ASYMMETRIC SYNTHESIS OF 2-ARYL-1-SUBSTITUTED BUTAN-2,3-DIOLS

Abstract: The asymmetric production of pure diastereomeric (2R, 3R), (2R, 3S), (2S, 3R) and (2S, 3S)-2-aryl-1-substituted butan-2,3-diols from the derivatives of lactic acid.

Description: Asymmetric Synthesis of 2-aryl-1 -substituted butan-2,3-diols Field of Invention The present invention is concerned with the asymmetric production of pure diastereomeric (2R,3R), (2R,3S), (2S,3R) and (2S,3S)-2-aryl-l-substituted butan-2,3- diols from the derivatives of lactic acid. Asymmetric diols of general formula 9. are important intermediates used in the preparation of various azole derivatives useful as antifungal agents, such as SM-8668 I, (Genaconazole) 1 , II 2 , III 3 , IV 4 . CH, There are several synthetic procedures 2 ' 3 ' 8 developed and reported in the literature for the preparation of racemic mixtures of the above diols. Another published method 5 is related to the asymmetric (2R,3R) -3-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3,4- epoxy-2-butanol, an intermediate used for the preparation of the title compounds and produces the (2R,3R) diastereomer which is contaminated with appreciable amounts of the (2R,3S) diastereomer. The scheme route described in the above publication is summarized below in Scheme- A, wherein X, and X 2 represent fluorine. SCHEME-A cn, M& J SI^ Step- l-V Step-Vl HO. OH OH ,5 -lactic aαd ≤3 Step-VII Step-Vlll C^yvanarJ-rnaserytacetona-β t-butyl rr/drcperoαde TPP CeKpOOH Step-IX DEAD w // H ROH Step-X JR R0 I s ' ) ' + 1 NaCOL *. x. 32 βθ=955 Is ee=955 Inseparable - 3 - The above process has the following disadvantages: First, it takes several steps to reach the intermediate 4a from the starting material, S-lactic acid. Second, the conversion of the keto group of 4a into the methylene group to obtain the intermediate 6a requires chemicals like trimethyl silylmagnesium chloride, which are not commercially available in bulk and should be prepared on site. This contributes to additional time, labor and expenses. Third, step-VI utilizes benzene to recover the intermediate 5_a. Benzene is a known hazardous solvent which does not metabolize in the human body, therefore, raise serious health concerns. Fourth, the allylic alcohol on epoxidation (step-VIII) gives a mixture of the (2S, 3R) and (2S,3S) -3-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3,4-epoxy-2-butanols (7_a and 2d). The crude has to be purified for the next step. The required diastereomer (2S,3R) -3-(2,4- difluorophenyl)-3,4-epoxy-2-butanol could not be obtained in a pure chiral form as the undesired diastereomer is inseparable from the product mixture. Fifth, the mixture of 2a and 2d are then converted into their corresponding benzoates (Sh and S≤, step-IX), which has to be separated and purified. The purification used does not remove the undesired diastereomer completely from the mixture. Isolation and purification add to the cost of labor, solvents and time without really providing pure diastereomer. The yields reported therein also could not be reproduced in our hands. Sixth, the benzoates are solvolized (step-X) and the final product has to be purified by silica gel chromatography. After purification the purified product was found to be still contaminated with the undesired (2R,3S)-3-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3,4- epoxy-2-butanol diastereomer(2c). On the basis of the above mentioned facts, it is clear that the described process is not a suitable process for the large scale production of the diastereomerically pure (2R,3R) -3-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3,4-epoxy-2-butanol product.(2h) The process requires column chromatography at each step which contributes to increased labor, chemicals, extraction and purification costs. Even after purification the required product (2R,3R)-3-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3,4-epoxy-2-butanol(2h) is only 95% pure /52840 and the rest is its unrequired diastereomer (2c). The present invention, therefore, concerns a more efficient new method for enantioselective synthesis of the pure desired diastereomers 2a, 2b_, 2c, 2d, 9_a, 9_b_, 9 L and 9_d starting from the commercially available derivatives of lactic acid. Summary of the Invention This invention deals with new improved methods for the stereo selective synthesis of the optically active diastereomeric (2S,3R), (2R,3R), (2R,3S) and, (2S,3S) -3-aryl-3,4-epoxy-2-butanols(2a -2d) in >99% enantiomeric purity and the (2R,3S), (2R,3R), (2S,3R) and (2S.3S), 2-aryl-l -substituted butan-2,3-diols of the general formula 9a-d in almost 100% enantiomeric purity. CH, CH, HO 9 H 3 HO HO The procedures for the diastereoselective synthesis of 2a -2d and 9_a-9_d are reported in the Schemes-B, C, D and E, wherein X, and X 2 are the same or different and represent a hydrogen or any of chloro, bromo or fluoro substituent or a lower alkyl - 5 - or alkoxy which may be further substituted with halogens like chloro, bromo or fluoro; wherein X is selected from the group consisting of: (1) N-(R j )(R 2 ), wherein R and R 2 are each independently hydrogen or phenyl, wherein the phenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with chlorine, bromine, fluorine, NO 2 C,-C 6 alkyl group and C, to C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C r C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstituted or have a substituent selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, fluorine and phenyl, wherein the phenyl is unsubstituted with chlorine, bromine, fluorine, NO 2 , C r C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group; (2) S-R,, wherein R, is as defined above; (3) O-R l5 wherein R, is as defined above; (4) S(O)-R l5 wherein R, is as defined above; (5) S(O) 2 -R,, wherein R is as defined above; and (6) a five, six or seven membered heterocycle with 1-3 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group consisting of N, S, S(O), S(O) 2 and O, wherein the heterocycle is attached to the remainder of the compound via a heteroatom or a carbon, and R is a protecting group. The invention provides the production of (2S,3R) -3-aryl-3,4-epoxy-2-butanol (7a) and (2R,3S)-3-aryl-3,4-epoxy-2-butanol (2c) from the intermediates 4a and 4h respectively (Schemes B and D) in nearly 100% diastereomeric yield. From the NMR, the products (2a and 2c) seem to be free of undesired diastereomer. This invention provides methods for the absolute inversion of configuration at the chiral carbon in high yield. It utilizes p-nitrobenzoic acid instead of benzoic acid in step VII (Scheme-C and E) which provides better purity and yield of the final compounds (2R,3R)-and (2S,3S)-2-aryl-l-substituted butan-2,3-diols (9_h and 9_d_respectively) The present invention provides faster and economical methods for manufacturing the diastereomerically pure compounds Sa -9_d as free bases or as their hydrochlorides, free from contaminant without a need for expensive purification by chromatography. The reaction steps-VII, VIII and IX ( Scheme - C and E ) can be carried out in one pot to produce the final diols (2R,3R)-and (2S,3S)-2-aryl-l -substituted butan- 2,3-diols (9_h and 2d) in pure crystalline form from the intermediate 2a and 2c respectively without going through time consuming isolation and purification of the involved intermediates. It utilizes p-nitrobenzoic acid to produce the final compounds (2R,3R)-and (2S,3S)-2-aryl-l-substituted butan-2, 3-diols (2h and 2d) in one pot directly from intermediates (2a and 2c respectively) which leads to higher quality products without going through costly isolation and purification steps. Description of the Preferred Embodiments The present invention describes new methods for the commercial production of the following diastereomerically pure compounds: and CH, CH, CH, HO HO HO 9c wherein X, and X 2 are the same or different and represent a hydrogen or any of chloro, bromo or fluoro substituent or a C,-C 6 alkyl or C,-C 6 alkoxy which may be - 7 - further substituted with halogens like chloro, bromo or fluoro; and wherein X is selected from the group consisting of: (1) N-(R,)(R 2 ), wherein R, and R 2 are each independently hydrogen or phenyl, wherein the phenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with chlorine, bromine, fluorine, NO 2 C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C r C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstituted or have a substituent selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, fluorine and phenyl, wherein the phenyl is unsubstituted with chlorine, bromine, fluorine, NO 2 , C,-C 6 alkyl group and C r C 6 alkoxy group; (2) S-R,, wherein R, is as defined above; (3) O-R j , wherein R is as defined above; (4) S(O)-R,, wherein R, is as defined above; (5) S(O) 2 -R,, wherein R, is as defined above; and (6) a five, six or seven membered heterocycle with 1-3 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group consisting of N, S, S(O), S(O) 2 and O, wherein the heterocycle is attached to the remainder of the compound via a heteroatom or a carbon. Examples of the C,-C 6 alkyl group includes linear or branched alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl and hexyl. Exemplary C,-C 6 alkoxy group includes liner or branched alkoxy groups such as methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy, tert- butoxy, n-pentyloxy, isopentyloxy and n-hexyloxy. Scheme - B, C, D and E describe the synthesis of (2R,3R), (2R,3S), (2S,3R) and (2S,3S)-2-aryl-l-substituted butan-2,3-diols in a stepwise manner starting from commercially available optically active methyl lactates; wherein X,, X 2 and X are as defined above; and R represents 2-tetrahydropyranyl, benzyl, trityl, methoxymethyl and methoxyethoxymefhyl. The protecting agent in step LI is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-dihydro-4H-pyran, benzyl bromide, benzyl chloride, trityl bromide, trityl chloride, methoxymethyl bromide and β-methoxyethoxymethyl chloride. Methodology to obtain each of the above compounds is given in the General - 8 - Experimental section. The chiral intermediates 4a and 4h are prepared by following the literature methods 3 . The intermediate 4a and 4h are then converted to the exomethylene intermediate 5a_and_5_h respectively by reacting them with methyl triphenyl phosphonium bromide in the presence of sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide or lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide in tetrahydrofuran. The compounds 5_a_and 5h, after deprotection, provide the substituted allyl-alcohols of the general formula 6a and 6h respectively which are then reacted with tert-butyl hydroperoxide in the presence of titanium isopropoxide and chiral tartrate following the "Sharpless" stereo selective epoxidation method 6 , in an aprotic solvent, such as dichloromethane at a temperature of -15°C to 25°C to generate an asymmetric center with high diastereomeric yields. The compounds 2a and 2c thus produced