Fit-for-Purpose Development of the Enabling Route to Crizotinib (PF-02341066)

A robust six-step process for the synthesis of crizotinib, a novel c-Met/ALK inhibitor currently in phase III clinical trials, has been developed and used to deliver over 100 kg of API. The process includes a Mitsunobu reaction, a chemoselective reduction of an arylnitro group, and a Suzuki coupling, all of which required optimization to ensure successful scale-up. Conducting the Mitsunobu reaction in toluene and then crystallizing the product from ethanol efficiently purged the reaction byproduct. A chemoselective arylnitro reduction and subsequent bromination reaction afforded the key intermediate 6. A highly selective Suzuki reaction between 6 and pinacol boronate 8, followed by Boc deprotection, completed the synthesis of crizotinib 1.