Scheme 3. Synthesis of Nirmatrelvir Derivatives Bearing an Internal Alkyne.
Reagents and conditions: (a) aryl iodide, CuI (5 mol %), PdCl2(PPh3)2 (2.5 mol %), NEt3/THF, 80 °C, 46% (25a) or 44% (25b); (b) HCl (4 M in dioxane), CH2Cl2, rt, app. quant.; (c) 12,1 COMU,55 NMM, DMF/CH2Cl2, 0 °C to rt, 17% (27a) or 11% (27b); (d) TMSCF3, CuI, K2CO3, N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA), DMF, rt, air, 26%.