-breaking step. The leaving group, in accordance with the specification, is not particularly limited and should be known to a person of skill in the art or can be determined. The ability of a leaving group to depart is correlated with the plc, of the conjugate acid, with lower plc, being associated with better leaving group ability. Examples of leaving group include, without limitation, halide or a sulfonate. Halides can include, for example, Cl, Br or I. Examples of sulfonates can include, without limitation, nonaflate, triflate, fluorosulfonate, tosylate, mesylate or besylate. In one embodiment, for example and without limitation, the leaving group is tosylate. In another embodiment, for example and without limitation, the leaving group is I.

[0021] The process for the conversion or substitution of the hydroxyl group of the compound of formula 6 to a leaving group, as described herein, to form the compound of formula 7, is not particularly limited, and should be known to a person of skill in the art or can be determined. In one embodiment, for example and without limitation, the hydroxyl group is converted into a leaving group by formation of, for example and without limitation, a sulfonate group. In another embodiment, for example and without limitation, the hydroxyl group undergoes substitution to form a leaving group, for example and without limitation, a halide.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the process for the conversion of the hydroxyl group into a sulfonate leaving group is not particularly limited, and should be known to a person of skill in the art or can be determined. In one embodiment, the hydroxyl group is converted into a tosylate. Scheme 1 discloses, as an embodiment, where the compound of formula 6a is reacted with tosyl chloride to form the compound of formula 8.

[0023] In another embodiment, the process for the substitution of the hydroxyl group into a leaving group is not particularly limited, and should be known to a person of skill in the art or can be determined. In one embodiment, the hydroxyl group is substituted by a halide, for example and without limitation, Cl, Br or I. Scheme 2 discloses, as an embodiment, where the compound of formula 6a is reacted with carbon tetraiodide and triphenylphosphine to form the compound of formula 7a.

[0024] In one embodiment, the compound of formula 4 is formed from a compound of formula 3, where PG is as described herein. In a further embodiment, a Corey-Fuchs type reaction, Seyferth-Gilbert homologation or a Bestmann modification is carried out on the compound of formula 3 to form the compound of formula 4.

[0025] The Corey-Fuchs reaction, also known as the Ramirez-Corey-Fuchs reaction is known in the art. The reaction results in the conversion of an aldehyde into an alkyne (Scheme 3). Without being bound to a particular theory, the reaction, generally involves reacting an aldehyde with carbon tetrabromide in the presence of triphenylphosphine (PPh₃) to form a dibromoalkene, which can undergo a metal-halogen exchange in the presence of a strong base, such as, for example and without limitation, butyl lithium. The reaction can then be quenched, for example and without limitation, with water or an alcohol to form an alkyne.

[0026] The Seyferth-Gilbert homologation or its Bestmann modification reactions are known in the art. These homologation reactions result in an increase of one additional carbon unit to the starting material, and similar to the Corey-Fuchs reactions, converts an aldehyde to an alkyne.

[0027] The Seyferth-Gilbert homologation reaction is shown in Scheme 4 (reaction shown for a ketone), and involves use of dimethyl(diazomethyl)phosphonate. The Bestmann modification (Scheme 5) of the reaction involves use of dimethyl-1-diazo-2-oxopropylphosphonate that yields dimethyl(diazomethyl)phosphonate in situ.

[0028] In an embodiment, modifications of the Corey-Fuchs, Seyferth-Gilbert or the Bestmann modification reaction can be used to carry out the reaction, so long as the reaction results in the formation of the alkyne. In a further embodiment, other reactions may be used to convert an aldehyde, ketone, ester, anhydride, ester or other analogs into the desired alkyne. In a still further embodiment, the compound of formula 3 is reacted with dimethyl-1-diazo-2-oxopropylphosphonate to form the compound of formula 4.

