Methods for the synthesis of 13c labeled dha and use as a reference standard

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METHODS FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF ¹³C LABELED DHA AND USE AS A REFERENCE STANDARD

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods for the chemical synthesis of fatty acids, and specifically, to 5 methods for the chemical synthesis of ¹³C labeled fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 unsaturated fatty acid, containing a chain-terminating carboxylic acid group and six cis-double bonds in a 22-carbon straight chain. Its trivial name is cervonic acid, its systematic name is all-cis-docosa-4,7,10,13,16,19-hexa-enoic acid, and its shorthand name is 22:6w3 in the nomenclature of fatty acids. Its chemical structure can be represented as follows:

<img file="CA2812432C_D0001.tif" />

4 7 10 13 16 19

DHA is essential for the growth, functional development and healthy maintenance of brain function and is required throughout life from infancy through aging (Horrocks, L. A. and Y. K. Yeo.

Pharmacol. Res. 40(3):211-225 (1999)). It is derived from the essential precursor linolenic acid (LNA, 18:3w3). DHA is the main end-product of LNA after successive desaturations and elongations, a metabolic cascade that is assumed to be weak in humans (Burdge GC, Jones AE, Wootton SA (2002) Eicosapentaenoic and docosapentaenoic acids are the principal products of alphalinolenic acid metabolism in young men. Br J Nutr 88:355-363; Brenna JT, Salem N Jr,

Sinclair AJ, Cunnane SC (2009) Alphalinolenic acid supplementation and conversion to n-3 longchain polyunsaturated fatty acids in humans. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 80:85-91).

DHA has been attributed to physiological effects such as blood lipid reduction, anticoagulant effect, carcinostatic effect, and improvement in visual functions. DHA was found to inhibit growth of human colon carcinoma cells (Kato T, Hancock RL, Mohammadpour H, McGregor B, Manalo P,

Khaiboullina S, Hall MR, Pardini L, Pardini RS (2002). Influence of omega-3 fatty acids on the growth of human colon carcinoma in nude mice. Cancer Lett. 187 (1-2): 169-77). Dietary DHA may reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing the level of blood triglycerides in humans. Further, DHA deficiencies are associated with fetal alcohol syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity

CA 02812432 2013-04-12 disorder, cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria, unipolar depression, aggressive hostility and adrenoleukodystrophy. In contrast, increased intake of DHA has been shown to be beneficial or have a positive effect in inflammatory disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), Type II diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, depression, myocardial infarction, thrombosis, some cancers and for prevention of the onset of degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (US 7,550,286 B2).

Due to its various physiological effects, DHA is also administered as a dietary supplement.

However, the mechanism of action as well as the fate of DHA in the body is still not completely understood. Therefore, it is of interest to study the metabolism of DHA in the body. Also, if DHA is to be administered as a dietary supplement, the fate of the DHA supplement administered needs to be known.

Thus developing stable metabolic tracers for DHA is needed. To this end, C labeled DHA has been utilized as a metabolic tracer to study the uptake and metabolism of DHA. Further, ¹³C labeled DHA was also used to study the placental transfer of DHA from mother to fetus (In vivo investigation of the placental transfer of (13)C-labeled fatty acids in humans. Larqué

E, Demmelmair H, Berger B, Hasbargen U and Koletzko B.; J Lipid Res. 44(1):49-55(2003)).

Currently known methods of producing C labeled DHA include biosynthetic production. In such methods, micro-organisms capable of producing DHA are cultured on ¹³C labeled precursors for DHA such as ^l3C glucose, ¹³C malonyl CoA (Biosynthetic production of universally (13)C-labeled polyunsaturated fatty acids as reference materials for natural health product research. Le PM, Fraser

C, Gardner G, Liang WW, Kralovec JA, Cunnane SC, Windust AJ, Anal Bioanal Chem. 389(1 ):241 9 (2007)). The DHA synthesized is then extracted from such cultures. Another way of studying metabolism of ^l3C labeled DHA is by synthesis of phospholipids such as phosphatidyl choline in which ¹³C labeled DHA is present at the sn-2 position. This ¹³C DHA is released from the phospholipid by phospholipase A2 present in the body. Then the fate of DHA can be followed (Blood compartmental metabolism of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in humans after ingestion of a single dose of [(13)C]DHA in phosphatidylcholine. Lemaitre-Delaunay D, Pachiaudi C, Laville M, Pousin J, Armstrong M, Lagarde M., J Lipid Res., 40(10):1867-74 (1999)). ^!3C labeled DHA can also similarly be incorporated into triglycerides (Human plasma albumin transports [13C]docosahexaenoic acid in two lipid forms to blood cells. Brassard N, Croset M, Normand

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S, Pousin J, Lecerf J, Laville M, Tayot JL, Lagarde M. J Lipid Res. 38(8):1571-82. (1997)). However, synthesis of such phospholipids also depends on micro-organisms capable of synthesizing the phospholipid. Thus, the methods known so far are expensive and cumbersome as they involve complex extraction steps. Also, desired product is obtained in low yields.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is accordingly a need for new and improved methods for synthesizing ¹³C labeled fatty acids, such as but not limited to DHA. The present invention aims to provide such a method.

In an aspect of the invention, a process is provided for preparing a ¹³C labeled fatty acid represented by Formula (i):

O

<img file="CA2812432C_D0002.tif" />

Formula (i) wherein L is -[CH^CH-CHî]-, and n is 0 to 6, preferably 1 to 4, more preferably 3, and the compound comprises at least one ¹³C labeled carbon residue. The process comprises:

(a) converting 2-pentyn-1 -ol into a tosylate of Formula (ii), e.g by reaction with tosyl chloride (TsCl):

<img file="CA2812432C_D0003.tif" />

(b) reacting the compound of Formula (ii) with propargyl alcohol in a coupling reaction, and optionally carrying out one or more additional steps of brominating followed by coupling with propargyl alcohol, to obtain a compound represented by Formula (iii):

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ΌΗ

<img file="CA2812432C_D0004.tif" />

M, wherein M is -[C=C-CH₂]-, and n is as defined above, (c) carrying out a selective reduction of the compound represented by Formula (iii) to obtain a compound represented by Formula (iv):

<img file="CA2812432C_D0005.tif" />

<img file="CA2812432C_D0006.tif" />

OH

Formula (iv) wherein L and n are as defined above, (d) brominating the compound of Formula (iv) to produce a compound represented by Formula 10 (v):

<img file="CA2812432C_D0007.tif" />

Formula (v) wherein L and n are as defined above, (e) coupling the compound represented by Formula (v) with methyl pent-4-ynoate to obtain a 15 compound represented by Formula (vi):

L_n^Q'

Formula (vi)

CA 02812432 2013-04-12 (f) carrying out a selective reduction of the compound represented by Formula (vi) to obtain a compound represented by Formula (vii):

O

<img file="CA2812432C_D0008.tif" />

, and

Formula (vii) (g) ester-hydrolyzing the compound represented by Formula (vii) to obtain the compound represented by Formula (i), wherein the propargyl alcohol used in at least one of the coupling reactions carried out in (b) is labeled with ¹³C at Ci, C₂, or C3 of the propargyl alcohol, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, a process is provided for preparing a ¹³C labeled DHA 10 represented by Formula A:

<img file="CA2812432C_D0009.tif" />

Formula A where * represents a ¹³C labeled carbon residue.

