Synthesis of SMP-797: a new potent ACAT inhibitor

A potent ACAT (acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase) inhibitor SMP-797 was effectively synthesized by the urea formation of 3-amino-4-aryl-1,8-naphthyridin-2(1H)-one and 4-amino-2,6-diisopropylamine. The synthesis of the former compound involved the Suzuki coupling reaction as a key step, and the latter was prepared by the 4-selective nitration of 2,6-diisopropylaniline using 2,3,5,6-tetrabromo-4-methyl-4-nitro-2,5-cyclohexadienone.