[0029] In one embodiment, the compound of formula 3 can be prepared, as shown in Scheme 6, from the compound of formula 1. In a further embodiment, the compound of formula 1 is a (R)-(−)-3-hydroxy-2-methylpropionic acid methyl ester (Roche ester) 1a (where R is methyl) that can be commercially available in high enantiomeric purity (ca. 99.9% e.e.) or can be prepared. The use of a high enantiomeric purity of a starting material can help to obtain the compound of formula 3, and from thereon, the compound of formula 7, in high enantiomeric excess. In one embodiment, for example and without limitation, the enantiomeric purity of any one of the compounds of formula 2 to 8 is about 99.0%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3% 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%, 99.9% e.e. or any values in between.

[0030] As shown in Scheme 6, the process involves protecting the hydroxyl group of the compound of formula 1 to form the compound of formula 2, followed by reducing the carbonyl carbon of the compound of formula 2 to form the compound of formula 3.

[0031] The R group in the compound of formula 1 is not particularly limited, and should be known to a person of skill in the art or can be determined. In one embodiment, the R group is an alkyl group or an aryl group. The length of the alkyl group or the number of atoms in the alkyl group or the aryl group are not particularly limited, and should be known to a person of skill in the art or can be determined. In one embodiment, for example and without limitation, the alkyl group is a C_1-6 alkyl. In another embodiment, for example and without limitation, the aryl group is a C_6-14 aryl.

[0032] The term C_1-6 alkyl in accordance with the specification is not particularly limited and should be known to a person of skill in the art. The C_1-6 alkyl may be, for example, and without limitation, any straight or branched alkyl, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, i-pentyl, sec-pentyl, t-pentyl, n-hexyl, i-hexyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, 2-ethylpropyl, 1-methyl-2-ethylpropyl, 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl, 1,1,2-trimethylpropyl, 1,1,2-triethylpropyl, 1,1-dimethylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 2-ethylbutyl, 1,3-dimethylbutyl, 2-methylpentyl or 3-methylpentyl.

[0033] The term aryl in accordance with the specification is not particularly limited and should be known to a person of skill in the art. The term “aryl” refers to aromatic groups which have at least one ring having a conjugated-electron system and includes carbocyclic aryl, heterocyclic aryl (also known as heteroaryl groups) and biaryl groups, all of which may be optionally substituted. The aryl groups can include, for example and without limitation, six to fourteen atoms. Examples of aryl group can include, without limitation, phenyl, pyridyl or naphthyl.

[0034] The protecting group (PG) as described herein and used to protect the hydroxyl group of the compound of formula 1 is not particularly limited and should be known to a person of skill in the art or can be determined. In one embodiment, the protecting group used is, for example and without limitation, an ether-based or a silyl-based protecting group.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the ether-based protecting group is, for example and without limitation, benzyl (Bn), 2-methoxyethoxymethyl (MEM), trityl (Tr), monomethoxytrityl (MMT), dimethoxytrityl (DMT), methoxymethyl (MOM), p-methoxybenzyl (PMB) or tetrahydropyranyl (THP). Process for removing ether-based protecting groups is not particularly limited, and should be known to a person of skill in the art or can be determined. In one embodiment, for example and without limitation, ether-based protecting groups can be removed by use of an acid-deprotection step or by hydrogenation.

[0036] In another embodiment, the silyl-based protecting group is, for example and without limitation, tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS), tri-iso-propylsilyloxymethyl (TOM), triisopropylsilyl (TIPS) or tert-butyldiphenylsilyl (TBDPS). In a still further embodiment, the protecting group is tert-butyldiphenylsilyl (TBDPS). Process for removing silyl-based protecting groups is not particularly limited, and should be known to a person of skill in the art or can be determined. In one embodiment, for example and without limitation, silyl-based protecting groups are removed by use of a fluoride source. The fluoride source is not particularly limited, and should be known to a person of skill in the art or can be determined. In a further embodiment, the fluoride source is, for example and without limitation, sodium fluoride (NaF), tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF), pyridinium hydrofluoride (HF-Py) or triethylammonium fluoride (HF-NEt₃).