In this process, 2-pentyn-l-ol of Formula 1:

<img file="CA2812432C_D0010.tif" />

Formula 1 is reacted with tosyl chloride (TsCl) to obtain a compound represented by Formula 2:

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<img file="CA2812432C_D0011.tif" />

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the compound of Formula 2 can be obtained with a yield of 60-68%.

The compound of Formula 2 is then coupled with propargyl alcohol to produce a compound represented by Formula 3:

<img file="CA2812432C_D0012.tif" />

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the compound of Formula 3 can be obtained with a yield of 10 93-99%.

The compound of Formula 3 is then reacted with PBr3 to produce a compound represented by Formula 4:

<img file="CA2812432C_D0013.tif" />

and the resulting compound is coupled with propargyl alcohol to obtain a compound represented by

Formula 5:

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<img file="CA2812432C_D0014.tif" />

Formula 5

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the compound of Formula 5 is obtained with a yield of 5262%.

The compound represented by Formula 5 is reacted with PBr3 to a produce a compound represented by Formula 6:

<img file="CA2812432C_D0015.tif" />

Formula 6 and the resulting compound is coupled with propargyl alcohol to obtain a compound represented by 10 Formula 7:

<img file="CA2812432C_D0016.tif" />

Formula 7

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the compound of Formula 7 is obtained with a yield of 2737%.

The resulting compound of Formula 7 is reacted with PBr3 to produce a compound represented by Formula 8:

<img file="CA2812432C_D0017.tif" />

CA 02812432 2013-04-12 and the resulting compound is coupled with ¹³C labeled propargyl alcohol to obtain a compound represented by Formula 9:

<img file="CA2812432C_D0018.tif" />

Formula 9 where * represents a ^l3C labeled carbon residue.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the compound of Formula 9 is obtained with a yield of 4555%.

Selective reduction of the compound represented by Formula 9 is then carried out to obtain a compound represented by Formula 10:

<img file="CA2812432C_D0019.tif" />

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the compound of Formula 10 is obtained with a yield of 6373%.

The compound of Formula 10 is then reacted with PBr₃ to produce a compound represented by 15 Formula 11:

<img file="CA2812432C_D0020.tif" />

The compound represented by Formula 11 is then reacted with methyl pent-4-ynoate in a coupling reaction to produce a compound represented by Formula 12:

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<img file="CA2812432C_D0021.tif" />

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the compound of Formula 12 is obtained with a yield of 4959%.

Selective reduction of the compound represented by Formula 12 is then carried out to produce a compound represented by Formula 13:

<img file="CA2812432C_D0022.tif" />

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the compound of Formula 13 is obtained with a yield of 7510 85%.

Finally, the compound represented by Formula 13 is ester-hydrolyzed to produce the compound of Formula A. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the compound of Formula 1 is obtained with a yield of 82-92%.

In a preferred, yet non-limiting embodiments of the synthetic process, one or more of the bromination reactions for producing compounds of Formulas 4, 6, 8 and 11 are carried out in presence of pyridine and dichloromethane. The temperature of the bromination reaction is also preferred to be from about 0 °C to about room temperature.

In yet another preferred embodiment, which is non-limiting, one or more of the coupling reactions for production of the compounds represented by Formulas 5, 7,9 and 12 are carried out in the presence of Cul, tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) in dry Ν,Ν-dimethylformamide (DMF). The temperature of the coupling reaction is also preferred to be from about 0 °C to about room temperature.

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In further non-limiting embodiments, one or more of the hydrogenation reactions for production of the compounds represented by Formulas 10 and 13 are carried out at about room temperature, in an H2 atmosphere, and using a catalyst such as but not limited to Lindlar’s catalyst.

In another non-limiting embodiment, LiOH is used for ester hydrolysis of the compound represented 5 by Formula 13, in the presence of THF/H₂O (3:1), to obtain the compound represented by Formula

1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates the NMR spectra of the ¹³C labeled DHA of Formula 1, prepared by an embodiment of a synthetic process of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates the LC chromatogram of the ¹³C labeled DHA of Formula 1, prepared by an embodiment of a synthetic process of the present invention; and

Figure 3 illustrates the LC-MS results of the ¹³C labeled DHA of Formula (A shows the LC trace, and B shows the MS results), prepared by an embodiment of a synthetic process of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a useful synthetic process for preparing ^l3C labeled fatty acids. The process involves preparing a ¹³C labeled fatty acid represented by Formula (i):

<img file="CA2812432C_D0023.tif" />

Formula (i) wherein L is -[CH=CH-CH2]-, and n is 0 to 6, preferably 1 to 4, more preferably 3, and the fatty acid comprises at least one ¹³C labeled carbon residue. The process comprises:

CA 02812432 2013-04-12 (a) converting 2-pentyn-l-ol into a tosylate of Formula (ii), e.g by reaction with tosyl chloride (TsCl):

<img file="CA2812432C_D0024.tif" />

(b) reacting the compound of Formula (ii) with propargyl alcohol in a coupling reaction, and optionally carrying out one or more additional steps of brominating followed by coupling with propargyl alcohol, to obtain a compound represented by Formula (iii):

<img file="CA2812432C_D0025.tif" />

wherein M is -[C^C-CFL]-, and n is as defined above, (c) carrying out a selective reduction of the compound represented by Formula (iii) to obtain a compound represented by Formula (iv):

<img file="CA2812432C_D0026.tif" />

Formula (iv) wherein L and n are as defined above, (d) brominating the compound of Formula (iv) to produce a compound represented by Formula (v):

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<img file="CA2812432C_D0027.tif" />

Formula (v) wherein L and n are as defined above, (e) coupling the compound represented by Formula (v) with methyl pent-4-ynoate to obtain a 5 compound represented by Formula (vi):

L_n-=Q&gt;

Formula (vi) (f) carrying out a selective reduction of the compound represented by Formula (vi) to obtain a compound represented by Formula (vii):

O

<img file="CA2812432C_D0028.tif" />

, and

Formula (vii) (g) ester-hydrolyzing the compound represented by Formula (vii) to obtain the compound represented by Formula (i), wherein the propargyl alcohol used in at least one of the coupling reactions carried out in (b) 15 is labeled with ¹³C at Ci, C2, or C3 of the propargyl alcohol, or a combination thereof.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a process is provided for preparing DHA, for example as represented below by Formula A:

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<img file="CA2812432C_D0029.tif" />

Formula A

2 where * represents a C labeled carbon residue.

This synthetic route can, in certain preferred embodiments, yield high purity of ¹³C fatty acids, such as DHA, and at reduced cost as compared to other methods through the use of generally abundant and inexpensive reagents. The process also has the advantage that, in certain embodiments, no downstream processing is required.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that each of the embodiments of the invention described herein may be utilized individually or combined in one or more manners different than the ones disclosed above for the production of C labeled fatty acids, including DHA. In addition, those skilled in the art will be able to select a suitable temperature in view of the reaction conditions being used, in further embodiments of the invention encompassed herein.