are converted into the corresponding esters Sa, _8h, 8_c and M with quantitative inversion of configuration at the C2 carbon by reacting with an appropriate carboxylic acid preferably p-nitrobenzoic acid, in the presence of triphenylphosphine and diethyl azodicarboxylate 7 . The solvolysis of these esters in the presence of sodium methoxide yields compounds 2b and 2d_respectively in high diastereomeric excess and yield. In step VII ( Scheme-C and E ) the use of benzoic acid results in lower yields of the corresponding benzoates which inturn on solvolysis gives poor yields of the (2R,3R)-3-aryl-3,4-epoxy-2-butanols(2h) and (2S,3S)-3-aryl-3,4-epoxy-2- butanols(2d) The use of p-nitrobenzoic acid instead of benzoic acid reduces the overall reaction time, improves the overall yield and the quality of the products (8_a and Sc). The diols (2h and 2d), which are obtained by the reaction of 1,2,4-triazole on 2h and 2d respectively, are isolated from the reaction mixture as their hydrochlorides or free bases. The recovered products are diastereomerically pure and free from undesired diastereomers. Reaction of the 1,2,4-triazole on compounds 7a-d in N,N-dimethylformamide or acetonitrile in the presence of a base, such as potassium carbonate, cesium carbonate, NaH or sodium methoxide at 0-80°C followed by crystallization produces the corresponding enantiomerically pure 2-aryl-l -substituted butan-2,3-diols of the general formula 2a to 2d_(Schemes C and E, steps VII - IX and X). All the reactions described in Schemes B to E are preferably done from the - 9 - crude intermediates to prepare enantiomerically pure 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-l -(1,2,4- triazol-1-yl) butan-2,3-diols of the general formula 9a-d, starting from the respective methyl lactate. The final products 9a-9d can be isolated by crystallization from their crude reaction products. Alternatively and preferably the reaction steps (VII, VIII and IX; Scheme-C and E ) can be conducted sequentially essentially in one pot to get the diastereomerically pure title compounds 2h and 2d as their hydrochlorides without work-up, isolation or purification of any of the intermediates &a - to &d, 2h or 2d. The diastereomers 2h and 2d are obtained free from undesired diastereomers. The use of p-nitrobenzoic acid instead of benzoic acid in a one pot process also results in higher yields of the isolated pure corresponding products, the 2-aryl-l- substituted butan-2,3-diols (2b_and 2d). Some general reaction conditions are as follows. Scheme B The compound represented by formula 5a can be prepared by reacting the compound represented by formula 4a with methyl triphenylphosphonium bromide and lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide in a suitable solvent. No particular limitation is imposed on the solvent to be used here insofar as it takes no part in reaction. Examples of the solvent include aprotic polar solvents such as THF, dialkyl ethers, dioxane, DMF and DMSO. In this reaction, it is preferred to use methyl triphenylphosphonium bromide and lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide in amounts of from 1 to 2 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 4a. The temperature may range from -70°C to 50°C. The reaction time may range from 1 to 25 hours, preferably from 1 to 17 hours. The compound represented by formula 6a can be prepared by reacting the compound represented by formula 5a with pyridinium-p-toluenesulfonate in a suitable alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, prapanol or butanol, preferably in ethanol. In this reaction, it is preferred to use pyridinium-p-toluenesulfonate in amount of from 0.1 to 1.0 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 5a. The temperature may range from 30°C to 100°C. The reaction time may range - 10 - from 1 to 15 hours, preferably from 1 to 9 hours. The compound represented by formula 2a can be prepared by reacting the compound represented by formula 6a with t-butyl hydroperoxide in amount of from 1 to 5 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 6a, preferably 3.02 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 6a. This reaction is performed in presence of titanium (IV) isopropoxide in an amount of from 0.1 to 1 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 6a, preferably 0.5 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 6a, and dialkyl L(+)-tartrate, preferably diethyl L(+)-tartrate in amount of from 0.1 to 1.0 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 6a, preferably 0.3 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 6a, in a suitable solvent such as methylene chloride or chlorofom, preferably in methylene chloride and molecular sieve (3A) powder. The temperature may range from -20°C to 20°C, preferably -5°C. The reaction time may range from 5 to 15 hours, preferably 12 hours. Scheme-C The compound represented by formula 2a can be prepared by reacting the compound represented by formula 2a, with 1,2,4-triazole in amount of from 1 to 4 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 2a, preferably 2 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 2a in the presence of a metal hydride, preferably NaH, in amount of from 1 to 5 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 2a, preferably 2.2 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 2a, in a suitable aprotic solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide, DMSO, dioxane, preferably in N,N-dimethylformamide. The temperature may range from 20°C to 100°C, preferably 80°C. The reaction time may range from 1 to 5 hours, preferably 2 hours. The compound represented by formula 8_a can be prepared by reacting the compound represented by formula 2a with triphenylphosphine, p-nitrobenzoic acid and diethyl azodicarboxylate in amounts of from 1 to 2 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 2a, preferably 1.2 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 2a in a suitable solvent in an inert atmosphere. No particular - 1 1 - limitation is imposed on the solvent to be used here insofar as it takes no part in reaction. Examples of the solvent include aprotic polar solvents such as THF, dialkyl ethers and dioxane. The temperature may range from -10°C to 10°C, preferably 0°C. The reaction time may range from 1 to 5 hours, preferably 1 hour. The compound represented by formula £h can be prepared by reacting the compound represented by formula 2a with triphenylphosphine, benzoic acid and diethyl azodicarboxylate in amounts of from 1 to 2 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 2a, preferably 1.2 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 2a, in a suitable solvent in an inert atmosphere. No particular limitation is imposed on the solvent to be used here insofar as it takes no part in reaction. Examples of the solvent include aprotic polar solvents such as THF, dialkyl ethers and dioxane. The temperature may range from 0°C to 40°C, preferably 25°C. The reaction time may range from 1 to 25 hours, preferably 17 hours. The compound represented by formula 2h can be prepared by reacting the compound represented by formula 8_a with sodium alkoxide, preferably sodium methoxide in amounts of from 1 to 2 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula Sa, preferably 1.3 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 8a, in a suitable alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, propanol or butanol in an inert atmosphere. The temperature may range from -5°C to 20°C, preferably 0°C. The reaction time may range from 0.5 to 2 hours, preferably 1 hour. The compound represented by formula 2h can be prepared by reacting the compound represented by formula 2h with 1,2,4-triazole and a suitable base such as potassium carbonate or sodium hydride in amounts of from 2 to 6 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 2h, preferably 4.0 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 2b, in a suitable aprotic solvent such as such as THF, dialkyl ethers, dioxane DMF, acetonitrile and DMSO in an inert atmosphere. The temperature may range from 25°C to 100°C, preferably 80 to 85°C. The reaction time may range from 1 to 6 hours, preferably 4 hours. Scheme D - 12 - The compound represented by formula 5h can be prepared by reacting the compound represented by formula 4b with methyl triphenylphosphonium bromide and lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)arnide in a suitable solvent. No particular limitation is imposed on the solvent to be used here insofar as it takes no part in reaction. Examples of the solvent include aprotic polar solvents such as THF, dialkyl ethers, dioxane, DMF and DMSO. In this reaction, it is preferred to use methyl triphenylphosphonium bromide and lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide in amounts of from 1 to 2 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 4b. The temperature may range from -70°C to 50°C. The reaction time may range from 1 to 25 hours, preferably from 1 to 17 hours. The compound represented by formula 6h can be prepared by reacting the compound represented by formula 5b with pyridinium-p-toluenesulfonate in a suitable alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, prapanol or butanol, preferably in ethanol. In this reaction, it is preferred to use pyridinium-p-toluenesulfonate in amount of from 0.1 to 1.0 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 5b. The temperature may range from 30°C to 100°C. The reaction time may range from 1 to 15 hours, preferably from 1 to 9 hours. The compound represented by formula 2c can be prepared by reacting the compound represented by formula 6h with t-butyl hydroperoxide in amount of from 1 to 5 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 6h, preferably 3.02 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 6b. This reaction is performed in presence of titanium (IV) isopropoxide in amount of from 0.1 to 1 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 6b, preferably 0.5 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 6h and dialkyl L(+)- tartrate, preferably diethyl L(+)-tartrate in amount of from 0.1 to 1.0 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 6b, preferably 0.3 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 6b in a suitable solvent such as methylene chloride or chloroform, preferably in methylene chloride and molecular sieve (3A) powder. The temperature may range from -20°C to 20°C, preferably -5°C. The reaction time may range from 5 to 15 hours, preferably 12 hours. - 13 - Sche e E The compound represented by formula 2c can be prepared by reacting the compound represented by formula 2c, with 1,2,4-triazole in an amount of from 1 to 4 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 2c, preferably 2 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 2c, in the presence of a metal hydride, preferably NaH in amount of from 1 to 5 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 