A novel convergent synthesis of the antiglaucoma PGF2α analogue bimatoprost

The 17-phenyl PGF(2α) analogue bimatoprost (10a) is the most efficacious ocular hypotensive agent currently available for the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension. A novel convergent synthesis of 13,14-en-15-ol prostamideF(2α) analogues was developed employing Julia-Lythgoe olefination of the structurally advanced phenylsulfone (+)-(5Z)-15 with an enantiomerically pure aldehyde ω-chain synthon (-)-(S)-16a. Subsequent hydrolysis of protecting groups and final amidation of the diol 26a yielded bimatoprost (10a). The main advantage of the current strategy is the preparation of high-purity bimatoprost (10a). The novel convergent strategy allows the synthesis of a whole series of 13,14-en-15-ol prostamideF(2α) analogues with the desired C-15 asymmetric center configuration from a common and structurally advanced prostaglandin intermediate (+)-(5Z)-15. The preparation and identification of two synthetic impurities, 15-epi isomer (10b) of bimatoprost and a new prostaglandin related amide (+)-(5Z)-18, are also described.