The literature referred to herein establishes knowledge that is available to those with skill in the art. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention relates.

Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are described herein. In the case of inconsistencies, the present disclosure, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting.

The term “about” is used herein to mean approximately, in the region of, roughly, or around. When the term “about” is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. The term “comprises” is used herein to mean “includes, but is not limited to.”

The following abbreviations are used throughout the specification:

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Cul: Copper Iodide DHA: Docosahexanoic Acid DCM: Dichloromethane DMF : Dimethylformamide

EtOAc: Ethyl Acetate HCI: Hydrochloric Acid K2CO3: Potassium Carbonate KOH: Potassium Hydroxide MeOH: Methanol

NaHCO3: Sodium Carbonate Na2SÛ4: Sodium Sulphate PBr3: Phosphorus Tribromide Py: Pyrimidine

TBAI: Tetrabutylammonium Iodide

THF : Tetrahydro furan

TsCl : Tosyl Chloride

In one embodiment of the invention, a 13-step chemical synthetic process for preparing ^l3C DHA of Formula A is provided. The synthetic process is depicted below in Scheme A.

<td rowspan="2">^TSC* 1</td><td rowspan="2"> ''w ~ _Λ HO A:··. o _s Ο</td><td rowspan="2"> OH 3</td><td> PBr 3</td><td rowspan="2"> - , Sr 4</td>

<td></td>

<td> HO</td><td> PBr j '’Κ,,ΟΗ _ “K.,.-*</td><td> HO ^4ï;K,ar</td><td></td><td> OH</td>

<td></td><td> S »</td><td></td><td></td><td> 7</td>

<td> PBr&gt;</td><td> ηο^χ·4. Br —, AÏ-</td><td> » * OH</td><td> h₂</td><td> ,-Ύ, * OH ^{J 1} ;</td>

<td></td><td> 9 9</td><td></td><td></td><td> » «</td>

<td></td><td></td><td> 9</td><td></td><td></td>

<td> PBr 1 i</td><td> &gt; «.Br J MeOOC «</td><td>^x 0 h₂</td><td> w O</td><td> .1 J. X J X J</td>

<td> «</td><td> * 12</td><td></td><td></td><td> 13</td>

<td></td><td> LiOH HO _γ.....„,··ΐ,</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td> ό λ,,χ» L,,;J</td><td> 1, .J</td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td> A</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

Scheme A

In this synthetic process, 2-Pentyn-l-ol of Formula 1 is used as a starting material, wherein the alcohol group in 2-Pentyn-l-ol is converted to tosyl as represented by Formula 2, using TSC1/KOH.

The resulting compound of Formula 2 is coupled with propargyl alcohol using CUI/K2CO3/TBAI to obtain a compound represented by Formula 3 in good yield. The compound of Formula 3 is coupled with propargyl alcohol, via a bromide represented by Formula 4 to obtain a compound represented 14

CA 02812432 2013-04-12 by Formula 5. The compound of Formula 5 is coupled with propargyl alcohol, via a bromide represented by Formula 6 to obtain a compound represented by Formula 7. The compound represented by Formula 7 is further coupled with a ^l3C labeled propargyl alcohol via the bromide represented by Formula 8 to obtain a compound represented by Formula 9. The resulting compound of Formula 9 is selectively reduced, e.g. using Lindlar’s catalyst, to produce a compound represented by Formula 10 which is then coupled with methyl pent-4-ynoate via a bromide represented by Formula 11 to obtain a compound represented by Formula 12. The compound represented by Formula 12 is selectively reduced, e.g. using a Lindlar’s catalyst, to produce a compound represented by Formula 13, which is ester hydrolyzed, e.g. using LiOH, to produce the ^,3C-labeled DHA of

Formula A.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, an alternate, 12-step chemical synthetic process for preparing ^l3C DHA of Formula A is provided. The synthetic process is depicted below in Scheme B.

<img file="CA2812432C_D0030.tif" />

In the alternate synthetic process, 2-Pentyn-l-ol of Formula 1 is used as a starting material, wherein the alcohol group in 2-Pentyn-l-ol is converted to tosyl as represented by Formula 2, using TSC1/KOH. The resulting compound of Formula 2 is coupled with propargyl alcohol using

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CUI/K2CO3/TBAI to obtain a compound represented by Formula 3 in good yield. The compound of Formula 3 obtained is coupled with propargyl alcohol, via a bromide represented by Formula 4 to obtain a compound represented by Formula 5. The compound represented by Formula 5 is coupled with propargyl alcohol, via a bromide represented by Formula 6 to obtain a compound represented by Formula 7. The compound represented by Formula 7 is further coupled with a ¹³C labeled propargyl alcohol via the bromide represented by Formula 8 to obtain a compound represented by Formula 9. The resulting compound of Formula 9 is then coupled with methyl pent-4-ynoate via a bromide represented by Formula 14 to obtain a compound represented by Formula 15. The compound represented by Formula 15 is selectively reduced using a Lindlar’s catalyst to produce a compound represented by Formula 13, which is ester hydrolyzed, e.g. using LiOH, to produce the ¹³C-labeled DHA of Formula A.

EXAMPLES:

The following provides examples of certain preferred embodiments of the synthetic process described herein for producing the ¹³C labeled DHA of Formula A. The process is depicted below in

Scheme C.

<img file="CA2812432C_D0031.tif" />

Example 1: Synthesis of ¹³C DHA using 13-step chemical synthetic process

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In the 13-step chemical synthetic process for preparing ¹³C DHA of Formula A, 2-Pentyn-l-ol of Formula 1 and tosyl chloride are used as the starting materials. Each of the steps in the chemical synthetic process are described in detail below.

Preparation of Compound of Formula 2 (Pent-2-ynyl 4- methylbenzenesulfonate):

In the first step of the synthetic process, 2-pentyn-l-ol of Formula 1 is converted to the tosyl compound represented by Formula 2 using tosyl chloride in the presence of KOH. The yield of the compound ranges from 60-68%. The reaction scheme involved in this process is as follows:

TsÇLKOH.

<img file="CA2812432C_D0032.tif" />

Formula 2

<img file="CA2812432C_D0033.tif" />

Formula 1

64%

In an exemplary embodiment, the raw materials used for this step are illustrated in Table 1 :

Table 1

<td> S. No.</td><td> Name of the Material</td><td> Qty.</td><td> M.Wt.</td><td> Moles</td><td> Mole Ratio</td>

<td> 1.</td><td> 2-Pentyn-l-ol</td><td> 60 g</td><td> 84.12</td><td> 0.71</td><td> 1</td>

<td> 2.</td><td> Tosyl Chloride (TsCl)</td><td> 142.9 g</td><td> 190.65</td><td> 0.75</td><td> 1.06</td>

<td> 3.</td><td> KOH</td><td> 79.9 g</td><td> 56.11</td><td> 1.42</td><td> 2</td>

<td> 4.</td><td> THF</td><td> 420 mL</td><td> 72.11</td><td> —</td><td> 7 vol.</td>

<td> 5.</td><td> Ethyl Acetate</td><td> 600 mL</td><td> 88.11</td><td> —</td><td> 10 vol.</td>

<td> 6.</td><td> Water</td><td> 2x100 mL</td><td> 18</td><td> —</td><td> 2 x 1.67 vol.</td>

<td> 7.</td><td> Brine</td><td> 2 x 50 mL</td><td> —</td><td> —</td><td> 2 x 0.83 vol.</td>

<td> 8.</td><td> Na2SO4</td><td> As needed</td><td> 142.04</td><td> —</td><td> —</td>

To a solution of 2-Pentyn-l-ol (60 g, 0.71 mol) in THF (420 mL) cooled to -5 °C, tosyl chloride (142.9 g, 0.75 mol) and KOH (79.9 g, 1.42 mol) were added and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (300 mL x 2), washed with water (100 mL x 2), brine (50 mL x 2) and dried over

Na2SO4. The combined organic extracts were evaporated under reduced pressure to obtain the crude product which was purified by column chromatography (100-200 mesh silica gel, 20% EtOAchexane) to furnish pent-2-ynyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (110 g, 64 %) as a light red liquid.