2c, preferably 2.2 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 2c, in a suitable aprotic solvent such as N,N-dimefhylformamide, DMSO, dioxane, preferably in N,N-dimethylformamide. The temperature may range from 20°C to 100°C, preferably 80°C. The reaction time may range from 1 to 5 hours, preferably 2 hours. The compound represented by formula Sc can be prepared by reacting the compound represented by formula 2c with triphenylphosphine, p-nitrobenzoic acid and diethyl azodicarboxylate in amounts of from 1 to 2 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 2c, preferably 1.2 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 2c, in a suitable solvent in an inert atmosphere. No particular limitation is imposed on the solvent to be used here insofar as it takes no part in reaction. Examples of the solvent include aprotic polar solvents such as THF, dialkyl ethers and dioxane. The temperature may range from -10°C to 10°C, preferably 0°C. The reaction time may range from 1 to 5 hours, preferably 1 hour. The compound represented by formula Sd can be prepared by reacting the compound represented by formula 2c with triphenylphosphine, benzoic acid and diethyl azodicarboxylate in amounts of from 1 to 2 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 2c, preferably 1.2 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 2c, in a suitable solvent in an inert atmosphere. No particular limitation is imposed on the solvent to be used here insofar as it takes no part in reaction. Examples of the solvent include aprotic polar solvents such as THF, dialkyl ethers and dioxane. The temperature may range from 0°C to 40°C, preferably 25°C. The reaction time may range from 1 to 25 hours, preferably 17 hours. The compound represented by formula 2d can be prepared by reacting the - 14 - compound represented by formula Sc with sodium alkoxide, preferably sodium methoxide in amounts of from 1 to 2 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula Sc, preferably 1.3 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula Sc, in a suitable alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, propanol or butanol in an inert atmosphere. The temperature may range from -5°C to 20°C, preferably 0°C. The reaction time may range from 0.5 to 2 hours, preferably 1 hour. The compound represented by formula 2d can be prepared by reacting the compound represented by formula 2h with 1,2,4-triazole and a suitable base such as potassium carbonate or sodium hydride in amounts of from 2 to 6 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula £a, preferably 4.0 mole equivalents per mole of the compound of formula 2d, in a suitable aprotic solvent such as such as THF, dialkyl ethers, dioxane DMF, acetonitrile and DMSO in an inert atmosphere. The temperature may range from 25°C to 100°C, preferably 80 to 85°C. The reaction time may range from 1 to 6 hours, preferably 4 hours. 15 SCHEME- B CH, CH. CH, morpholine o, O-R OH ΌH ArMgBr O- • CCHH, Step- I o Step - II methyl-S-lactate o Ste -111 3a 1a 2a Step - IV methyl triipheπylphosphonium bromide lithium bιs(trimethylsilyl)amide H 3 CH, . S OH alkyl -L-tartrate Step -VI Step-V 7d ( Not Detecte ) -100% ee -16 SCHEME -C *r /Λ -COOH TPP DEAD Stβp-VII Sa X 3 = N0 2 flh X 3 = H X-K Step-X Step-VIII NaOCH, OHCHα X- Step-IX 17 SCHEME- D CH, morp ollne X. OH " OH ■ - °r^o- f ArMgBr O-CH Ste * > " ' Step - ll Step -III met yl-R-lactate 2b 2fe 1b Step - IV methyl triiphenylphosphoπium bromide lithium bιs(tπmethylsilyl)amιde alkyl -L-tartrate "O O-R Ste -VI Step-V x. 6b ≤t> 18 SCHEME- E COOH ~ \ // TPP DEAD Step-VII X.-NO, X--H Step-VIII Step-X X-K NaOCH, X-K Step-IX - 19 - Examples Preparation of each compound according to the present invention is given below as Examples, wherein, as typical Examples, X { and X 2 are fluorine; R is tetrahydropyranyl; and X is 1,2,4-triazol-l-yl. EXAMPLE 1 (3S)-2-(2,4-Dinuorphenyl)-3-(3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-l-butene [5a] A mechanically stirred mixture of methyl triphenylphosphonium bromide (169.2 g, 0.474 moles) in 350 ml of dry tetrahydrofuran was cooled to 8 °C. A solution of lithium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide (84.8g, 0.507 moles) in 500 ml tetrahydrofuran was added to the above mixture at a rate so that the temperature of the mixture remained at 23 °C. After stirring for 1 hour at room temperature the contents were cooled to -70 °C and stirred for 1/2 hour. Then a solution of compound 4a , (2S)- 2',4'-Difluoro-2-(3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)ρropiophenone, ( lOOg, 0.370 moles) in 250 ml of tetrahydrofuran was added slowly to maintain the temperature of the mixture below -70 °C The resulting mixture was stirred at 7 °C for 17 hours. Added 65 ml of ethyl acetate to the above mixture followed by the addition of 3.9 L of hexane and allowed to stand for 15 minutes. The solid was removed by suction- filtration and washed thoroughly with 650 ml of hexane. The filtrate was washed with 1 :1 mixture of methanol : water (2 x 1300 ml) and brine (1300 ml) then dried over MgSO 4 . The solvent was evaporated to give the title compound 5a as an oil (91.5 g, 92%). 'H-NMR (CDC1 3 ) δ: 1.20(d, 3H, J=6.54 -CH 3 ), 1.48-1.80(m, 6H), 3.36-3.53(m, 1H), 3.63-3.93(m, 1H), 4.54-4.64(q, 1H, J=6.5 Hz, -CH), 4.69-4.79(m, 1H), 5.15(m, 1H), 5.50(d, 1H), 6.69-6.82(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.09-7.28 (m, 1H, Ar-H) ppm. EXAMPLE 2 (2S)-3-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3-buten-2-ol [6a] Amixture of compound 5a, (3S)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(3,4,5,6-tetrahydro- - 20 - 2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-l-butene, (81g, 0.302 mole) and pyridinium-p-toluenesulfonate (32.7g, 0.130 mole) in 1200 ml of ethanol was heated at 60 °C for 9 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and co-evaporated with toluene. Toluene was then added to the residue and the resulting solid was removed by filtration. The filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with 10% ethyl acetate in hexane gave the title compound 6a as light yellow oil (44.96g, 81%) 'H-NMR (CDC1 3 ) δ: 1.26(d, 3H, J-6.43, -CH 3 ), 2.25(b, s, 1H, -OH), 4.69(m, 1H, CH), 5.17(s, 1H, =CH 2 ), 5.55(s, 1H, =CH 2 ), 6.75-6.90(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.17-7.29(m, lH, Ar-HXppm. EXAMPLE 3 (2S, 3R)-3-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3,4-epoxy-2-butanol [2a] To a solution of diethyl L(+)-tartrate (2.43g, .0118 mole) in 470 ml of dry CH 2 C1 2 were added activated 3A° molecular sieve powder (6 g) and cooled the mixture to -5 °C. Added a solution of titanium (IV) isopropoxide (7.2g, .0253 mole) in 38 ml of CH 2 C1 2 followed by t-butyl hydroperoxide (11.2g, 0.124 mole) in 75 ml of CH 2 C1 2 and continue to stir at -5 °C for 25 minutes. To this mixture, a solution of compound 6a, (2S)-3-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3-buten-2-ol, (7.5g, 0.041 mole) in 38 ml of CH 2 C1 2 was added and stirred for 12 hours at 5 °C. Cooled the reaction mixture to -40 °C, added 20 ml of 30% aq. NaOH solution saturated with NaCl and the mixture was allowed to warm to 10°C. 20g of MgSO 4 , 6g of celite was added to the mixture and continued to stir at 10°C for 30 minutes. The mixture was suction-filtered over celite. To the filtrate 280 ml of toluene, 225 ml of ether were added and insoluble material removed by filtration. The filtrate was evaporated in vacuo, the residue was dissolved in 200 ml of ether and suction filtered to remove the insoluble material. The filtrate was passed through a bed of silica gel and washed the pad of silica gel with 20 ml of ether. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to give yellow oil, which was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with CHC1 3 gave title compound 2a as an oil (3.5 g, 43%). - 21 - 'H-NMR (CDCI 3 ) δ: 1.16(d, 3H, J=6.22, -CH 3 ), 2.69(b, 1H, -OH), 2.88-2.96(m, 1H, epoxide), 3.27-3.30(m, 1H, epoxide), 4.10(m, 1H, -CH), 6.78-6.94(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.32-7.44(m, 1H, Ar-H) ppm. EXAMPLE 4 (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-l-(lH-l,2,4-triazol-l-yI)-2,3-butanediol [2a] To an ice cooled suspension of dry NaH (0.216g, 0.009 mole) in N,N- dimethylformamide (10 ml), lH-l,2,4-Triazole (0.691, 0.010 mole) was added in small portions under an atmosphere of nitrogen. The mixture was slowly brought to room temperature and a solution of compound 2a, (2S,3R)-3-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)- 3,4-epoxy-2-butanol (1.0g, .005 mole) in N,N-dimethylformamide (2 ml) was added. The resulting mixture was heated at 80 °C for 2 hours. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and 50g of crushed ice was added to the residue. The so formed mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (100 ml, 2 x 50 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water (20 ml) brine (50 ml) and dried over MgSO 4 . The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with methanol in chloroform (0% -3%) gave the title compound 2a as an amorphous solid (0.5g, 37%). 'H-NMR (CDC1 3 ) δ: 1.25(d, 3H, J=6.44, -CH 3 ), 2.89(b, s, 1H, -OH), 4.01 (m, 1H, - CH), 4.51-4.58(m, 1H), 4.99-5.05(m, 2H), 6.65-6.85(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.47-7.59(m, 1H, Ar-H), 7.73(s, 1H, Het-H), 8.02(s, 1H, Het-H) ppm. EXAMPLE 5 (2R, 3R)-3-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3,4-epoxybutyI 4'-nitrobenzoate [8a] A solution of compound 2a, (1.4g, 0.007 mole), triphenylphosphine (2.24g, 0.0084 mole), and p-nitrobenzoic acid (1.4g, 0.0084 mole) in 30 ml of dry tetrahydrofuran was cooled to 0 °C. Into this clear solution, diethyl azodicarboxylate (1.32 ml, 0.0084 mole) was dropped slowly and the resulting mixture was stirred for 1 hour at 0 °C. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was partitioned between ethylacetate (75 ml) and water (15 ml). The organic phase was washed with water, brine and dried over sodium - 22 - sulfate. After filtration, the solvent was evaporated and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel column. Elution with 5% ethylacetate in hexane gave the (2R, 3R)-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3,4-epoxybutyl 4'-nitro-benzoate [Sa] as an oil (1.52g, 62% yield). 'H-NMR (CDCI 3 ) δ : 1.40(d, 3H, J=6.90 Hz, -CH 3 ), 2.99(d, IH, J-4.89 Hz, epoxide), 3.29(d, IH, J=4.89 Hz, epoxide) 5.40(q, IH, -CH), 6.90-7.00(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.42- 7.55(m, IH, Ar-H), 8.16-8.34(m, 4H, Ar-H) ppm. EXAMPLE 6 (2R, 3R)-3-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3,4-epoxybutyl benzoate [Sh] To an ice cooled solution of compound 2a (2.0g, 10 mmole) in 20 ml of tetrahydrofuran, triphenylphosphine (3.02g, 11.5 mmole), benzoic acid (1.40g, 11.5 mmole), diethyl azodicarboxylate (2.0g, 11.5 mmole) were added and stirred for 17 hours under N 2 at room temperature. