Asymmetric Synthesis of Letermovir Using a Novel Phase Transfer Catalyzed Aza Michael Reaction
The development of a concise asymmetric synthesis of the antiviral development candidate letermovir is reported, proceeding in >60% yield over a total of seven steps from commercially available materials. Key to the effectiveness of this process is a novel cinchonidine based PTC catalyzed aza Michael reaction to configure the single stereocenter.