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Preparation of Compound of Formula 3 (Octa-2, 5-diyn-l-ol:):

The compound of Formula 2 obtained as described above is then coupled with propargyl alcohol in the presence of Cul, K2CO3 and TBAI to produce the compound represented by Formula 3. The yield of the compound ranges from 93-99%. The reaction scheme involved in this process is as follows:

<img file="CA2812432C_D0034.tif" />

In an exemplary embodiment, the raw materials used for this step are illustrated in Table 2: 10 Table 2

<td> S. No.</td><td> Name of the Material</td><td> Qty.</td><td> M.Wt.</td><td> Moles</td><td> Mole Ratio</td>

<td> 1.</td><td> Compound represented by Formula 2</td><td> 60 g</td><td> 84.5</td><td> 0.71</td><td> 1</td>

<td> 2.</td><td> Propargyl alcohol</td><td> 15.52 g</td><td> 56.06</td><td> 0.27</td><td> 0.38</td>

<td> 3.</td><td> Potassium Carbonate</td><td> 47.8 g</td><td> 138.2</td><td> 0.34</td><td> 0.48</td>

<td> 4.</td><td> Cul</td><td> 43.9 g</td><td> 190.45</td><td> 0.23</td><td> 0.32</td>

<td> 5.</td><td> TBAI</td><td> 85.30 g</td><td> 369.37</td><td> 0.23</td><td> 0.32</td>

<td> 6.</td><td> DMF</td><td> 440 mL</td><td> 73.09</td><td> —</td><td> 7.33 vol.</td>

<td> 7.</td><td> Ethyl acetate</td><td> 2x300 mL</td><td> 88.11</td><td></td><td> 2x5 vol.</td>

<td> 8.</td><td> Cold water</td><td> 2x200 mL</td><td> 18</td><td></td><td> 2 x 3.33 vol.</td>

<td> 9.</td><td> Brine</td><td> 2x 100 mL</td><td></td><td></td><td> 2 x 1.67 vol.</td>

<td> 10.</td><td> Na₂SO4, anhydrous</td><td> As needed</td><td> 142.04</td><td> —</td><td> —</td>

To a stirred solution of potassium carbonate (47.8 g, 0.34 mol), Cul (43.9 g, 0.23 mol), and TBAI (85.30 g, 0.23 mol) in DMF (440 mL) cooled to 0 °C, propargyl alcohol (15.52 g, 0.27 mol) was

CA 02812432 2013-08-06 added portion wise at room temperature followed by compound represented by Formula 2 (55 g, 0.23 mol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h. After completion of starting materials, the reaction mixture was cooled to 0 °C and diluted with cold water, ethyl acetate (300 mL x 2), filtered through Celite™ bed and washed with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were washed with cold water (200 mL x 2), brine (100 mL x 2) and dried over anhydrous Na₂SO4. Solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to obtain the crude product which was purified by column chromatography (100-200 mesh silica gel, 20 % EtOAc in hexane) to furnish octa-2, 5-diyn-l-ol (55 g, 98 %) as a light red liquid.

Preparation of a Compound of Formula 4 (l-bromoocta-2,5-diyne):

The compound of Formula 3 obtained as described above is then brominated with PBn to produce the compound represented by Formula 4. The reaction scheme involved in this process is as follows:

<img file="CA2812432C_D0035.tif" />

In an exemplary embodiment, the raw materials used for this step are illustrated in Table 3:

Table 3

<td> S. No.</td><td> Name of the Material</td><td> Qty·</td><td> M.Wt.</td><td> Moles</td><td> Mole Ratio</td>

<td> 1.</td><td> Compound represented by Formula 3</td><td> 55 g</td><td> 122.22</td><td> 0.45</td><td> 1</td>

<td> 2.</td><td> PBr₃</td><td> 17.13 mL</td><td> 270.69</td><td> 0.18</td><td> 0.4</td>

<td> J.</td><td> Diethylether</td><td> 550 mL</td><td> 74.12</td><td></td><td> 10 vol.</td>

<td> 4.</td><td> Pyridine</td><td> 3.6 mL</td><td> 79.1</td><td> 0.04</td><td> 0.009</td>

<td> 5.</td><td> Ethyl acetate</td><td> 2x200 mL</td><td> 88.11</td><td></td><td> 2 x 3.63 vol.</td>

<td> 6.</td><td> Cold water</td><td> 100 mL</td><td> 18</td><td> —</td><td> 1.82 vol.</td>

<td> 7.</td><td> Brine</td><td> lOOmL</td><td> —</td><td> —</td><td> 1.82 vol.</td>

<td> 8.</td><td> Na₂SO₄, anhydrous</td><td> As needed</td><td> 142.04</td><td> —</td><td> —</td>

CA 02812432 2013-04-12

To a stirred solution of compound 3 (55 g, 0.45 mol) in diethylether (550 mL) cooled to 0°C, pyridine (3.6 mL, 0.04 mol), PBr₃ (17.13 mL, 0.18 mol) were added at 0°C and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h. After the completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was cooled to 0°C, diluted with cold water, and extracted with ethyl acetate (200 mL x 2).

The combined organic extracts were washed with cold water (100 mL x 1), brine (100 mL x 1), dried over anhydrous NaîSCL and evaporated under reduced pressure to furnish l-bromoocta-2,5diyne (75 g, crude) as a red liquid which was carried to the next step without further purification.