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (70 ml) and washed with water (40 ml). The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 20 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water (20 ml), brine and dried over MgSO 4 . The solvent was evaporated and the oily residue was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with 4% ethyl acetate in hexane gave the title compound Sh as an oil (1.22g, 40%). 'H-NMR (CDC1 3 ) δ: 1.38(d, 3H, J=6.64, -CH 3 ), 2.90(d, IH, J=4.94 Hz, epoxide), 3.24(d, IH, J=5.03 Hz, epoxide) 5.40(q, IH, -CH), 6.79-6.98(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.40- 7.61(m, 4H, Ar-H), 799-8.04(m, 2H, Ar-H) ppm. EXAMPLE 7 (2R, 3S)-3-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3,4-epoxy-2-butanol [2h] Method A Into an ice cooled solution of NaOCH 3 (217 mg, 4.02 mmole) in 20 ml of CH 3 OH was dropped a solution of compound Sa, (2R,3R)-3-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3,4- epoxybutyl 4'-nitrobenzoate (1.08g, 3.09 mmole) in 5 ml of CH 3 OH and the resulting mixture stirred for 1 hour at 0 °C. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure - 23 - and lOg of crushed ice was added to the residue. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 40 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water (10 ml), brine and dried over MgSO 4 . After filtration the solvent was evaporated and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with CHC1 3 gave the title compound 2b as an oil (565 mg, 91%). 'H-NMR (CDCl j ) δ : 1.17(d, 3H, J=6.64, -CH 3 ), 1.78(b, s, IH, -OH), 2.80(d, IH, J=5.22, epoxide), 3.30(d, IH, J=5.17, epoxide), 4.06-4.13(m, IH), 6.76-6.92(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.36-7.47(m, IH, Ar-H) ppm. Method B Into an ice cooled solution of NaOCH, (231mg, 4.3 mmole) in 40 ml of CH 3 OH was dropped a solution of compound Sa (1.0g, 3.3mmole) in 10 ml of CH 3 OH and the resulting mixture stirred for 2 hours at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and 20g of crushed ice was added to the residue. The solution was acidified with IN HC1 and extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 50 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with saturated NaHCO 3 (2 x 20 ml), water, brine and dried over MgSO 4 . The solvent was evaporated and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with CHC1 3 gave the title compound 2h as oil (500mg, 76%). 'H-NMR (CDC1 3 ) δ : 1.17(d, 3H, J=6.64, -CH 3 ), 1.78(b, s, IH, -OH), 2.80(d, IH, J=5.22, epoxide), 3.30(d, IH, J=5.17, epoxide), 4.06-4.13(m, IH), 6.76-6.92(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.36-7.47(m, IH, Ar-H) ppm. EXAMPLE 8 (2R,3R)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-l-(lH-l,2,4-triazol-l-yl)-2,3-butanediol [2h] Method A A solution of compound 2h (560 mg, 2.8 mmole) in 15 ml of dry acetonitrile were added potassium carbonate (1161 mg, 8.4 mmole) and 1,2,4- triazole (580 mg, 8.4 mmole). The resulting mixture was refluxed for 4 hour under nitrogen. After cooling, the solid was removed by suction filtration and washed with small amounts of ethylacetate. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced - 24 - pressure and the residue was dissolved in 30 ml of ethylacetate. The resulting solution was washed with water (2 x 5 ml), brine and the organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate. The contents were suction filtered and the filtrate was diluted with 30 ml of diethyl ether. The solution was cooled and a steady stream of anhydrous HC1 gas was passed until this solution was saturated. The title compound 9_h, as hydrochloride, was isolated by suction filtration (0.514g, 60% yield). 'H-NMR (DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.8 l(d, 3H, J=6.29, -CH 3 ), 4.20(m, IH, -CH), 4.67- 4.85(ABq, 2H, -CH 2 ), 6.83-6.93(m, IH, Ar-H), 7.09-7.3 l(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.99(s, IH, Het-H), 8.81(s, IH, Het-H) ppm. The compound 9_h, as hydrochloride, was dissolved in minimum amount of water and basified with ammonia to a pH of 10 and the product was extracted with ethyl acetate. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give compound 2b_ as a free base. 'H-NMR (CDC1 3 ) δ: 0.97(d, 3H, J=6.39, -CH 3 ), 2.71-2.76(b, s, IH, -OH), 4.30- 4.38(m, IH, -CH), 4.74-4.89(ABq and s merged, 3H, -CH 2 , -OH), 6.70-6.80(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.36-7.48(m, IH, Ar-H), 7.82(s, IH, Het-H), 7.85(s, IH, Het-H) ppm. Method B lH-l,2,4-Triazole (0.276g, 4.0 mmole) was added to an ice cooled mixture of 2 CO 3 (0.553g, 4.0 mmole) and 5 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide. The reaction mixture was slowly brought to room temperature and a solution of compound 2h (0.4g, 2.0 mmole) in N,N-dimethylformamide (1 ml) was added and heated at 80 °C for 3 hours. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and 20 g of crushed ice was added. The resulting mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (75 ml, 25 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water, brine and dried over Na^O^ The solvent was evaporated and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with 2% CH 3 OH in CHC1 3 gave the title compound 2b as an amorphous solid (311 mg, 58%). 'H-NMR (CDC1 3 ) δ: 0.97(d, 3H, J=6.39, -CH 3 ), 2.71-2.76(b, s, IH, -OH), 4.30- 4.38(m, IH, -CH), 4.74-4.89(ABq and s merged, 3H, -CH 2 , -OH), 6.70-6.80(m, - 25 - 2H, Ar-H), 7.36-7.48(m, IH, Ar-H), 7.82(s, IH, Het-H), 7.85(s, IH, Het-H) ppm. EXAMPLE 9 (3R)-2-(2,4-DifluorophenyI)-3-(3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-l-butene [5h] A mechanically stirred mixture of methyl triphenylphosphonium bromide (84.6 g, 0.237 moles) in 175 ml of dry tetrahydrofuran was cooled to 8 °C. A solution of lithium bis (trimethylsilyl)amide (42.4g, 0.253 moles) in 250 ml tetrahydrofuran was added to the above mixture at a rate so that the temperature of the mixture remained 23 °C. After stirring for 1 hour at room temperature the contents were cooled to -70 °C and stirred for 1/2 hour. Added a solution of compound 4h , (2R)- 2',4'-Difluoro-2-(3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)propiophenone ( 50g, 0.185 moles) in 125 ml of tetrahydrofuran slowly to maintain the temperature of the mixture below -70 °C The resulting mixture was stirred at 7 °C for 60 hours. Added 33 ml of ethyl acetate to the above mixture followed by the addition of 2 L of hexane and allowed to stand for 15 minutes. The solid was removed by suction-filtration and washed thoroughly with 325 ml of hexane. The filtrate was washed with 1 : 1 mixture of methanol : water (2 x 650 ml) and brine (650 ml) and dried over MgSO 4 . The solvent was evaporated to give the title compound 5h as an oil (47.7 g, 96%). 'H-NMR (CDC1 3 ) δ: 1.20(d, 3H, J=6.5 Hz, -CH 3 ), 1.48-1.85(m, 6H), 3.34-3.53(m, IH), 3.63-3.93(m, IH), 4.58(q, IH, J=6.5 Hz, -CH), 4.69-4.79(m, IH), 5.15(m, IH), 5.5 l(d, IH), 6.68-6.83(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.09-7.28 (m, IH, Ar-H) ppm. EXAMPLE 10 (2R)-3-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3-buten-2-ol [6h] A mixture of compound 5h, (3R)-2-(2,4-Difluorphenyl)-3-(3,4,5,6-tetrahydro- 2H-pyran-2-yloxy)-l-butene, (40g, 0.149 mole) and pyridinium-p-toluenesulfonate (24.61g, 0..098 mole) in 400 ml of ethanol was heated at 60 °C for 14.5 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and co-evaporated with toluene. Toluene was then added to the residue and the resulting solid was removed by filtration. The filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed - 26 - on silica gel. Elution with 10% ethyl acetate in hexane gave the title compound 6b as light yellow oil (14.68g, 53%). 'H-NMR (CDC1 3 ) δ: 1.26(d, 3H, J=6.37, -CH 3 ), 1.80(b, IH, -OH), 4.70(m, IH, -CH), 5.18(s, IH, =CH 2 ), 5.55(s, IH, =CH 2 ), 6.77-6.89(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.17-7.29(m, IH, Ar- HLppm. EXAMPLE 11 (2R, 3S)-3-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3,4-epoxy-2-butanoI [2c] To a solution of diethyl L-(+)-tartrate (4.86g, .0236 mole) in 940 ml of dry CH 2 C1 2 were added 12 g of activated 3 A 0 molecular sieve powder and cooled the mixture to -5 °C. Added a solution of titanium (IV) isopropoxide (14.4g, .0506 mole) in 76 ml of CH 2 C1 2 followed by t-butyl hydroperoxide (22.4g, 0.248 mole) in 150 ml of CH 2 C1 2 and continue to stir at -5 °C for 25 minutes. To this mixture, a solution of compound 6b, (2R)-3-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3-buten-2-ol, (15g, 0.0815moles) in 76 ml of CH 2 C1 2 was added and stirred for 12 hours at 5 °C. Cooled the reaction mixture to -40 °C, added 40 ml of 30% aq. NaOH solution saturated with NaCl and the mixture was allowed to warm to 10°C. Added 40g of MgSO 4 , 12g of celite and continued to stir at 10 °C for 30 minutes. The mixture was suction-filtered over celite. To the filtrate 560 ml of toluene, 450 ml of ether were added and insoluble material removed by filtration. The filtrate was evaporated in vacuo, the residue was dissolved in 400 ml of ether and suction filtered to remove the insoluble material. The filtrate was passed through a bed of silica gel and washed the pad of silica gel with 40 ml of ether. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to give yellow oil, which was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with CHC1 3 gave title compound 2c as oil (11.9g, 73%). 'H-NMR (CDC1 3 ) δ: 1.20(d, 3H, J=6.21, CH 3 ), 2.66(b, IH, -OH), 2.90-2.95(m, IH, epoxide), 3.28-3.32(m, IH, epoxide), 4.08-4.14(m, IH, -CH), 6.78-6.95(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.32-7.44(m, IH, Ar-H) ppm. EXAMPLE 12 (2S, 3R)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-l-(lH-l,2,4-triazol-l-yl)-2,3-butanediol [2c] - 27 - To an ice cooled suspension of anhydrous K 2 CO 3 (0.691g, 0.005 mole) inN,N- dimethylformamide (7 ml), IH- 1,2,4-triazole (0.345, 0.005 mole) was added in small portions under an atmosphere of nitrogen. The mixture was slowly brought to room temperature and a solution of compound 2c, (2R, 3S)-3-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3,4- epoxy-2-butanol (0.5g, .0025 mole) in N,N-dimethylformamide (1 ml) was added. The resulting mixture was heated at 80 °C for 2 hours. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and 25g of crushed ice was added to the residue. The so formed mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (50 ml, 2 x 25 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water (10 ml) brine (25 ml) and dried over MgSO 4 . The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with methanol in chloroform (0% -3%) gave the title compound 2c as an amorphous solid (0.26g, 38%). 