Alectinib Synthesis through Formal α‑Arylation of Enone

A new synthetic route for the synthesis of Alectinib,
which is
used as an adjuvant and first line of treatment in ALK-positive non-small
cell lung cancer, is reported. The developed route starts from readily
available starting materials (4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyric acid or 2-ethyl
anisole) and employs Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling and reductive
cyclization as key steps. Good yield and no regioisomeric mixture
formation are the key highlights of this route.