[0037] The reduction of the ester of formula 2 can be carried out using a reducing agent, which should be known to a person of skill in the art or can be determined. The reducing agents used in accordance with the specification are not particularly limited. In one embodiment, for example and without limitation, the reducing agent provides a hydride ion to the carbon atom of the carbonyl group in the compound of formula 2. In a further embodiment, the reagent used to provide the hydride ion is, for example and without limitation, diisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAL) or sodium aluminum hydride (NaAlH₄).

[0038] As noted above, in another aspect, the specification relates to a compound of formula 8, wherein Ts is a tosylate CH₃C₆H₄SO₂

[0039] In one embodiment, the overall process for the preparation of compounds of formula 7a and 8, starting from the compound of formula 1 is as shown in Scheme 7.

[0040] Scheme 7 discloses, in an embodiment, the process for preparation of compounds of formula 7a and 8 (compound 8 is a specific embodiment of the compound of formula 7) starting from the (R)-(−)-3-hydroxy-2-methylpropionic acid methyl ester (Roche ester) 1a, which can be commercially available in high enantiomeric excess. The use of 1a can help in obtaining compounds of formula 7 in high enantiomeric excess, using the process as described herein.

[0041] In brief, the hydroxyl group of the Roche ester 1a is protected with a silyl-protecting group, such as tert-butyldiphenylsilyl (TBDPS) using tert-butyldiphenylsilyl chloride (TBDPSCl) to form the compound of formula 2a. Reduction of the protected ester 2a with a hydride source, such as diisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAL) can lead to, depending upon the conditions and reagents used, the 1,3-mono-protected alcohol or the compound of formula 3a. The 1,3-mono-protected can be oxidized, for instance by Swern oxidation to form the compound of formula 3a. The protected aldehyde 3a can be converted to the alkyne 4a, using conditions as disclosed herein, followed by addition of the halide, such as I, to form the compound of formula 5a. Using a fluoride source, the compound of formula 5a is desilylated to form the compound of formula 6a. To form the compound of formula 7a, the compound of formula 6a can be reacted with I—PPh₃ (that can be formed from I₂, PPh₃). Alternatively, the compound of formula 6a can be reacted with tosyl chloride (TsCl) to form the compound of formula 8.

[0042] 1. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula 7,

[0043] where LG is a leaving group, and hal is a halide and is Cl, Br or I;

[0044] the process containing:

• • [0045] conversion of a compound of formula 4 to form a compound of formula 5, where PG is a protecting group and hal is as defined above;

• • [0046] deprotecting the compound of formula 5 to form the compound of formula 6; and

• • [0047] converting or substituting the hydroxyl group of the compound of formula 6 to a leaving group LG, to form the compound of formula 7

[0048] wherein, LG is as defined above.

[0049] 2. The process according to embodiment 1, wherein the compound of formula 4 is formed from a compound of formula 3

[0050] 3. The process according to embodiment 2, wherein a Corey-Fuchs type reaction, Seyferth-Gilbert homologation or a Bestmann modification is carried out on the compound of formula 3 to form the compound of formula 4.

[0051] 4. The process according to embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the compound of formula 3 is reacted with dimethyl-1-diazo-2-oxopropylphosphonate to form the compound of formula 4.

[0052] 5. The process according to any one of embodiments 2 to 4, wherein the compound of formula 3 is formed by

• • [0053] protecting the hydroxyl group of the compound of formula 1, wherein R is an alkyl or an aryl group, to form the compound of formula 2; and

• • [0054] reducing the carbonyl carbon of the compound of formula 2 to form the compound of formula 3

[0055] 6. The process according to embodiment 5, wherein R is methyl.

[0056] 7. The process according to embodiment 5 or 6, wherein the reduction reaction is carried out using a hydride source.

[0057] 8. The process according to embodiment 7, wherein the hydride source is diisobutylalumium hydride (DIBAL).

[0058] 9. The process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the compound of formula 4 is reacted with B—I-9-BBN or B—Br-9-BBN to form the compound of formula 5.

[0059] 10. The process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein LG is a halide.

[0060] 11. The process according to embodiment 10, wherein the halide is I.

