Recent advances in the synthesis of raloxifene: A selective estrogen receptor modulator

Estrogens are a group of steroids that exert important effects on reproductive and many non-reproductive tissues. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM) are a class of therapeutic agents widely prescribed for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer, osteoporosis, and postmenopausal symptoms. Raloxifene, an example of oral SERM is prescribed primarily for the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal disorders in woman. The current review provides an outline of practical methodologies used to access benzothiophenyl scaffolds of raloxifene and relevant structural analogs. The contents are discussed in five sections: (a) synthesis of raloxifene, (b) organometallic analogs, (c) radiolabelled analogs, (d) constrained raloxifene analogs, and (e) other oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen based raloxifene analogs. In addition to the synthesis, biological activity of a few synthetic analogs has been discussed.

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► Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM) are widely utilized therapeutic agents.
► Benzothiophene are useful building blocks in raloxifene synthesis.
► Raloxifene, a selective SERM is used in the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal disorders in woman.
► Benzothiophenes with several reactive sites offer the feasibility to construct functionalized molecules.
► Current review provides a discussion on methodologies to synthesize raloxifene and structural analogs.