Preparation of a Compound of Formula 5 (undeca-2,5,8-triyn-l-ol):

The compound of Formula 4 obtained as described above is coupled with propargyl alcohol to produce the compound of Formula 5. The yield of the compound ranges from 52-62%. The reaction scheme involved in this process is as follows:

<td> TBAI. DM=, Formula 4 __ ί&gt;Λ% Formula 5</td>

In an exemplary embodiment, the raw materials used for this step are illustrated in Table 4:

Table 4

<td> S. No.</td><td> Name of the Material</td><td> Qty·</td><td> M.Wt</td><td> Moles</td><td> Mole Ratio</td>

<td> 1.</td><td> Compound represented by Formula 4</td><td> 75 g</td><td> 187.5</td><td> 0.40</td><td> 1</td>

<td> 2.</td><td> Propargyl alcohol</td><td> 27.2 g</td><td> 56.06</td><td> 0.48</td><td> 1.2</td>

<td> 3.</td><td> Potassium Carbonate</td><td> 83 g</td><td> 138.2</td><td> 0.60</td><td> 1.5</td>

<td> 4.</td><td> Cul</td><td> 77 g</td><td> 190.45</td><td> 0.40</td><td> 1</td>

<td> 5.</td><td> TBAI</td><td> 149.5 g</td><td> 369.37</td><td> 0.40</td><td> 1</td>

<td> 6.</td><td> DMF</td><td> 450 mL</td><td> 73.09</td><td> —</td><td> 6 vol.</td>

<td> 7.</td><td> Ethyl acetate</td><td> 300 mL</td><td> 88.11</td><td> —</td><td> 4 vol.</td>

<td> 8.</td><td> Cold water</td><td> 2 x 100 mL</td><td> 18</td><td> —</td><td> 2 x 1.33 vol.</td>

<td> 9.</td><td> Brine</td><td> 100 mL</td><td> —</td><td> —</td><td> 1.33 vol.</td>

<td> 10.</td><td> Na2SC&gt;4</td><td> As needed</td><td> 142.04</td><td> —</td><td> —</td>

CA 02812432 2013-04-12

In an exemplary embodiment of this step, to a stirred solution of potassium carbonate (83 g, 0.60 mol), Cul (77 g, 0.40 mol) and TBAI (149.5 g, 0.40 mol) in DMF (450 mL) cooled to 0 °C, propargyl alcohol (27.2 g, 0.48 mol) and compound represented by Formula 4 (75 g, 0.40 mol) were sequentially added and stirred at room temperature for 16 h. After the completion of starting materials, the reaction mixture was cooled to 0°C and diluted with cold water, ethyl acetate (300 mL), filtered through a Celite™ pad using Buchner funnel and washed with ethyl acetate. The filtrate was taken and the organic layers were separated. The combined organic extracts were washed with cold water (100 mL x 2), brine solution (100 mL x 1), dried over Na₂SO4 and evaporated under reduced pressure to obtain the crude product which was purified by column chromatography (100-200 mesh silica gel, 20 % EtOAc in hexane) to furnish undeca-2,5,8-triyn-l-ol (37 g, 57 %) as a pale yellow liquid.

Preparation of a Compound of Formula 6 (l-bromoundeca-2, 5, 8-triyne):

The compound of Formula 5 obtained as described above is then brominated with PBr3 to produce the compound of Formula 6. The reaction scheme involved in this process is as follows:

PBra. Py Bher »

Formula 5_Formula 6

In an exemplary embodiment, the raw materials used for this step are illustrated in Table 5:

Table 5

<td> S. No.</td><td> Name of the Material</td><td> Qty.</td><td> M.Wt.</td><td> Moles</td><td> Mole Ratio</td>

<td> 1.</td><td> Compound represented by Formula 5</td><td> 37 g</td><td> 160.87</td><td> 0.23</td><td> 1</td>

<td> 2.</td><td> PBr₃</td><td> 0.79 mL</td><td> 270.69</td><td> 0.09</td><td> 0.39</td>

<td> 3.</td><td> Diethylether</td><td> 370 mL</td><td> 74.12</td><td></td><td></td>

<td> 4.</td><td> Pyridine</td><td> 1.86 mL</td><td> 79.1</td><td> 0.02</td><td> 0.09</td>

<td> 5.</td><td> Ethyl acetate</td><td> 100 mL</td><td> 88.11</td><td> —</td><td> 2.7 vol.</td>

<td> 6.</td><td> Cold Water</td><td> 2 x 50 mL</td><td> 18</td><td> —</td><td> 2 x 1.35</td>

CA 02812432 2013-04-12

<td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td> vol.</td>

<td> 7.</td><td> Brine</td><td> 50 mL</td><td> —</td><td> —</td><td> 1.35 vol.</td>

<td> 8.</td><td> Na₂SO₄</td><td> As needed</td><td> 142.04</td><td> —</td><td> —</td>

To a stirred solution of the compound represented by Formula 5 (37 g, 0.23 mol) in ether (370 mL) cooled to 0°C, pyridine (1.86 mL, 0.02 mol), PBr3 (0.79 mL, 0.09 mol) were added at 0°C and stirred at room temperature for 16 h. After the completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was cooled to 0°C and diluted with cold water, and extracted with ethyl acetate (100 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with cold water (50 mL x 2), brine solution (50 x 1), dried over Na₂SO4 and evaporated under reduced pressure to furnish l-bromoundeca-2,5,8-triyne (42 g, crude) as a pale yellow color liquid which was carried to the next step without further purification.

Preparation of Compound of Formula 7 (tetradeca-2, 5, 8,11-tetrayn-l-ol):

The compound of Formula 6 obtained as described above is coupled with propargyl alcohol to produce the compound of Formula 7. The yield of the compound ranges from 27-37%. The reaction scheme involved in this process is as follows:

<td> HO y Rr TBAI, DMF .. Formula 6 ^32% Formula 7</td>

In an exemplary embodiment, the raw materials used for this step are illustrated in Table 6:

Table 6

<td> S. No.</td><td> Name of the Material</td><td> Qty.</td><td> M.Wt.</td><td> Moles</td><td> Mole Ratio</td>

<td> 1.</td><td> Compound represented by Formula 4</td><td> 42 g</td><td> 233.33</td><td> 0.18</td><td> 1</td>

<td> 2.</td><td> Propargyl alcohol</td><td> 14 g</td><td> 56.06</td><td> 0.25</td><td> 1.39</td>

<td> 3.</td><td> Potassium Carbonate</td><td> 38 g</td><td> 138.2</td><td> 0.27</td><td> 1.5</td>

<td> 4.</td><td> Cul</td><td> 35.85 g</td><td> 190.45</td><td> 0.18</td><td> 1</td>

<td> 5.</td><td> TBAI</td><td> 69.5 g</td><td> 369.37</td><td> 0.18</td><td> 1</td>

<td> 6.</td><td> DMF</td><td> 250 mL</td><td> 73.09</td><td></td><td> 5.95 vol.</td>

<td> 7.</td><td> Cold water</td><td> 200 mL</td><td> 18</td><td></td><td> 4.76 vol.</td>

CA 02812432 2013-04-12

<td> 8.</td><td> Ethyl acetate</td><td> 200 mL</td><td> 88.11</td><td></td><td> 4.76 vol.</td>

<td> 9.</td><td> Ethyl acetate</td><td> 2 x 100 mL</td><td> 88.11</td><td></td><td> 2 x 2.38 vol.</td>

<td> 10.</td><td> Cold Water</td><td> 2 x 50 mL</td><td> 18</td><td></td><td> 2 x 1.19 vol.</td>

<td> 12.</td><td> Brine</td><td> 50 mL</td><td> —</td><td></td><td> 1.19 vol.</td>

<td> 11.</td><td> Na₂SO₄</td><td> As needed</td><td> 142.04</td><td></td><td></td>

In an exemplary embodiment of this step, to a solution of potassium carbonate (38 g, 0.27 mol), Cul (35.85 g, 0.18 mol) and TBAI (69.5 g, 0.18 mol) in DMF (250 mL) cooled to 0°C, propargyl alcohol (14 g, 0.25 mol) and the compound represented by Formula 6 (42 g, 0.18 mol) were added drop wise for 30 min and stirred for 16 h at room temperature. After the completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was cooled to 0°C and diluted with cold water (200 mL), ethyl acetate (200 mL), filtered through Celite™ bed using Buchner funnel and washed with ethyl acetate (100 mL x 2).

