Synthetic route to compounds 1–3. Reagents and conditions: (a) HATU, Et3N, DMF; (b) TFA, CH2Cl2, 4 h, 77%; (c) MeONa, MeOH, 0–25 °C, 89%; (d) 2-fluoro-5-formylbenzonitrile, TEA, THF, 10–20 °C, 84%; (e) i. NaOH, H2O, 90 °C. ii. N2H2·H2O, 70 °C. iii. 2 M HCl, H2O, r. t. 73%.