Progress towards the synthesis of a piperidine-based fluoxetine analogue

Abstract

The art and science of synthetic organic chemistry has developed from the clumsy combination of unknown materials into a complex science that allows for the construction of new, useful compounds. In particular, the vast majority of pharmaceutical products are the result of years of careful synthesis from simple chemical building blocks. One such compound, fluoxetine (sold under the trade name Prozac), was the final product of a complex synthetic route, and its pharmaceutical properties are useful in treating a variety of neuronal conditions. However, Prozac was not a perfect drug, and the possibility exists that a structurally similar compound could have the same or increased positive effects, while decreasing negative effects. The purpose of this investigation is to explore the synthesis of a new, piperidine based fluoxetine analogue. Using known synthetic organic techniques, progress has been made towards the development of this new molecule.