Asymmetric synthesis of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor torcetrapib

Previously our group reported synthetic efforts used to synthesize kilogram quantities of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor torcetrapib, 1, via a mid-stage resolution. This account describes research conducted to develop an asymmetric route to this clinical candidate suitable for long-term manufacturing. The first asymmetric center is established via coupling of (R)-3-aminopentanenitrile to a trifluoromethylarene. After elaboration of the nitrile to a suitable precursor, a key step in the synthesis is diastereoselective cyclization of immonium ion 7 to provide the tetrahydroquinoline core. This approach also permitted a streamlined sequence to complete the synthesis of 1. Development of the process and synthetic rationale are described.