[0061] 12. The process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein LG is a sulfonate-based leaving group.

[0062] 13. The process according to embodiment 12, wherein the sulfonate-based leaving group is nonaflate, triflate, fluorosulfonate, tosylate, mesylate or besylate.

[0063] 14. The process according to embodiment 12 or 13, wherein the leaving group is a tosylate.

[0064] 15. The process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein PG is an ether-based or a silyl-based protecting group.

[0065] 16. The process according to embodiment 15, wherein the silyl-based protecting group is tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS), tri-iso-propylsilyloxymethyl (TOM), triisopropylsilyl (TIPS) or tert-butyldiphenylsilyl (TBDPS).

[0066] 17. The process according to embodiment 15 or 16, wherein the silyl-based protecting group is tert-butyldiphenylsilyl (TBDPS).

[0067] 18. The process according to embodiment 15, wherein the ether-based protecting group is benzyl (Bn), 2-methoxyethoxymethyl (MEM), trityl (Tr), monomethoxytrityl (MMT), dimethoxytrityl (DMT), methoxymethyl (MOM), p-methoxybenzyl (PMB) or tetrahydropyranyl (THP).

[0068] 19. The compound of formula 8

[0069] wherein Ts is a tosylate CH₃C₆H₄SO₂.

[0070] 20. A compound of formula 7,

[0071] where LG is a leaving group, and hal is a halide and is Cl, Br or I, having an enantiomeric excess of 99% or greater.

[0072] 21. The compound according to embodiment 20, wherein LG is a halide or a sulfonate-based leaving group.

[0073] 22. The compound according to embodiment 20 or 21, wherein the halide is Cl, Br or I.

[0074] 23. The compound according to embodiment 20 or 21, wherein the halide is I.

[0075] 24. The compound according to embodiment 20 or 21, wherein the sulfonate-based leaving group is nonaflate, triflate, fluorosulfonate, tosylate, mesylate or besylate.

[0076] 25. The compound according to embodiment 20 or 21, wherein the sulfonate-based leaving group is tosylate.

[0077] 26. The compound according to any one of embodiments 20 to 25, wherein the enantiomeric excess (ee) is 99.9%.

[0078] 27. A process for the preparation of Halichondrin B or its derivatives, comprising the method as defined in any one of embodiments 1-18.

[0079] 28. A process for the preparation of Halichondrin B or its derivatives, comprising reacting the compound as defined in any one of claims 20 to 26.

[0080] The following examples are illustrative and non-limiting, and represent specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0081]

[0082] A solution of ester 1a (25.0 g) in 235 mL dichloromethane was stirred magnetically under nitrogen in a 1 L three-necked round bottomed flask. To this solution was added 18.7 g of imidazole and the resultant mixture stirred until all contents had completely dissolved. The resultant clear colorless solution was then cooled in an ice bath to 5° C., after which 55 mL of neat tert-butyldiphenylsilylchloride (TBDPSCl, 58.2 g, 211.6 mmol, 1.0 equivalents) was added in two portions (30 mL and 25 mL) over 15 minutes. The solution was observed to haze gradually, and then grow cloudy with a white crystalline suspended precipitate. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis (10% v/v EtOAc in heptane, AMCS and KMnO₄ stains) showed disappearance of TBDPSC1 after 90 minutes, and an NMR of an aliquot showed disappearance of compound 1a after this time. After 2 hours 200 mL of 5% w/w aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution was added to the round-bottomed flask and allowed to stir at room temperature for 15 minutes, after which the mixture was separated, and the aqueous layer extracted with 100 mL dichloromethane. The organics were then combined and washed with 2×200 mL brine, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give 2a as a light yellow oil (74.05 g, 98% yield).

