Telescoped lithiation, C-arylation and methoxylation in flow-batch hybrid toward the synthesis of canagliflozin

Abstract

We report a highly efficient three-step flow-batch hybrid procedure for the synthesis of a key canagliflozin intermediate. The telescoped process provides exquisite control over an exothermic and mixing sensitive lithiation and subsequent C-arylation within a microstructured flow reactor. Methoxylation reagents are then added in flow, before reaching completion in a batch vessel. The flow process afforded the target intermediate in 76% yield, with a throughput of 26.8 g/h.