Synthesis of 1H-pyridin-2-one derivatives as potent and selective farnesyltransferase inhibitors

Two novel series of potent and selective FTase inhibitors have been synthesized using structure-based design. Medicinal chemistry efforts led to the discovery of compound 4e with potent cellular activity and good oral bioavailability in dog. A synthetic route toward novel heterocycles 1,5-dimethyl-6-oxo-4-aryl-1,6-dihydro-pyridine-2-carbonitrile was established. The structure of compound 5c was confirmed by X-ray crystallography.