Synthesis of ethyl 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(2-furyl)-4-oxazoleacetate, a hypolipidemic agent, and related compounds

A series of 2-aryl and 2-alkyl derivatives of 5-furyl-4-oxazoleacetic acid and their homologues having alkyl groups at the alpha-position of the acids were synthesized and evaluated for their hypolipidemic activities in Sprague-Dawley rats. On the basis of the structure-activity relationships and subacute toxicities, ethyl 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(2-furyl)-4-oxazoleacetate (35) was selected as a candidate compound for development. Compound 35 reduced serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 23% and 35%, respectively, at a dose of 0.05% in a diet in normal rats, and it was about 10 times more active in hereditary hyperlipidemic rats (THLR/1) than in normal rats. Compound 35 inhibited platelet aggregation in vitro and also normalized hyperaggregability of hyperlipidemic plasma platelet ex vivo.