A Convergent and Straightforward Synthetic Method to Prepare Deaza-Analogs of Squalene Epoxidase Inhibitors

a general route to deaza-analogs of squalene epoxidase inhibitors of general formula A is described using a very convergent synthetic scheme illustrated by the preparation of compound 2b. A Heck reaction, and an enolate condensation with an appropriate electrophile are the key steps of the expedient elaboration of 2b or analogs.