[0083]

[0084] A solution of ester 1a (211 g) in dichloromethane (1.5 L) was cooled to −20° C., after which imidazole (159 g) was added. Once all reagents had dissolved, neat tert-butyldiphenylsilylchloride (520 g) was added dropwise, keeping the reaction temperature below 0° C. The reaction was allowed to warm up to room temperature and, after agitating overnight, it was quenched with ice-cold water (600 mL). The layers were separated, and the organic phase was dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give crude compound 2a (690 g) as a yellow oil, which was directly used in the next step without any further purification.

[0085]

[0086] A solution of ester 2a (20.0 g) in dichloromethane (300 mL) was cooled to −70° C., after which a solution of diisobutylaluminum hydride (1M in dichloromethane, 68 mL) was added dropwise so that the temperature of the reaction did not exceed −65° C. during the addition. After agitating for 1 h, methanol (2.7 mL) was added all at once, and the solution was allowed to warm to room temperature. A saturated aqueous solution of sodium potassium tartrate (300 mL) was added, and the biphasic mixture was vigorously agitated for another hour. The layers were separated, and the aqueous phase extracted 3 times with dichloromethane (50 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (100 mL), dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the desired aldehyde 3a (17.4 g) as a thick, clear, colorless oil, which was directly used in the next step without any further purification.

[0087]

[0088] A solution of compound 2a (200 g) in dichloromethane (2.0 L) was cooled to −70° C., after which a solution of diisobutylaluminum hydride (1M in dichloromethane, 1.18 L) was added dropwise so that the temperature of the reaction did not exceed −60° C. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm up to −20° C. and was then quenched by dropwise addition of aqueous pH 7 buffer solution (270 mL).

[0089] After agitating overnight, the reaction mixture was filtered, and the residue washed with dichloromethane (1.0 L). The combined filtrates were concentrated under reduced pressure to give the desired alcohol (176 g) as a light yellow oil, which was dissolved dichloromethane (1.0 L) to form Solution A.

[0090] A solution of oxalyl chloride (70 mL) in dichloromethane (1.6 L) was cooled to −70° C., after which DMSO (76 mL) was added dropwise so that the temperature of the reaction did not exceed −60° C. After 20 min. agitation, Solution A was added dropwise so that the temperature of the reaction did not exceed −55° C. The reaction mixture was agitated for 30 min. and triethylamine (374 mL) was then added, also dropwise to ensure that the temperature of the reaction did not exceed −55° C. The reaction was agitated for 2 h at −60° C., then warmed up to −40° C. and quenched by addition of saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution (1.0 L) and water (1.0 L). The phases were separated and the organic layer was sequentially washed with water (1.3 L) and brine (1.3 L), then concentrated under reduced pressure to give aldehyde 3a (183 g) as a yellow oil, which was directly used in the next step without any further purification.

[0091]

[0092] A solution of (1-diazo-2-oxo-propyl)-phosphonic acid dimethyl ester (13.0 g, 67.6 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (235 mL) was cooled to −70° C. while being magnetically stirred under nitrogen. Then 135.3 ml of a 0.5 M solution of sodium methoxide in methanol was added dropwise to the stirred solution over 30 minutes. After addition was complete a solution of the aldehyde 3a (9.2 g, 28.2 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (134 mL) was added dropwise to the stirred solution over 30 minutes. After addition was complete the resulting solution was permitted to slowly warm to room temperature over a period of 30 minutes, after which it was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. TLC analysis at this point showed presence of product. The stirred solution was quenched with 100 mL 5% w/w aqueous NaHCO₃ solution and then concentrated under reduced pressure to ˜50% of its original volume by visual inspection. This mixture was then extracted 6×50 mL methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). The organic extracts were combined, washed with 200 mL brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give 8.4 g of crude product. This was then chromatographed on silica gel using 5% v/v ethyl acetate in heptane to give 8.0 g (88% yield) of pure product 4a.

