Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridines: synthetic approaches to a novel class of antiherpetics

Synthesis of a novel class of 7-amino-3-pyrimidinyl-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine antiherpetic compounds is described. The synthetic methodology is designed to allow for rapid analog synthesis around the C-3 and C-7 positions of the pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine. The 7-chloropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine D, produced through an azirine rearrangement, served as a key building block. Two complementary methodologies for construction of the C-3 pyrimidine are described. These methods include the development of a novel cyclization utilizing alkynyl ketones or enones to give highly substituted pyrimidines. The outlined strategies facilitated late stage manipulation of either the C-3 or C-7 positions providing flexibility for rapid analog synthesis. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.