Enantioselective synthesis of a cyclobutane analogue of Milnacipran†
Abstract
The asymmetric synthesis of a cyclobutane analogue of the antidepressant drug Milnacipran is reported. The optically active derivative incorporates a central cyclobutane ring in lieu of the cyclopropane unit classically found in Milnacipran. The two stereogenic centres borne by the cyclobutane were sequentially installed starting from phenylacetonitrile.