'H-NMR (CDC1 3 ) δ: 1.25(d, 3H, J=6.26, -CH 3 ), 2.92(b, s, IH, -OH), 4.01(m, IH, - CH), 4.52-4.59(m, IH), 4.99-5.05(m, 2H), 6.67-6.83(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.46-7.59(m, IH, Ar-H), 7.73(s, IH, Het-H), 8.02(s, IH, Het-H) ppm. EXAMPLE 13 (2S, 3S)-3-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3,4-epoxybutyl 4'-nitrobenzoate [8c] A solution of compound 2c, (l.Og, 0.005 mole), triphenylphosphine (1.6g, 0.006 mole), and p-nitrobenzoic acid (l.Og, 0.006 mole) in 20 ml of dry tetrahydrofuran was cooled to 0 °C. Into this clear solution, diethyl azodicarboxylate (0.94 ml, 0.006 mole) was dropped slowly and the resulting mixture was stirred for 1 hour at 0 °C. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was partitioned between ethylacetate (50 ml) and water (10 ml). The organic phase was washed with water, brine and dried over sodium sulfate. After filtration, the solvent was evaporated and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel column. Elution with 20% hexane in chloroform gave the (2S, 3S)-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3,4- epoxybutyl-4'-nitrobenzoate [Sc]as a light yellow solid (l.Olg, 58% yield). 'H-NMR (CDCI 3 ) δ: 1.40(d, 3H, J=6.57 Hz, -CH 3 ), 2.94(d, IH, J=4.9 Hz, epoxide), 3.23(d, IH, J=4.9 Hz, epoxide) 5.40(q, IH, -CH), 6.81-7.00(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.43- 7.55(m, IH, Ar-H), 8.16-8.33(m, 4H, Ar-H) ppm. - 28 - EXAMPLE 14 (2S, 3S)-3-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3,4-epoxybutyl benzoate [Sd] To an ice cooled solution of, (2.3g, 11.5 mmole) in 20 ml of tetrahydrofuran, triphenylphosphine (3.47g, 13.23 mmole), benzoic acid (1.61g, 13.22 mmole), diethyl azodicarboxylate (2.3g, 13.22 mmole) were added and stirred for 17 hours under N 2 at room temperature. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (70 ml) and washed with water (40 ml). The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 20 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water (20 ml), brine and dried over MgSO 4 . The solvent was evaporated and the oily residue was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with 4% ethyl acetate in hexane gave the title compound Sd as an oil (1.40g, 40%). 'H-NMR (CDC1 3 ) δ: 1.38(d, 3H, J=6.57, -CH 3 ), 2.90(d, IH, J=4.89 Hz, epoxide), 3.24(d, IH, J=4.94 Hz, epoxide) 5.40(q, IH, -CH), 6.80-6.99(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.40- 7.61 (m, 4H, Ar-H), 794-8.05(m, 2H, Ar-H) ppm. EXAMPLE 15 (2S, 3S)-3-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3,4-epoxy-2-butanol [Id] Method A Into an ice cooled solution of NaOCH 3 (174 mg, 3.2 mmole) in 20 ml of CH 3 OH was dropped a solution of compound Sc, (2S, 3S)-3-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3,4- epoxybutyl 4'-nitrobenzoate (0.874g, 2.5 mmole) in 5 ml of CH 3 OH and the resulting mixture stirred for 1 hour at 0 °C. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and lOg of crushed ice was added to the residue. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 40 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water (10 ml), brine and dried over MgSO 4 . After filtration the solvent was evaporated and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with CHC1 3 gave the title compound 2d as an oil (425 mg, 85%). 'H-NMR (CDCI 3 ) δ: 1.17(d, 3H, J=6.55, -CH 3 ), 2.17(b, s, IH, -OH), 2.80(d, IH, J-5.30, epoxide), 3.30(d, IH, J=5.24, epoxide), 4.06-4.14(m, IH, -CH), 6.76-6.94(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.36-7.48(m, IH, Ar-H) ppm. - 29 - Method B To an ice cooled solution of NaOCH 3 (277mg, 5.16 mmole) in 40 ml of CH 3 OH was dropped a solution of compound Sd, (2S,3S)-3-(2,4-difluorophenyι)-3,4- epoxybutyl benzoate (1.2g, 3.96 mmole) in 10 ml of CH 3 OH and the resulting mixture stirred for 2 hours at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and 20g of crushed ice added to the residue. The solution was acidified with IN HC1 and extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 50 ml). The combined organic layer was washed with saturated NaHCO 3 (2 x 20 ml), water, brine and dried over MgSO 4 . The solvent was evaporated and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with CHC1 3 gave the title compound 2d as an oil (600mg, 76%). 'H-NMR (CDCI 3 ) δ: 1.17(d, 3H, J=6.55, -CH 3 ), 2.17(b, s, IH, -OH), 2.80(d, IH, J=5.30, epoxide), 3.30(d, IH, J=5.24, epoxide), 4.06-4.14(m, IH, -CH), 6.76-6.94(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.36-7.48(m, IH, Ar-H) ppm. EXAMPLE 16 (2S,3S)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-l-(lH-l,2,4-triazol-l-yl)-2,3-butanediol [2d] Method A A solution of compound 2d (392 mg, 2.0 mmole) in 15 ml of dry acetonitrile were added potassium carbonate (813 mg, 5.9 mmole) and 1,2,4- triazole (406 mg, 5.9 mmole). The resulting mixture was refluxed for 4 hour under nitrogen. After cooling, the solid was removed by suction filtration and washed with small amounts of ethylacetate. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved in 30 ml of ethylacetate. The resulting solution was washed with water (2 x 5 ml), brine and the organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate. The contents were suction filtered and the filtrate was diluted with 30 ml of diethyl ether. The solution was cooled and a steady stream of anhydrous HC1 gas was passed until this solution was saturated. The title compound 2d, as hydrochloride, was isolated by suction filtration (0.350g, 57% yield). - 30 - 'H-NMR (DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.81(d, 3H, J=6.29, -CH 3 ), 4.20(m, IH, -CH), 4.67- 4.85(ABq, 2H, -CH 2 ), 6.83-6.93(m, IH, Ar-H), 7.09-7.3 l(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.99(s, IH, Het-H), 8.81(s, IH, Het-H) ppm. The compound 2d, as hydrochloride, was dissolved in minimum amount of water and basified with ammonia to a pH of 10 and the product extracted with ethyl acetate. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give compound 2d as a free base. 'H-NMR (CDC1 3 ) δ: 0.97(d, 3H, J=6.39, -CH 3 ), 2.71-2.76(b, s, IH, -OH), 4.30- 4.38(m, IH, -CH), 4.74-4.89(ABq and s merged, 3H, -CH 2 , -OH), 6.70-6.80(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.36-7.48(m, IH, Ar-H), 7.82(s, IH, Het-H), 7.85(s, IH, Het-H) ppm. Method B lH-l,2,4-Triazole (0.304g, 4.4 mmole) was added to an ice cooled mixture of K 2 CO 3 (0.608g, 4.4 mmole) and 5 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide. The reaction mixture was slowly brought to room temperature and a solution of compound 2d (0.44g, 2.2 mmole) in N,N-dimethylformamide (1 ml) was added and heated at 80 °C for 3 hours. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and 20 g of crushed ice was added. The resulting mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (75 ml, 25 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water , brine and dried over Na j SO^ The solvent was evaporated and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with 2% CH 3 OH in CHC1 3 gave the title compound 2d as an amorphous solid (342 mg, 58%). 'H-NMR (CDC1 3 ) δ: 0.97(d, 3H, J=6.39, -CH 3 ), 2.71-2.76(b, s, IH, -OH), 4.30- 4.38(m, IH, -CH), 4.74-4.89(ABq and s merged, 3H, -CH 2 , -OH), 6.70-6.80(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.36-7.48(m, IH, Ar-H), 7.82(s, IH, Het-H), 7.85(s, IH, Het-H) ppm. EXAMPLE 17 - 31 - Preparation of (2R,3R)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-l-(lH-l,2,4-triazol-l-yl)-2,3- butanediol [2b_] from 2a in one pot A solution of compound 2a, (2S, 3R)-3-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3,4-epoxy-2- butaol (2.0g, 0.01 mole), triphenylphosphine (3.2g, 0.012 mole), and benzoic acid (1.47g, 0.012 mole) in 40 ml of dry tetrahydrofuran was cooled to 0 °C. Into this clear solution, diethyl azodicarboxylate (1.88 ml, 0.012 mole) was dropped slowly and the resulting mixture was stirred for 1 hour at 0 °C. The reaction mixture, while keeping the temperature at 0 °C, was diluted with 40 ml of dry methanol and a solution of sodium methoxide (0.700g, 0.013 mole) in 20 ml of methanol was dropped into this. The contents were stirred at 0 °C for 6 hours. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was dissolved in 40 ml of dry acetonitrile followed by the addition of potassium carbonate (4.14g, 0.030 mole) and 1,2,4-triazole (2.08g, 0.030 mole). The resulting mixture was refluxed for 4 hour under nitrogen. After cooling, the solid was removed by suction filtration and washed with small amounts of ethylacetate. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved in 50 ml of ethylacetate. The resulting solution was washed with water (2 x 5 ml), brine and the organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate. The contents were suction filtered and the filtrate was diluted with 50 ml of diethyl ether. The solution was cooled and a steady stream of anhydrous HC1 gas was passed until this solution was saturated. The title compound 9_jb_, as hydrochloride, was isolated by suction filtration (0.896g, 29% yield from compound 2a). 'H-NMR (DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.81(d, 3H, J=6.29, -CH 3 ), 4.20(m, IH, -CH), 4.67-4.85(ABq 2H, -CH 2 ), 6.83-6.93(m, IH, Ar-H), 7.09-7.3 l(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.99(s, IH, Het-H), 8.81(s, IH, Het-H) ppm. The compound 2b_, as hydrochloride, was dissolved in minimum amount of water and basified with ammonia to a pH of 10, extracted with ethyl acetate. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give compoundJUi as a free base. 'H-NMR (CDC1 3 ) δ: 0.97(d, 3H, J=6.39, -CH 3 ), 2.71-2.76(b, s, IH, -OH), 4.30- 4.38(m, IH, -CH), 4.74-4.89(ABq and s merged, 3H, -CH 2 , -OH), 6.70-6.80(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.36-7.48(m, IH, Ar-H), 7.82(s, IH, Het-H), 7.85(s, IH, Het-H) ppm. - 32 - EXAMPLE 18 Large Scale Preparation of (2R,3R)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-l-(lH-l,2,4- triazol-l-yl)-2,3-butanediol [2h] from 2a in one pot A solution of compound 2a, (500g, 2.5 mole), triphenylphosphine (787g, 3.0 mole), and p-nitrobenzoic acid (501g, 3.0 mole) in 8 L of dry tetrahydrofuran was cooled to 0 °C. Into this clear solution, diethyl azodicarboxylate (472 ml, 3.0 mole) was dropped slowly and the resulting mixture was stirred for 1 hour at 0 °C. The reaction mixture, while keeping the temperature at 0 °C, was diluted with 5L of dry methanol and a solution of sodium methoxide (176g, 3.25 mole) in 3 L of methanol was dropped into this. The contents were stirred at 0 °C for 2 hours. The solvent was evaporated and to the residue was 8 L of dry acetonitrile followed by the addition of potassium carbonate (1037g, 7.5 mole) and 1,2,4-triazole (518g, 7.5 mole). The resulting mixture was refluxed for 4 hour under nitrogen. After cooling, the solid was removed by suction filtration and washed with ethylacetate (2 x 1 L). The fine solid from the filtrate was removed over a bed of celite. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved in 8 L of ethylacetate. The resulting solution was washed with water (2 x 1 L), brine and the organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate. The contents were suction filtered and the filtrate. The solution was cooled and a steady stream of anhydrous HC1 gas was passed until this solution was saturated. The title compound 2b_, as hydrochloride, was isolated by suction filtration (300g, 39% yield from compound 2a). 