Large-scale Negishi coupling as applied to the synthesis of PDE472, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 4D

5-[2-Methoxy-5-(4-pyridinyl)phenyl]-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (PDE472) is a selective inhibitor of the phosphodiesterase PDE4D isoenzyme, which is a recognised drug target for the treatment of asthma. Different synthetic routes to PDE472 were investigated, and the research synthesis was optimised to prepare a phase I batch on pilot-plant scale with the focus on the elimination or minimization of inherent process risks. An important refinement of the key Negishi aryl-aryl coupling involved preforming the arylpalladium complex, which was then added to the arylzinc intermediate. Residual palladium was removed from PDE472 via crystallization of the hemi-maleate salt, which afforded drug-substance containing < 2 ppm Pd.