The organic layers were separated and the combined organic extracts were washed with cold water (50 mL x 2), brine solution (50 mL x 1), dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated under reduced pressure to obtain the crude product which was purified by column chromatography (100-200 mesh silica gel, 20 % EtOAc in hexane) to furnish tetradeca-2, 5, 8, 11-tetrayn-l-ol (12 g, 32 %) as a pale yellow solid.

Preparation of a Compound of Formula 8 (l-bromotetradeca-2, 5, 8,11-tetrayne):

The Compound of Formula 7 obtained as described above is brominated with PBr3 to produce the Compound of Formula 8. The yield of the compound ranges from 18-28%. The reaction scheme involved in this process is as follows:

<img file="CA2812432C_D0036.tif" />

In an exemplary embodiment, the raw materials used for this step are illustrated in Table 7: 20 Table 7

<td> S. No.</td><td> Name of the Material</td><td> Qty.</td><td> M.Wt.</td><td> mM</td><td> Mole Ratio</td>

<td> 1.</td><td> Compound represented by Formula 7</td><td> 7.5 g</td><td> 198.4</td><td> 37.8</td><td> 1</td>

CA 02812432 2013-04-12

<td> 2.</td><td> PBr3</td><td> 1.44 mL</td><td> 270.69</td><td> 15.15</td><td> 0.4</td>

<td> 3.</td><td> Dichloromethane</td><td> 75 mL</td><td> 84.93</td><td></td><td> 10 vol.</td>

<td> 4.</td><td> Pyridine</td><td> 0.3 mL</td><td> 79.1</td><td> 3.78</td><td> 0.1</td>

<td> 5.</td><td> Dichloromethane</td><td> 2 x 100 mL</td><td> 84.93</td><td> —</td><td> 2 x 13.33 vol.</td>

<td> 6.</td><td> Water</td><td> 2 x 25 mL</td><td> 18</td><td> —</td><td> 2 x 3.33 vol.</td>

<td> 7.</td><td> Brine</td><td> 2 x 25 mL</td><td> —</td><td> —</td><td> 2 x 3.33 vol.</td>

<td> 8.</td><td> Na2SO4</td><td> As needed</td><td> 142.04</td><td> —</td><td> —</td>

To a stirred solution of compound represented by Formula 7 (7.5 g, 37.8 mmol) in dry dichloromethane (75 mL), cooled to 0 °C, pyridine (0.3 mL, 3.78 mmol) and PBr₃ (1.44 mL, 15.15 mmol) were added at 0°C, then the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h. After the completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was quenched with ice cold water and then extracted with dichloromethane (100 mL x 2). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (25 mL x 2), brine (25 mL x 2), dried over Na₂SC&gt;4 and evaporated under reduced pressure to obtain the crude product which was purified by column chromatography (100-200 mesh silica gel, 1 % EtOAc in hexane) to furnish 1-bromotetradeca-2, 5, 8, 11-tetrayne (2.3 g, 23 %) as a yellow color solid.

Preparation of a Compound of Formula 9 (heptadeca-2, 5, 8,11,14-pentayn-l-ol):

The compound of Formula 8 obtained as described above is coupled with ¹³C labeled propargyl alcohol to produce the compound of Formula 9. The yield of the compound ranges from 45-55%. The reaction scheme involved in this process is as follows:

<img file="CA2812432C_D0037.tif" />

In an exemplary embodiment, the raw materials used for this step are illustrated in Table 8:

Table 8

<td> S. No.</td><td> Name of the Material</td><td> Qty·</td><td> M.Wt.</td><td> mM</td><td> Mole Ratio</td>

<td> 1.</td><td> Compound represented by Formula 8</td><td> 1.7g</td><td> 280.34</td><td> 6.53</td><td> 1</td>

CA 02812432 2013-04-12

<td> 2.</td><td> 13 C labeled Propargyl alcohol</td><td> 0.36 g</td><td> 56.06</td><td> 6.42</td><td> 0.98</td>

<td> 3.</td><td> Potassium Carbonate</td><td> L35 g</td><td> 138.2</td><td> 9.78</td><td> 1.49</td>

<td> 4.</td><td> Cul</td><td> 1.24 g</td><td> 190.45</td><td> 6.53</td><td> 1</td>

<td> 5.</td><td> TBAI</td><td> 2.41g</td><td> 369.37</td><td> 6.53</td><td> 1</td>

<td> 6.</td><td> DMF</td><td> 14 mL</td><td> 73.09</td><td> —</td><td> 8.23 vol.</td>

<td> 7.</td><td> Cold water</td><td> 10 mL</td><td> 18</td><td> —</td><td> 5.88 vol.</td>

<td> 8.</td><td> Ethyl acetate</td><td> 2 x 50mL</td><td> 88.11</td><td> —</td><td> 2 x 29.41 vol.</td>

<td> 9.</td><td> Cold Water</td><td> 2 x 25 mL</td><td> 18</td><td> —</td><td> 2 x 14.7 vol.</td>

<td> 10.</td><td> Brine</td><td> 25 mL</td><td> —</td><td> —</td><td> 14.7 vol.</td>

<td> 11.</td><td> Na₂SO₄</td><td> As needed</td><td> 142.04</td><td> —</td><td> —</td>

To a stirred solution of potassium carbonate (1.35 g, 9.78 mmol), Cul (1.24 g, 6.53 mmol) and TBAI (2.41 g, 6.53 mmol) in DMF (14 mL) cooled to 0°C, ¹³C labeled propargyl alcohol (0.36 g, 6.42 mmol) and the compound represented by Formula 8 (1.7 g, 6.53 mmol) were added drop wise and stirred at room temperature for 16 h. After completion of starting materials, the reaction mixture was cooled to 0°C and diluted with cold water (10 mL), ethyl acetate (50 mL x 2), filtered through a Celite™ pad using Buchner funnel and washed with ethyl acetate. The filtrate was taken and the organic layer was separated using a separating funnel. The combined organic extracts were washed with cold water (25 mL x 2), brine solution (25 mL x 1), dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated under reduced pressure to obtain the crude product which was purified by column chromatography (100200 mesh silica gel, 16 % EtOAc in hexane) to furnish heptadeca-2, 5, 8, 11, 14-pentayn-l-ol (750 mg, 50 %) as a yellow solid.