[0093]

[0094] A solution of (1-diazo-2-oxo-propyl)-phosphonic acid dimethyl ester (248 g) in tetrahydrofuran (2.0 L) was cooled to −70° C., and a mixture of NaOMe solution (25% w/w in MeOH, 295 mL) and anhydrous methanol (300 mL) was added dropwise, keeping the reaction temperature below −60° C. The reaction was agitated at −70° C. for 1 h, after which a solution of the aldehyde 3a (183 g) in tetrahydrofuran (700 mL) was added dropwise, keeping the reaction temperature below −60° C. The resulting reaction mixture was allowed to slowly warm to 10° C., after which it was quenched with a mixture of saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (700 mL) and water (1.4 L). After dilution with tert-butyl methyl ether (1.4 L), the layers were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted once with tert-butyl methyl ether (1.4 L). The combined organic layers were washed twice with brine (1.4 L), concentrated under reduced pressure and applied to a silica gel pad (150 g). Elution with heptane followed by concentration under reduced pressure gave alkyne 4a (141 g) as colorless oil.

[0095]

[0096] A solution of 4a (2.0 g, 3.1 mmol) in 40 mL heptane was cooled to −20° C. in a dichloroethane/dry ice bath with magnetic stirring under nitrogen. To this solution was added dropwise 7.4 mL (1.2 eq) of a 1M solution of B-iodo-9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (B—I-9-BBN) in hexanes over ten minutes. The solution was then allowed to warm to 0° C. by replacement of the cooling bath to one with ice. After 1 hour an aliquot was collected and treated with acetic acid. NMR analysis of the aliquot showed presence of the desired product and disappearance of the starting material. After 90 minutes 2.4 mL of neat glacial acetic acid was added to the solution, which was allowed to stir at 0° C. for 1 hour. The resulting solution was then allowed to warm to room temperature over 30 minutes before 100 mL of 5% w/w aqueous sodium bicarbonate was slowly added to the reaction mixture, and then placed in a separatory funnel, washed with 100 mL of 1M aqueous sodium thiosulphate solution, washed with 100 mL brine, dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give 4.0 g of a pale yellow oil. This oil was chromatographed on silica gel using 5% v/v ethyl acetate solution in heptane to give 2.6 g (94% yield) of product 5a.

[0097]

[0098] A solution of 4a (140 g) in heptane (2.8 L) was cooled to −40° C. and a solution of B-iodo-9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (1M in hexanes, 520 mL) was added dropwise, keeping the reaction temperature below −30° C. The reaction was further agitated for 1 h, after which glacial acetic acid (37 mL) was added to the solution dropwise, keeping the reaction temperature below −15° C. The resulting reaction mixture was allowed to warm to 0° C., and was then quenched with an aqueous solution of NaHCO₃ (72 g) in water (1.4 L). The phases were separated and the organic layer was sequentially washed with water (1.5 L) and brine (1.0 L), then concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue (274 g) was dissolved in heptane (500 mL) and applied to a silica gel column (500 g). Elution with heptane gave iodide 5a (185 g) as a colorless oil.

[0099]

[0100] To a cooled solution of 5a (1 g) in dichloromethane (5 mL) was added a solution of hydrogen fluoride in pyridine (70% w/w, 0.6 mL). The reaction mixture was then allowed to warm slowly to room temperature, and agitated for 18 hours. The reaction mixture was quenched with aqueous NaHCO₃ solution (5% w/w, 10 mL), the phases were separated and the organic layer was washed with brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and filtered. To the filtrate was then added of p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (0.64 g), triethylamine (0.38 mL), and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (0.07 g). The reaction was heated for 16 hours, after which it was diluted with dichloromethane (10 mL), then sequentially washed with aqueous HCl (1M, 10 mL), twice with aqueous sodium bicarbonate (5% w/w, 10 mL) and brine (10 mL). After drying sodium sulphate, the organic layer was filtered, concentrated under reduced pressure and chromatographed on silica gel using 5% v/v ethyl acetate in heptane as the eluent to give compound 8 (0.5 g).