'H-NMR (DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.81(d, 3H, J=6.29, -CH 3 ), 4.20(m, IH, -CH), 4.67- 4.85(ABq, 2H, -CH 2 ), 6.83-6.93(m, IH, Ar-H), 7.09-7.3 l(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.99(s, IH, Het-H), 8.8 l(s, IH, Het-H) ppm. The compound 9Jb_, as hydrochloride, was dissolved in minimum amount of water and basified with ammonia to a pH of 10. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give compound_9_b_ as a free base. 'H-NMR (CDC1 3 ) δ: 0.97(d, 3H, J=6.39, -CH 3 ), 2.71-2.76(b, s, IH, -OH), 4.30- 4.38(m, IH, -CH), 4.74-4.89(ABq and s merged, 3H, -CH 2 , -OH), 6.70-6.80(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.36-7.48(m, IH, Ar-H), 7.82(s, IH, Het-H), 7.85(s, IH, Het-H) ppm. - 33 - EXAMPLE 19 Preparation of (2S,3S)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-l-(lH-l,2,4-triazol-l-yl)-2,3- butanediol [2d] from 2c in one pot Method A A solution of compound 2c, (l .Og, 0.005 mole), triphenylphosphine (1.6g, 0.006 mole), and benzoic acid (0.733g, 0.006 mole) in 20 ml of dry tetrahydrofuran was cooled to 0 °C. Into this clear solution, diethyl azodicarboxylate (0.94 ml, 0.006 mole) was dropped slowly and the resulting mixture was stirred for 1 hour at 0 °C. The reaction mixture, while keeping the temperature at 0 °C, was diluted with 20 ml of dry methanol and a solution of sodium methoxide (0.351g, 0.0065 mole) in 10 ml of methanol was dropped into it. The contents were stirred at 0 °C for 6 hours. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was dissolved in 20 ml of dry acetonitrile followed by the addition of potassium carbonate (2.07g, 0.015 mole) and 1,2,4- triazole (1.04g, 0.015 mole). The resulting mixture was refluxed for 4 hour under nitrogen. After cooling, the solid was removed by suction filtration and washed with small amounts of ethylacetate. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved in 50 ml of ethylacetate. The resulting solution was washed with water (2 x 5 ml), brine and the organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate. The contents were suction filtered and the filtrate was diluted with 50 ml of diethyl ether. The solution was cooled and a steady stream of anhydrous HC1 gas was passed until this solution was saturated. The title compound 2d, as hydrochloride, was isolated by suction filtration (0.430g, 28% yield from compound 2c). 'H-NMR (DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.81(d, 3H, J=6.29, -CH 3 ), 4.20(m, IH, -CH), 4.67-4.85(ABq 2H, -CH 2 ), 6.83-6.93(m, IH, Ar-H), 7.09-7.3 l(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.99(s, IH, Het-H), 8.81 (s, lH, Het-H) ppm. The compound 2d, as hydrochloride, was dissolved in minimum amount of water and basified with ammonia to a pH of 10 and extracted with ethyl acetate. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give compound_9_d as a free base. 'H-NMR (CDC1 3 ) δ: 0.97(d, 3H, J=6.39, -CH 3 ), 2.71-2.76(b, s, IH, -OH), 4.30- - 34 - 4.38(m, IH, -CH), 4.74-4.89(ABq and s merged, 3H, -CH 2 , -OH), 6.70-6.80(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.36-7.48(m, IH, Ar-H), 7.82(s, IH, Het-H), 7.85(s, IH, Het-H) ppm. Method B A solution of compound 2c, (5.0g, 0.025 mole), triphenylphosphine (7.87g, 0.030 mole), and p-nitrobenzoic acid (5.01g, 0.030 mole) in 80 ml of dry tetrahydrofuran was cooled to 0 °C. Into this clear solution, diethyl azodicarboxylate (4.7 ml, 0.030 mole) was dropped slowly and the resulting mixture was stirred for 1 hour at 0 °C. The reaction progress was monitored by TLC. The reaction mixture, while keeping the temperature at 0 °C, was diluted with 50 ml of dry methanol and a solution of sodium methoxide (1.76g, 0.0325 mole) in 30 ml of methanol was dropped into this. The contents were stirred at 0 °C for 2 hours. The solvent was evaporated and to the residue was 100 ml of dry acetonitrile followed by the addition of potassium carbonate (10.4g, 0.075 mole) and 1,2,4-triazole (5.18g, 0.075 mole). The resulting mixture was refluxed for 4 hour under nitrogen. After cooling, the solid was removed by suction filtration and washed with ethylacetate (2 x 25 ml). The fine solid from the filtrate was removed over a bed of celite. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved in 150 ml of ethylacetate. The resulting solution was washed with water (2 x 25 ml), brine and the organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate. The contents were suction filtered and the filtrate was diluted with 150 ml of diethyl ether. The solution was cooled and a steady stream of anhydrous HC1 gas was passed until this solution was saturated. The title compound 2d, as hydrochloride, was isolated by suction filtration (2.90g, 38% yield from compound 2c). 'H-NMR (DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.81(d, 3H, J=6.29, -CH 3 ), 4.20(m, IH, -CH), 4.67- 4.85(ABq, 2H, -CH 2 ), 6.83-6.93(m, IH, Ar-H), 7.09-7.3 l(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.99(s, IH, Het-H), 8.81(s, IH, Het-H) ppm. The compound 2d, as hydrochloride, was dissolved in minimum amount of water and basified with ammonia to a pH of 10. The product was extracted with ethyl acetate. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give compound_9_d as a - 35 - free base. 'H-NMR (CDCI 3 ) δ: 0.97(d, 3H, J=6.39, -CH 3 ), 2.71-2.76(b, s, IH, -OH), 4.30- 4.38(m, IH, -CH), 4.74-4.89(ABq and s merged, 3H, -CH 2 , -OH), 6.70-6.80(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.36-7.48(m, IH, Ar-H), 7.82(s, IH, Het-H), 7.85(s, IH, Het-H) ppm. EXAMPLE 20 Large Scale Preparation of (2R,3R)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-l-(lH-l,2,4-triazol-l- yl)-2,3-butanediol [2h] from methyl-S-(-)-lactate-la A mixture of methyl (S)-(-) lactate (500g, 4.803 mole) and morpholine (1.3L, 14.9 mole) was heated at 85 °C, under N 2 , for 70 hours. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The contents were diluted with 6L of dichloromethane and washed (4 x 250 ml) with a mixture of 10% HC1 in brine. The organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure to give the a pale yellow oil (571.5 g). This pale yellow oil (571.5g) was diluted with dichloromethane (1.9L) followed by the addition of p-toluene sulfonic acid (6.82 g, 0.0359 mole). The solution was cooled 0 °C and into it 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran (393ml,4.311 mole) was dropped slowly over a period of 1 hour. After stirring for another 15 minutes the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give pale yellow oil, 2a (859g). A mixture of magnesium (103.1g, 4.24 mole) and l-bromo-2,4- difluorobenzene (50 ml, 0.44 mole) in tetrahydrofuran (3.5L) were vigorously stirred and warmed to 40 °C to initiate the reaction. The contents were kept at 40 °C with the gradual addition of l-bromo-2,4-difluorobenzene (429 ml, 3.80 mole). The contents were stirred at room temperature for 1.5 hour and then cooled to -20 C C. A solution of the oil 2a (859 g) in dry tetrahydrofuran (500 ml) was dropped over a period of 1 hour into the cooled solution. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for additional 3.5 hours, diluted with ethyl acetate (4.6 L), then a 1 : 1 mixture of brine and saturated aqueous NH 4 C1 (4.6L) was added. The aqueous layer was removed and extracted with ethylacetate (3 x 2L). The combined organic phases were washed with water (2L), brine (2L) and dried over Na j SO^ The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give the crude_4a as a dark brown oil (967g). A mechanically stirred mixture of methyl triphenylphosphonium bromide - 36 - (1616 g, 4.52 moles) in dry tetrahydrofuran (3.5L) was cooled to 8 °C. A solution of lithium bis (trimethylsilyl)amide (810g, 4.84 moles) in tetrahydrofuran (5L) was added to the above mixture at a rate so that the temperature of the mixture remained at 23 °C. After stirring for 1 hour at room temperature the contents were cooled to -70 °C and stirred for 1/2 hour. Added a solution of compound 4a, (967g) in tetrahydrofuran (2.5L) slowly to maintain the temperature of the mixture below -70 °C. The resulting mixture was stirred at 7 °C for 17 hours. Added 550 ml of ethyl acetate to the above mixture followed by the addition of hexane (3.9L) and allowed standing for 15 minutes. The solid was removed by suction-filtration and washed thoroughly with hexane (3L). The filtrate was washed with 1 : 1 mixture of methanol : water (2 x 10L), brine and dried over MgSO 4 . The solvent was evaporated to give the crude 5a as an oil (870). A mixture of crude 5a, (870) and pyridinium-p-toluenesulfonate (350g, 1.39mole) in ethanol (12L) was heated at 60 °C for 9 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and co-evaporated with toluene. The residue was diluted with toluene and the resulting solid was removed by filtration. The filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure to give the crude fia as light brown oil (664g). To a solution of diethyl L(+)-tartrate (161 ml, 0.94 mole) in dry CH 2 C1 2 (24 L) was added activated 3A° molecular sieve powder (600 g) and cooled the mixture to -5 °C. Added a solution of titanium (IV) isopropoxide (597 ml, 2.0 mole) followed by t-butyl hydroperoxide (1.56L of 5-6M solution in decane) and continue to stir at -5 °C for 25 minutes. To this mixture, a solution of crude 6a, (664g) in CH 2 C1 2 (2L) was added and stirred for 12 hours at 5 °C. Cooled the reaction mixture to -40 °C, added 1.4L of 30% aq. NaOH solution saturated with NaCl and the mixture was allowed to warm to 10 °C. Added 1.2 kg of MgSO 4 , 400g of celite and continued to stir at 10 °C for 30 minutes. The mixture was suction-filtered over celite. To the filtrate toluene (20L), and 15L of ether were added and insoluble material removed by filtration. The filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure to give the crude 2a as a light brown oil (740g). A solution of crude la, (740g), triphenylphosphine (1165g, 4.44 mole), and p-nitrobenzoic acid (742g, 4.44 mole) in 8 L of dry tetrahydrofuran was cooled to 0 - 37 - °C. Into this clear solution, diethyl azodicarboxylate (698 ml, 4.43 mole) was dropped slowly and the resulting mixture was stirred for 1 hour at 0 °C. The reaction mixture, while keeping the temperature at 0 °C, was diluted with 5L of dry methanol and a solution of sodium methoxide (260g, 4.81 mole) in methanol (3L) was dropped into this. The contents were stirred at 0 °C for 2 hours. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was dissolved in 8 L of dry acetonitrile followed by the addition of potassium carbonate (1534g, 11.1 mole) and 1,2,4-triazole (767g, 11.1 mole). The resulting mixture was refluxed for 4 hour under nitrogen. After cooling, the solid was removed by suction filtration and washed with ethylacetate (2 x 1 L). The fine solid from the filtrate was removed over a bed of celite. