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Updated: May 23, 2026

Synthesis of Antiviral Tetrahydrocarbazole Derivatives by Photochemical and Acid-catalyzed C-H Functionalization via Intermediate Peroxides (CHIPS)
Published on: June 20, 2014
Synthesis of the HCV protease inhibitor Vaniprevir (MK-7009) using ring-closing metathesis strategy
Jongrock Kong1, Cheng-yi Chen, Jaume Balsells-Padros
1Department of Process Research, Merck Research Laboratory, Rahway, New Jersey 07065, USA. jongrock_kong@merck.com
Abstract:
A highly efficient synthesis of Vaniprevir (MK-7009) has been accomplished in nine linear steps and 55% overall yield. The key features of this synthesis include a cost-effective synthesis of the isoindoline subunit and efficient construction of the 20-membered macrocyclic core of Vaniprevir (MK-7009) utilizing ring-closing metathesis technology. A high-performing ring-closing metathesis protocol has been achieved by simultaneous slow addition of the ruthenium catalyst (0.2 mol %) and the diene substrate at a concentration of 0.13 M.
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