Asymmetric Synthesis of Letermovir Using a Novel Phase-Transfer-Catalyzed Aza-Michael Reaction

The development of a concise asymmetric synthesis of the antiviral development candidate letermovir is reported, proceeding in >60% yield over a total of seven steps from commercially available materials. Key to the effectiveness of this process is a novel cinchonidine-based PTC-catalyzed aza-Michael reaction to configure the single stereocenter.