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved in 8 L of ethylacetate. The resulting solution was washed with water (2 x 1 L), brine and the organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate. The contents were suction filtered. The filterate was cooled and a steady stream of anhydrous HCl gas was passed until this solution was saturated. The title compound 2h, as hydrochloride, was isolated by suction filtration. 'H-NMR (DMSO-d 6 ) δ : 0.81(d, 3H, J=6.29, -CH 3 ), 4.20(m, IH, -CH), 4.67- 4.85(ABq, 2H, -CH 2 ), 6.83-6.93(m, IH, Ar-H), 7.09-7.3 l(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.99(s, IH, Het-H), 8.8 l(s, IH, Het-H) ppm. EXAMPLE 21 Preparation of (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-l-(lH-l,2,4-triazol-l-yl)-2,3- butanediol [2a] from methyl-S-(-)-lactate_la A mixture of methyl (S)-(-) lactate (lOOg, 0.96 mole) and morpholine (260ml, 2.98 mole) is heated at 85 °C, under N 2 , for 70 hours. The solvent is removed under reduced pressure. The contents are diluted with 120ml of dichloromethane and washed (4 x 50 ml) with a mixture of 10% HCl in brine. The organic phase is dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure to give yellow oil . This pale yellow oil is diluted with dichloromethane (280ml) followed by the addition of p-toluene sulfonic acid (1.36 g, 0.007 mole). The solution is cooled 0 °C and into it 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran (79ml, 0.86 mole) is dropped slowly over a period of 1 hour. After stirring for another 15 minutes the solvent is removed under reduced pressure - 38 - to give pale yellow oil, 2a.. A mixture of magnesium (20.6g, 0.848 mole) and l-bromo-2,4- difluorobenzene (10 ml, 0.088 mole) in tetrahydrofuran (700ml) are vigorously stirred and warmed to 40 °C to initiate the reaction. The contents are kept at 40 °C with the gradual addition of l-bromo-2,4-difluorobenzene (89 ml, 0.76 mole). The contents are stirred at room temperature for 1.5 hour and then cooled to -20 °C. A solution of the oil 2a in dry tetrahydrofuran (100 ml) is dropped over a period of 1 hour into the cooled solution. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for additional 3.5 hours, diluted with ethyl acetate (900ml), then a 1 : 1 mixture of brine and saturated aqueous NH 4 C1 (900ml) is added. The aqueous layer is removed and extracted with ethylacetate (3 x 400ml). The combined organic phases are washed with water (400ml), brine (400ml) and dried over Na^O^ The solvent is removed under reduced pressure to give the crude_4a as oil. A mechanically stirred mixture of methyl triphenylphosphonium bromide (323 g, 0.904 moles) in dry tetrahydrofuran (700ml) is cooled to 8 °C. A solution of lithium bis (trimethylsilyl)amide (162g, 0.904 moles) in tetrahydrofuran (IL) is added to the above mixture at a rate so that the temperature of the mixture remained at 23 °C. After stirring for 1 hour at room temperature the contents are cooled to -70 °C and stirred for 1/2 hour. Added a solution of compound 4a in tetrahydrofuran (500ml) slowly to maintain the temperature of the mixture below -70 °C. The resulting mixture is stirred at 7 °C for 17 hours. Added 100 ml of ethyl acetate to the above mixture followed by the addition of hexane (800ml) and allowed standing for 15 minutes. The solid is removed by suction-filtration and washed thoroughly with hexane (600ml). The filtrate is washed with 1 : 1 mixture of methanol : water (2 x 200ml), brine and dried over MgSO 4 . The solvent is evaporated to give the crude 5a as oil. A mixture of crude 5a and pyridinium-p-toluenesulfonate (70g, 0.278mole) in ethanol (250ml) is heated at 60 °C for 9 hours. The reaction mixture is concentrated in vacuo and co-evaporated with toluene. The residue is diluted with toluene and the resulting solid is removed by filtration. The filtrate is evaporated under reduced pressure to give the crude 6a as light brown oil. To a solution of diethyl L(+)-tartrate (32.2 ml, 0.188 mole) in dry CH 2 C1 2 (5L) - 39 - is added activated 3 A 0 molecular sieve powder (120 g) and cooled the mixture to -5 °C. Added a solution of titanium (IV) isopropoxide (120ml, 0.4 mole) followed by t-butyl hydroperoxide (312ml of 5-6M solution in decane) and continue to stir at -5 °C for 25 minutes. To this mixture, a solution of crude 6a in CH 2 C1 2 (400ml) is added and stirred for 12 hours at 5 °C. Cooled the reaction mixture to -40 °C, added 280ml of 30% aq. NaOH solution saturated with NaCl and the mixture is allowed to warm to 10°C. Added 250g of MgSO 4 , 80g of celite and continued to stir at 10°C for 30 minutes. The mixture is suction-filtered over celite. To the filtrate toluene (4L) and 3L of ether are added and insoluble material removed by filtration. The filtrate is evaporated under reduced pressure to give the crude 2a as oil. A solution of crude 2a in 2.0L of dry acetonitrile are added potassium carbonate (306g, 2.2mole) and 1,2,4-triazole (152g, 2.2mole). The resulting mixture is refluxed for 4 hour under nitrogen. After cooling, the solid is removed by suction filtration and washed with small amounts of ethylacetate. The filtrate is concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue is dissolved in 4.0L of ethylacetate. The resulting solution is washed with water (2 x 1000 ml), brine and the organic phase is dried over sodium sulfate. The contents are suction filtered and the filtrate is diluted with 60 ml of diethyl ether. The solution is cooled and a steady stream of anhydrous HCl gas is passed until this solution is saturated. The saturated solution is kept under cooling for 5hrs during which time a solid is separated. The title compound 2a, as hydrochloride, is isolated by suction filtration. 'H-NMR (CDC1 3 ) δ: 1.25(d, 3H, J=6.44, -CH 3 ), 2.89(b, s, IH, -OH), 4.01(m, IH, - CH), 4.51-4.58(m, IH), 4.99-5.05(m, 2H), 6.65-6.85(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.47-7.59(m, IH, Ar-H), 7.73(s, IH, Het-H), 8.02(s, IH, Het-H) ppm. EXAMPLE 22 Preparation of (2S,3R)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-l-(lH-l,2,4-triazol-l-yl)-2,3- butanediol [2c] from methyl-R-(+)-lactate_lh A mixture of methyl (R)-(+) lactate (25g, 0.24 mole) and morpholine (65ml, 0.075 mole) is heated at 85 °C, under N 2 , for 70 hours. The solvent is removed under reduced pressure. The contents are diluted with 600ml of dichloromethane and - 40 - washed (4 x 15 ml) with a mixture of 10% HCl in brine. The organic phase is dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure to give the a yellow oil. This pale yellow oil is diluted with dichloromethane (90ml) followed by the addition of p-toluene sulfonic acid (340 mg, 0.0018 mole). The solution is cooled 0 °C and into it 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran (20ml, 0.21 mole) is dropped slowly over a period of 1 hour. After stirring for another 15 minutes the solvent is removed under reduced pressure to give pale yellow oil, 2h. A mixture of magnesium (5.15g, 0.0.21 mole) and l-bromo-2,4- difluorobenzene (25 ml, 0.022 mole) in tetrahydrofuran (170ml) are vigorously stirred and warmed to 40 °C to initiate the reaction. The contents are kept at 40 °C with the gradual addition of l-bromo-2,4-difluorobenzene (22 ml, 0.19 mole). The contents are stirred at room temperature for 1.5 hour and then cooled to -20 °C. A solution of the oil 3Jb in dry tetrahydrofuran (25 ml) is dropped over a period of 1 hour into the cooled solution. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for additional 3.5 hours, diluted with ethyl acetate (200ml), then a 1 : 1 mixture of brine and saturated aqueous NH 4 C1 (200ml) is added. The aqueous layer is removed and extracted with ethylacetate (3 x 100ml). The combined organic phases are washed with water (100ml), brine (100ml) and dried overNa^O^ The solvent is removed under reduced pressure to give the crude_4b_ as a dark brown oil. A mechanically stirred mixture of methyl triphenylphosphonium bromide (80.5 g, 0.226 moles) in dry tetrahydrofuran (180ml) is cooled to 8 °C. A solution of lithium bis (trimethylsilyl)amide (40.5g, 0.24 moles) in tetrahydrofuran (200ml) is added to the above mixture at a rate so that the temperature of the mixture remained at 23 °C. After stirring for 1 hour at room temperature the contents are cooled to -70 °C and stirred for 1/2 hour. Added a solution of compound 4b_, obtained above, in tetrahydrofuran (120ml) slowly to maintain the temperature of the mixture below -70 °C. The resulting mixture is stirred at 7 °C for 17 hours. Added 25 ml of ethyl acetate to the above mixture followed by the addition of hexane (200ml) and allowed standing for 15 minutes. The solid is removed by suction-filtration and washed thoroughly with hexane (150ml). The filtrate is washed with 1 : 1 mixture of methanol : water (2 x 500ml), brine and dried over MgSO 4 . The solvent is evaporated to give the crude - 41 - 5h as an oil. A mixture of crude 5h, and pyridinium-p-toluenesulfonate (17.5g, 0.07mole) in ethanol (500ml) is heated at 60 °C for 9 hours. The reaction mixture is concentrated in vacuo and co-evaporated with toluene. The residue is diluted with toluene and the resulting solid is removed by filtration. The filtrate is evaporated under reduced pressure to give the crude fib_ as light brown oil. To a solution of diethyl L(+)-tartrate (8 ml, 0.047 mole) in dry CH 2 C1 2 (1.2 L) is added activated 3A° molecular sieve powder (300 g) and cooled the mixture to -5 °C. Added a solution of titanium (IV) isopropoxide (30 ml, 0.10 mole) followed by t-butyl hydroperoxide (78ml of 5-6M solution in decane) and continue to stir at -5 °C for 25 minutes. To this mixture, a solution of crude 6b_, in CH 2 C1 2 (100ml) is added and stirred for 12 hours at 5 °C. Cooled the reaction mixture to -40 °C, added 70ml of 30% aq. NaOH solution saturated with NaCl and the mixture is allowed to warm to 10 °C. Added 60 g of MgSO 4 , 20g of celite and continued to stir at 10 °C for 30 minutes. The mixture is suction-filtered over celite. To the filtrate toluene (IL), and 700ml of ether are added and insoluble material removed by filtration. The filtrate is evaporated under reduced pressure to give the crude 2c as a light brown oil. A solution of crude 2c in 500ml of dry acetonitrile are added potassium carbonate (76.5g, 0.55mole) and 1,2,4-triazole (38g, 0.55mole). The resulting mixture is refluxed for 4 hour under nitrogen. After cooling, the solid is removed by suction filtration and washed with small amounts of ethylacetate. The filtrate is concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue is dissolved in 1.0L of ethylacetate. The resulting solution is washed with water (2 x 200 ml), brine and the organic phase is dried over sodium sulfate. The contents are suction filtered and the filtrate is diluted with 30 ml of diethyl ether. The solution is cooled and a steady stream of anhydrous HCl gas is passed until this solution is saturated. The saturated solution is kept under cooling for 5 - lOhrs during which time a solid is separated. The title compound 2c, as hydrochloride, is isolated by suction filtration. 