Preparation of Compound of Formula 10:

The ¹³C labeled compound of Formula 9 obtained as described above is selectively reduced with

Lindlar’s Catalyst to produce the compound represented by Formula 10. The yield of the compound ranges from 63-73%. The reaction scheme involved in this process is as follows:

<img file="CA2812432C_D0038.tif" />

In an exemplary embodiment, the raw materials used for this step are illustrated in Table 9:

CA 02812432 2013-04-12

Table 9

<td> S. No.</td><td> Name of the Material</td><td> Qty.</td><td> M.Wt.</td><td> mM</td><td> Mole Ratio</td>

<td> 1.</td><td> Compound of Formula 9</td><td> 1.4 g</td><td> 239.31</td><td> 5.85</td><td> 1</td>

<td> 2.</td><td> Lindlar’s catalyst</td><td> 1-44 g</td><td> —</td><td> —</td><td> —</td>

<td> 3.</td><td> Methanol/Pyridine (5:1 )</td><td> 24 mL</td><td> —</td><td> —</td><td> 17.14 vol.</td>

<td> 4.</td><td> Methanol</td><td> —</td><td> 32</td><td> —</td><td> —</td>

<td> 5.</td><td> Ethyl acetate</td><td> 2 x 50 mL</td><td> 88.11</td><td> —</td><td> 2 x 35.71 vol.</td>

<td> 6.</td><td> IN HCI</td><td> 10 mL</td><td> 36.5</td><td> —</td><td> 7.14 vol.</td>

<td> 7.</td><td> Brine</td><td> 10 mL</td><td> —</td><td> —</td><td> 7.14 vol.</td>

<td> 8.</td><td> Na₂SO₄</td><td> As needed</td><td> 142.04</td><td> —</td><td> —</td>

To a stirred solution of compound represented by Formula 9 (1.4 g, 5.85 mmol) in methanol/pyridine (5:1, 24 mL), Lindlar’s catalyst (1.4 g, w/w) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred under H₂ atmosphere at room temperature for 16 h. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was filtered through a Celite™ pad and washed with methanol. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and the crude obtained was extracted with ethyl acetate (50 mL x 2), and washed with IN HCI solution (10 mL x 1), brine solution (10 mL x 1) and dried over Na₂SO₄. The combined organic extracts were evaporated under reduced pressure to obtain the crude product which was purified by column chromatography (100-200 mesh silica gel, % EtOAc in hexane) to furnish compound represented by Formula 10 (1.0 g, 68 %) as a colorless liquid.

Preparation of a Compound of Formula 11:

The compound of Formula 10 obtained as described above is brominated with PBr₃ to produce the compound of Formula 11. The reaction scheme involved in this process is as follows:

<img file="CA2812432C_D0039.tif" />

In an exemplary embodiment, the raw materials used for this step are illustrated in Table 10:

CA 02812432 2013-04-12

Table 10

<td> S. No.</td><td> Name of the Material</td><td> Qty·</td><td> M.Wt.</td><td> mM</td><td> Mole Ratio</td>

<td> 1.</td><td> Compound of Formula 10</td><td> 1-2 g</td><td> 249.28</td><td> 4.81</td><td> 1</td>

<td> 2.</td><td> PBr3</td><td> 0.52 g</td><td> 270.69</td><td> 1.92</td><td> 0.4</td>

<td> 3.</td><td> Dichloromethane</td><td> 20 mL</td><td> 84.93</td><td> —</td><td> 16.67 vol.</td>

<td> 4.</td><td> Pyridine</td><td> 0.38 mL</td><td> 79.1</td><td> 0.48</td><td> 0.1</td>

<td> 5.</td><td> Cold water</td><td> 10 mL</td><td> 18</td><td> —</td><td> 8.33 vol.</td>

<td> 6.</td><td> Dichloromethane</td><td> 2 x 50 mL</td><td> 84.93</td><td> —</td><td> 41.67 vol.</td>

<td> 7.</td><td> Water</td><td> 15 mL</td><td> 18</td><td> —</td><td> 12.5 vol.</td>

<td> 8.</td><td> Brine</td><td> 20 mL</td><td> —</td><td> —</td><td> 16.67 vol.</td>

<td> 9.</td><td> Na₂SO₄</td><td> As needed</td><td> 142.04</td><td> —</td><td> —</td>

To a solution of compound represented by Formula 10 (1.2 g, 4.81 mmol) in dry dichloromethane (20 mL) and pyridine (0.038 mL, 0.48 mmol) cooled to 0 °C, PBr₃ (0.52 g, 1.92 mmol) was added drop wise and stirred at room temperature for 2 h. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was quenched with ice cold water (10 mL x 1) and extracted with dichloromethane (50 mL x 2). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (15 mL x 1), brine (20 mL x 1), dried over Na₂SO4 and evaporated under reduced pressure to furnish compound represented by Formula 11 (1.2 g, crude) as a yellow liquid which was carried to the next step without further purification.

Preparation of Compound of Formula 12:

The compound of Formula 11 obtained as described above was coupled with methyl-pent-4-yonate to produce the compound represented by Formula 12. The yield of the compound ranges from 4959%. The reaction scheme involved in this process is as follows:

<img file="CA2812432C_D0040.tif" />

In an exemplary embodiment, the raw materials used for this step are illustrated in Table 11 :

CA 02812432 2013-04-12

Table 11

<td> S. No.</td><td> Name of the Material</td><td> Qty·</td><td> M.Wt.</td><td> mM</td><td> Mole Ratio</td>

<td> 1.</td><td> Compound of Formula 11</td><td> 200 mg</td><td> 312.5</td><td> 0.64</td><td> 1</td>

<td> 2.</td><td> Methyl-pent-4-yonate</td><td> 86 mg</td><td> 111</td><td> 0.76</td><td> 1.19</td>

<td> 3.</td><td> Potassium Carbonate</td><td> 132 mg</td><td> 138.2</td><td> 0.96</td><td> 1.5</td>

<td> 4.</td><td> Cul</td><td> 112 mg</td><td> 190.45</td><td> 0.64</td><td> 1</td>

<td> 5.</td><td> TBAI</td><td> 236 mg</td><td> 369.37</td><td> 0.64</td><td> 1</td>

<td> 6.</td><td> DMF</td><td> 10 mL</td><td> 73.09</td><td> —</td><td> 50 vol.</td>

<td> 7.</td><td> Cold Water</td><td> 10 mL</td><td> 18</td><td> —</td><td> 50 vol.</td>

<td> 8.</td><td> Diethyl ether</td><td> 2 x 25 mL</td><td> 74.12</td><td> —</td><td> 2 x 125 vol.</td>

<td> 9.</td><td> Water</td><td> 10 mL</td><td> 18</td><td> —</td><td> 50 vol.</td>

<td> 10.</td><td> Brine</td><td> 10 mL</td><td> —</td><td> —</td><td> 50 vol.</td>

<td> 11.</td><td> Na₂SO₄</td><td> As needed</td><td> 142.04</td><td> —</td><td> —</td>

To a solution of potassium carbonate (132 mg, 0.96 mmol), Cul (121 mg, 0.64 mmol) and TBAI (236 mg, 0.64 mmol) in dry DMF (10 mL) cooled to 0 °C, methyl pent-4-ynoate (86 mg, 0.76 mmol) and the compound represented by Formula 11 (200 mg, 0.64 mmol) in DMF were added and stirred at room temperature for 16 h. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was quenched with ice cold water (10 mL) and filtered through a Celite™ bed and washed with diethyl ether (25 mL x 2), water (10 mL x 1), brine solution (10 mL x 1) and dried over Na2SO₄. The combined organic extracts were evaporated under reduced pressure to obtain the crude product which was purified by column chromatography (100-200 mesh silica gel, eluted at 2 % EtOAc in hexane) to furnish compound represented by Formula 12 (120 mg, 54 %) as a colorless liquid.