[0101]

[0102] A solution of compound 5a (185 g) in tetrahydrofuran (925 mL) was cooled to 5° C., after which a solution of tetrabutylammonium fluoride (1M in tetrahydrofuran, 452 mL) was added dropwise so that the temperature of the reaction did not exceed 10° C. The reaction was warmed up to room temperature and agitated for 4 h, after which it was quenched with saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution (60 mL). The layers were separated and the organic phase was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was applied to a silica gel column (870 g) and eluted with a gradient 0-20% v/v ethyl acetate in cyclohexane, followed by another gradient 10-20% v/v ethyl acetate in dichloromethane. All product containing fractions were concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was applied to another silica gel column (100 g) and eluted with a gradient 20-67% v/v dichloromethane in cyclohexane, giving the desired alcohol 6a (79 g) as a light yellow oil.

[0103]

[0104] To a solution of 8 (0.075 g) in acetone (1 mL) was added sodium iodide (0.124 g). The reaction mixture was agitated at 50° C. for 16 hours, after which it was diluted with pentane (10 mL). The resulting suspension was filtered and the residue rinsed with pentane. The combined filtrates were sequentially washed with 1M aqueous sodium thiosulphate solution and brine, then dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under atmospheric pressure. The residue was chromatographed using heptane as the eluent to give of compound 7a as a light pink oil (0.054 g).

[0105]

[0106] A solution of compound 6a (2.0 g) and triphenylphosphine (2.72 g) in dichloromethane (45 mL) was cooled to 5° C. and solid N-iodosuccinimide (NIS, 2.33 g) was added in portions so that the temperature of the reaction did not exceed 10° C. The reaction was warmed up to room temperature and agitated overnight, after which it was quenched with water (40 mL). The phases were separated and the organic layer was washed twice with water (40 mL) and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was suspended in cyclohexane (40 mL), filtered and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and the resulting oil was applied to a silica gel column (12 g) and eluted with cyclohexane to give compound 7a (1.7 g) as a colorless liquid.

[0107]

[0108] To a solution of compound 6a (20.0 g) and triphenylphosphine (29.7 g) in toluene (400 mL) was mixed with a solution of imidazole (15.4 g) in acetonitrile (100 mL) and to the resulting mixture was added solid iodine (28.7 g), in portions so that the temperature of the reaction did not exceed 30° C. The resulting suspension was warmed up to 55° C. and agitated at that temperature until the reaction was complete. The reaction mixture was washed twice with water (400 mL), followed by 10% w/w aqueous sodium thiosulphate solution (200 mL) and brine (400 mL). The organic phase was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was suspended in cyclohexane (400 mL). The mixture was filtered, the solids washed with cyclohexane (200 mL) and the combined filtrates were concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was applied to a silica gel column (100 g) and eluted with cyclohexane to give compound 7a (21.2 g) as a colorless liquid.

[0109]

[0110] A solution of triphenylphosphine (4.31 g) in anhydrous dichloromethane (5.5 mL) was cooled to −10° C. and a solution of carbon tetrabromide (2.72 g) in anhydrous dichloromethane (2.05 mL) was added in one portion. After the solution returned to −10° C., a solution of compound 3a (1.34 g) in anhydrous dichloromethane (3.15 mL) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was agitated for 4 hours at −10° C., after which it was quenched with aqueous NaHCO₃ solution (5% w/w, 10 mL). The phases were separated, and the organic layer was sequentially washed with water (10 mL) and brine (10 mL), then dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, using as eluent a gradient 0-5% v/v ethyl acetate in heptane, to give compound 9a (1.3 g).

[0111]

[0112] To a stirred solution of compound 9a (1.0 g) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran cooled to −70° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath was added dropwise a solution of n-butyllithium 2.5M in hexane, 2.1 mL. The reaction was agitated at −70° C. for 90 minutes, after which it was warmed up to 0° C. and quenched with saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution (5 mL). The reaction mixture was diluted with heptane (50 mL), and sequentially washed with 5% w/w aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (100 mL) and brine (100 mL). The organic phase was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give a clear colorless oil (0.9 g). This was then chromatographed on silica gel, using as eluent a gradient 5-40% v/v ethyl acetate in heptane, to yield compound 4a (0.52 g).

[0113] Certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments can be made. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive.