APIs synthesis using enabling technologies: approaches involving electrosynthesis and photocatalysis under continuous flow conditions

Abstract

In this project we propose the continuous flow syntheses of 3 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs): i) ibuprofen; ii) cannabidiol; iii) axitinib (Figure i). In subproject (i) - ibuprofen synthesis - we intend to study the iodination of isobutylbenzene via electrosynthesis to then convert the iodinated intermediate into ibuprofen after two photocatalytic steps, similar to a methodology that was recently developed in our laboratory. In subproject (ii) - synthesis of cannabidiol - we intend to study the scale-up of the recently published protocol (a partnership with our team) which involves the production of p-menta-2,8-dien-1-ol from limonene using oxygen singlet. The continuous synthesis of olivetol and its derivatives will also be studied to later prepare cannabidiol. In subproject (iii) we intend to invest efforts in the synthesis of axitinib through an unprecedented and challenging multi-step route, involving two photocatalyzed steps. In general, with this project, we seek to value the efforts and results of our team obtained in recent years, applying knowledge and solutions in the synthesis of relevant molecules. It is worth mentioning that this project is fully connected with the high technologies and current demands of society, providing high-level training to students in a very required field (Flow Chemistry). (AU)