Dianhydrohexitole-based benzamidines were synthesised as potential factor Xa inhibitors. The key steps for the synthesis of a bis-benzamidine series were nucleophilic aromatic substitutions and Mitsunobu reactions to introduce substituted phenyl ether moieties. Mono-benzamidines with an ortho-substituted biphenyl group were prepared using a Negishi-type cross coupling procedure. The benzamidines showed high biological activity and selectivity for factor Xa inhibition.
isosorbide - amidines - Mitsunobu reaction - cross-coupling - drugs - factor Xa inhibitors