Synthesis of the Target Reboxetine Analogs 1, 2, 3, and 4a
aReagents and conditions: (a) NaH, DMF, rt, 2 h; I2, THF, 0 °C to rt, 30 min. (b) TFA, CH2Cl2, 0 °C to rt, 2 h. (c) Cr(CO)6, n-Bu2O, THF, reflux, 60 h. (d) DIAD, PPh3, THF, 0 °C to rt, 48 h. (e) CBr4, PPh3, CH2Cl2, 0 °C to rt, 30 min. (f) 2-methylbenzenethiol, Cs2CO3, DMF, 95 °C, 18 h.