New and Practical Synthesis of Montelukast Sodium, an Antiasthmatic Drug

Abstract

A new and practical synthesis of montelukast sodium, an antiasthmatic drug, is described. The key steps are the synthesis of nitrile derivative 4 by chiral reduction of keto ester 9 using (−)-DIP-Cl, synthesis of vinylquinoline framework 16 by Wittig reaction, and Heck coupling of nitrile 4 with vinylquinoline 16. The method is operationally simple and suitable for the industrial production of the drug substance.

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GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Antiasthmatic
• chiral reduction
• Heck coupling
• leukotriene
• montelukast

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors are thankful to the management of Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited and the colleagues of the Research and Development Department for their constant encouragement and excellent cooperation.