METHOD FOR PREPARING (3S,4S)-4-((R)-2-(BENZYLOXY)TRIDECYL)-3-HEXYL-2-OXETANONE AND NOVEL INTERMEDIATE USED THEREFOR

摘要

Disclosed herein is a method for preparing (3S,4S)-4-(R))-2-(benzyloxy)tridecyl)-3-hexyl-2-oxetanone of formula I comprising i) treating the compound of formula IV with a metal hydroxide in a solvent to prepare a compound of formula III; ii) treating the compound of formula III with a benzylation reagent in a solvent in the presence of a base to prepare the compound of formula II; and iii) subjecting the compound of formula II to a cyclization reaction to obtain the compound of formula I. The compound of formula I is well known for its usefulness as an intermediate for the preparation of tetrahydrolipstatin (orlistat).