A synthesis of the γ-secretase inhibitor BMS-708163

A concise, convergent racemic synthesis of BMS-708163 is reported. Two fragments consisting of N-4-chlorophenylsulfonyl-3,3,3-trifluorpropylglycine and a 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivative of 2-fluorobenzyl alcohol were prepared in separate pots and then coupled together via a Mitsunobu reaction. Since a convenient chiral synthesis of optically pure (d)-3,3,3-trifluoropropyl glycine methyl ester was developed using Schِllkopf reagent alkylation, this methodology can also be adopted for the enantioselective synthesis of BMS-708163.