An efficient method for syntheses of functionalized 6-bulkysubstituted salicylates under microwave irradiation

As an important fragment and synthetic intermediate, functionalized 6-arylsalicylate substructure widely exist in pharmacologically relevant natural products and bioactive compounds. In our recent works, we discovered two highly potent inhibitors for combating mutants of acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS), an important target for herbicide discovery. These two inhibitors contain 6-arylsalicylate skeleton. Previously, we have explored a new method to synthesize position-6 aryl substituted salicylic acid fragment. However, this method failed to synthesize 4-methyl-6-aryl salicylic acids. Herein, we developed a new efficient method for the synthesis of functionalized 4-methyl-6-bulkyarylsalicylates via a microwave-promoted Suzuki cross-coupling. This method has obvious advantages, such as a wide range of substrates, smooth and rapid reaction, moderate to excellent yields. Due to its superiority to the traditional available methods, this protocol could be utilized to synthesize pyrimidinyl(thio)salicylic acid and its derivatives.