Preparation of a Compound of Formula 13:

The compound of Formula 12 obtained as described above was selectively reduced with Lindlar’s catalyst to produce the compound of Formula 13. The yield of the compound ranges from 75-85%.

The reaction scheme involved in this process is as follows:

<img file="CA2812432C_D0041.tif" />

CA 02812432 2013-04-12

In an exemplary embodiment, the raw materials used for this step are illustrated in Table 12:

Table 12

<td> S. No.</td><td> Name of the Material</td><td> Qty·</td><td> M.Wt.</td><td> mM</td><td> Mole Ratio</td>

<td> 1.</td><td> Compound of Formula 12</td><td> 500 mg</td><td> 344.82</td><td> 1.45</td><td> 1</td>

<td> 2.</td><td> Lindlar’s catalyst</td><td> 500 mg</td><td> —</td><td> —</td><td> —</td>

<td> 3.</td><td> Methanol/Pyridine (4:1)</td><td> 10 mL</td><td> —</td><td> —</td><td> 20 vol.</td>

<td> 4.</td><td> Methanol</td><td> 20 mL</td><td> 32</td><td> —</td><td> 40 vol.</td>

<td> 5.</td><td> Ethyl acetate</td><td> 2 x 30 mL</td><td> 88.11</td><td> —</td><td> 2 x 60 vol.</td>

<td> 6.</td><td> 1NHC1</td><td> 10 mL</td><td> 36.5</td><td> —</td><td> 20 vol.</td>

<td> 7.</td><td> Brine</td><td> 15 mL</td><td> —</td><td> —</td><td> 30 vol.</td>

<td> 8.</td><td> Na₂SO₄</td><td> As needed</td><td> 142.04</td><td> —</td><td> —</td>

To a solution of compound represented by Formula 12 (500 mg, 1.45 mmol) in dry methanol/pyridine(10 mL, 4:1), Lindlar’s catalyst (500 mg, w/w) was added. The reaction mixture was stir under FT atmosphere at room temperature for 16 h. Additionally, Lindlar’s catalyst (250 mg) was added two times at 4 h interval and reaction mixture was stirred under FT atmosphere. The reaction mixture was filtered through a Celite™ pad, washed with methanol (20 mL) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude obtained was extracted with ethyl acetate (30 mL x 2), washed with IN HC1 solution (10 mL x 1), brine solution (15 mL x 1) and dried over Na2SC&gt;4. The combined organic layer was evaporated under reduced pressure to furnish compound represented by Formula 13 (400 mg, 80%) as a pale yellow liquid.

Preparation of ¹³C labeled DHA as represented by Formula A:

In the last step of the 13-step synthetic process, ¹³C labeled DHA of Formula A is obtained by ester hydrolysis of the compound represented by Formula 13 in the presence of lithium hydroxide. The yield of the compound ranges from 82-92%. The reaction scheme involved in this process is as follows:

<td></td><td> f</td><td> LIOH THF/HyO</td><td> ho^ π</td><td> &lt;</td>

<td> o</td><td> »</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td></td><td> 87%</td><td></td><td> *</td>

<td></td><td> Formula 13</td><td></td><td></td><td> Formula A</td>

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In an exemplary embodiment, the raw materials used for this step are illustrated in Table 13:

Table 13

<td> S. No.</td><td> Name of the Material</td><td> Qty.</td><td> M.Wt.</td><td> mM</td><td> Mole Ratio</td>

<td> 1.</td><td> Compound of Formula 13</td><td> 180 mg</td><td> 346.15</td><td> 0.52</td><td> 1</td>

<td> 2.</td><td> Lithium Hydroxide</td><td> 109 mg</td><td> 23.95</td><td> 2.6</td><td> 5</td>

<td> 2.</td><td> THF/H2O (3:1)</td><td> 6 mL</td><td> —</td><td> —</td><td> 33.33 vol.</td>

<td> 3.</td><td> Ethyl acetate</td><td> 2 x 30 mL</td><td> 88.11</td><td> —</td><td> 2 x 166.67 vol.</td>

<td> 4.</td><td> Water</td><td> 10 mL</td><td> 18</td><td> —</td><td> 55.55 vol.</td>

<td> 5.</td><td> Brine</td><td> 10 mL</td><td> —</td><td> —</td><td> 55.55 vol.</td>

<td> 6.</td><td> Na₂SO₄</td><td> As needed</td><td> 142.04</td><td> —</td><td> —</td>

To a solution of compound represented by Formula 13 (180 mg, 0.52 mmol) in THF/H2O (6 mL, 3:1 ratio), lithium hydroxide (109 mg, 2.6 mmol) was added and stirred at room temperature for 16 h. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was quenched with aqueous citric acid solution; pH was adjusted to 4 and extracted with ethyl acetate (30 ml x 2). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (10 mL x 1), brine solution (10 mL x 1) and dried over Na₂SO₄.

The combined organic extracts were evaporated under reduced pressure to obtain the crude product which was purified by column chromatography (100-200 mesh silica gel, the product eluted at 15 % EtOAc in hexane) to furnish the compound represented by Formula A ( C DHA) (150 mg, 87 %) as a pale yellow liquid.

The identity of the Compound of Formula A produced by the synthetic process described above was ascertained by NMR spectroscopy. The NMR spectra obtained is presented in Figure 1.

Purity of the sample obtained was determined by LC (See Figure 2) and identity was further characterized by LC-MS (See Figure 3A and 3B). The purity of the sample was found to be 90%.

Example 2: Synthesis of ¹³C DHA by 12-step chemical synthetic process

An exemplary embodiment of the 12-step chemical synthesis process for preparing ¹³C DHA is shown in Scheme D:

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<img file="CA2812432C_D0042.tif" />

In this alternate 12-step synthesis strategy, the steps leading to the formation of the compound represented by Formula 9 are similar to those described in Example 1. The compound of Formula 9 thus produced is reacted with PBr3 in the presence of Py and DCM to produce the compound represented by Formula 14. The compound of Formula 14 is coupled with methyl-pent-4-yonate in the presence of Cul, K2CO3 and TBAI in DMF to produce the compound of Formula 15. The compound of Formula 15 is then selectively hydrogenated in a H2 atmosphere using a catalyst, e.g. Lindlar’s catalyst, in the presence of quinoline and MeOH. The reaction is carried out at about room temperature. The selective reduction of the compound represented by Formula 15 results in the production of the compound represented by Formula 13. In the last step of the alternate 12-step synthetic process, ^l3C DHA of Formula A is obtained by ester hydrolysis of the compound represented by Formula 13 in the presence of lithium hydroxide, and in the presence of THF/H₂O.

It will be apparent to a person having skill in the art that all the common steps of this alternate 1215 step strategy can be carried out under similar conditions as those described in Example 1 above.

The preferred embodiments of the invention described above are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details relating to the reagents and reaction conditions disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as an example.

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It will also be apparent to a person skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.