Synthesis of a novel farnesyl transferase inhibitor, ABT-100; selective preparation of a stereogenic tertiary carbinol

The development of an asymmetric synthesis of farnesyl transferase inhibitor ABT-100 is presented. The preparation features the asymmetric addition of a heterocyclic organozinc reagent to set the tertiary carbinol and a regioselective SNAr reaction to prepare the phenolic ether linkage.