'H-NMR (DMSO) δ: 1.25(d, 3H, J-6.26, -CH 3 ), 2.92(b, s, IH, -OH), 4.01(m, IH, - CH), 4.52-4.59(m, IH), 4.99-5.05(m, 2H), 6.67-6.83(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.46-7.59(m, IH, Ar-H), 7.73(s, IH, Het-H), 8.02(s, IH, Het-H) ppm. - 42 - EXAMPLE 23 Preparation of (2S,3S)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-l-(lH-l,2,4-triazol-l-yl)-2,3- butanediol [2d] from methyl-R-(+)-lactate_lh A mixture of methyl (R)-(+) lactate (50g, 0.48 mole) and morpholine (130ml, 0.149 mole) is heated at 85 °C, under N 2 , for 70 hours. The solvent is removed under reduced pressure. The contents are diluted with 600ml of dichloromethane and washed (4 x 25 ml) with a mixture of 10% HCl in brine. The organic phase is dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure to give yellow oil. This pale yellow oil is diluted with dichloromethane (190ml) followed by the addition of p-toluene sulfonic acid (682 mg, 0.0036 mole). The solution is cooled 0 °C and into it 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran (39ml, 0.431 mole) is dropped slowly over a period of 1 hour. After stirring for another 15 minutes the solvent is removed under reduced pressure to give pale yellow oil, 2h. A mixture of magnesium (10.3g, 0.42 mole) and l-bromo-2,4-difluorobenzene (50 ml, 0.044 mole) in tetrahydrofuran (350ml) are vigorously stirred and warmed to 40 °C to initiate the reaction. The contents are kept at 40 °C with the gradual addition of l-bromo-2,4-difluorobenzene (43 ml, 0.38 mole). The contents are stirred at room temperature for 1.5 hour and then cooled to -20 °C. A solution of the oil 2b_ in dry tetrahydrofuran (50 ml) is dropped over a period of 1 hour into the cooled solution. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for additional 3.5 hours, diluted with ethyl acetate (450ml), then a 1 :1 mixture of brine and saturated aqueous NH 4 C1 (450ml) is added. The aqueous layer is removed and extracted with ethylacetate (3 x 200ml). The combined organic phases are washed with water (200ml), brine (200ml) and dried over Na 2 SO 4 . The solvent is removed under reduced pressure to give the crude_4h as dark brown oil. A mechanically stirred mixture of methyl triphenylphosphonium bromide (161 g, 0.452 moles) in dry tetrahydrofuran (350ml) is cooled to 8 °C. A solution of lithium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide (81g, 0.48 moles) in tetrahydrofuran (500ml) is added to the above mixture at a rate so that the temperature of the mixture remained at 23 °C. After stirring for 1 hour at room temperature the contents are cooled to -70 °C and stirred for 1/2 hour. Added a solution of crude 4b_, obtained above, in - 43 - tetrahydrofuran (250ml) slowly to maintain the temperature of the mixture below -70 °C. The resulting mixture is stirred at 7 °C for 17 hours. Added 50 ml of ethyl acetate to the above mixture followed by the addition of hexane (390ml) and allowed standing for 15 minutes. The solid is removed by suction- filtration and washed thoroughly with hexane (300ml). The filtrate is washed with 1 :1 mixture of methanol : water (2 x IL), brine and dried over MgSO 4 . The solvent is evaporated to give the crude 5h as an oil. A mixture of crude 5h, and pyridinium-p-toluenesulfonate (35g, 0. Mmole) in ethanol (1.2L) is heated at 60 °C for 9 hours. The reaction mixture is concentrated in vacuo and co-evaporated with toluene. The residue is diluted with toluene and the resulting solid is removed by filtration. The filtrate is evaporated under reduced pressure to give the crude 6h as light brown oil. To a solution of diethyl L(+)-tartrate (16 ml, 0.094 mole) in dry CH 2 C1 2 (2.4 L) is added activated 3 A 0 molecular sieve powder (600 g) and cooled the mixture to -5 °C. Added a solution of titanium (IV) isopropoxide (59 ml, 0.20 mole) followed by t-butyl hydroperoxide (156ml of 5-6M solution in decane) and continue to stir at -5 °C for 25 minutes. To this mixture, a solution of crude 6b_, in CH 2 C1 2 (200ml) is added and stirred for 12 hours at 5 °C. Cooled the reaction mixture to -40 °C, added 140ml of 30% aq. NaOH solution saturated with NaCl and the mixture is allowed to warm to 10°C. Added 120 g of MgSO 4 , 40g of celite and continued to stir at 10°C for 30 minutes. The mixture is suction-filtered over celite. To the filtrate toluene (2L), and 1.5L of ether are added and insoluble material removed by filtration. The filtrate is evaporated under reduced pressure to give the crude 2c as a light brown oil. A solution of crude 2c, triphenylphosphine (116g, 0.44 mole), and p- nitrobenzoic acid (74g, 0.44 mole) in 800ml of dry tetrahydrofuran is cooled to 0 °C. Into this clear solution, diethyl azodicarboxylate (70 ml, 0.44 mole) is dropped slowly and the resulting mixture is stirred for 1 hour at 0 °C. The reaction mixture, while keeping the temperature at 0 °C, is diluted with 500ml of dry methanol and a solution of sodium methoxide (26g, 0.481 mole) in methanol (300ml) is dropped into this. The contents are stirred at 0 °C for 2 hours. The solvent is evaporated and the residue is dissolved in 800ml of dry acetonitrile followed by the addition of potassium carbonate - 44 - (153g, 1.1 mole) and 1,2,4-triazole (76g, 1.11 mole). The resulting mixture is refluxed for 4 hour under nitrogen. After cooling, the solid is removed by suction filtration and washed with ethylacetate (2 x 1 L). The fine solid from the filtrate is removed over a bed of celite. The filtrate is concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue is dissolved in 800ml of ethylacetate. The resulting solution is washed with water (2 x 100ml), brine and the organic phase is dried over sodium sulfate. The contents are suction filtered. The filtrate is cooled and a steady stream of anhydrous HCl gas is passed until this solution is saturated. The title compound 2d, as hydrochloride, is isolated by suction filtration. 'H-NMR (DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.8 l(d, 3H, J=6.29, -CH 3 ), 4.20(m, IH, -CH), 4.67- 4.85(ABq, 2H, -CH 2 ), 6.83-6.93(m, IH, Ar-H), 7.09-7.3 l(m, 2H, Ar-H), 7.99(s, IH, Het-H), 8.8 l(s, IH, Het-H) ppm. References 1. Heeres, J., Backx, L. J. J. and Cutsem, J. V. J. Med. Chem. , 1984, 21, 894- 900. 2. European Patent #0 612 734 Al . 3. Tasaka, A., Tamura, N., Matsushita, Y., Teranishi, K., Hayashi, R., Okonogi, K. and Itoh, K. Chem. Pharm. Bull, 1993, 41 (6), 1035-1042. 4. United States Patent Application Serial #US 08/786,376. 5. Konosu, T., Miyaoka, T., Tazima, Y., Oida, S. Chem. Pharm. Bull. 22(9) 2241-2246 (1991). 6. (a) Katsui, T. and Sharpless, K.B., J. Am. Chem. Soc, 1980, 102, 5974- 5976. (b) Hanson, R.M. and Sharpless, K.B., J. Org. Chem., 1986, 51, 1922- 1925. 7. (a) Mitsunobu, O. and Yamada, M. Bull. Chem. Soc, Jpn., 4Ω, 1967, 2380. (b) Mitsunobu, O. and Eguchi, M. Bull. Chem. Soc, Jpn., 44, 1971, 3427. 8. Girijavallabhan, V.M., Gangulay, A.K., Pinto, P.A. and Sarre, OZ. -45- Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 1(7), 1991, 349.

Claims: - 46 - We claim: 1. A compound of formula 5 wherein X, and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substituent selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine; and R is selected from the group consisting of 2-tetrahydropyranyl, benzyl, trityl, methoxymethyl and methoxyethoxymethyl. 2. A method of producing a compound of formula 5b, wherein X, and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C r C 6 alkyl group and C r C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C C 6 alkyl and C r C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substituent selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine; and R is selected from the group consisting of 2-tetrahydropyranyl, benzyl, trityl, methoxymethyl and methoxyethoxymethyl, - 47 - comprising reacting a compound of formula 4b, wherein X„ X 2 and R are as defined above, with methyl triphenyl phosphonium bromide to produce the compound of formula 5b. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the reacting step is conducted in the presence of a bis(trimethylsilyl)amide salt. 4. A method of producing a compound of formula 5a, wherein X, and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C,-C 6 alkyl group and C r C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstituted or have a substituent selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine; and R is selected from the group consisting of 2-tetrahydropyranyl, benzyl, trityl, methoxymethyl and methoxyethoxymethyl, comprising reacting a compound of formula 4a, wherein X„ X 2 and R are as defined above, 4a with methyl triphenyl phosphonium bromide to produce the compound of formula 5a. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the reacting step is conducted in the presence of a bis(trimethylsilyl)amide salt. 6. A method of producing a compound of formula 6a, wherein X, and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substituent selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine, comprising reacting a compound of formula 5a wherein X t and X 2 are as defined above; and R is selected from the group - 49 - consisting of 2-tetrahydropyranyl, benzyl, trityl, methoxymethyl and methoxyethoxymethyl, with pyridinium p-toluene sulfonate to produce the compound of formula 6a. 7. A method of producing a compound of formula 6b, wherein X, and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C j - alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstituted or have a substituent selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine, comprising reacting a compound of formula 5b wherein X, and X 2 are as defined above; and R is selected from the group consisting of 2-tetrahydropyranyl, benzyl, trityl, methoxymethyl and methoxyethoxymethyl, with pyridinium p-toluene sulfonate to produce the compound of formula 6b. 8. A method of producing a compound of formula 7a, - 50 - wherein X [ and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C,-C 6 alkyl group and C r C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substituent selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine, comprising reacting a compound of formula 6a wherein X, and X 2 are as defined above, with tert-butyl hydroperoxide in the presence of titanium isopropoxide and a chiral tartrate to produce the compound of formula 7a. 9. A method of producing a compound of formula 7c, 15. wherein X ! and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, - 51 - wherein the C r C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substituent selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine, comprising reacting a compound of formula 6b wherein X, and X 2 are as defined above, with tert-butyl hydroperoxide in the presence of titanium isopropoxide and a chiral tartrate to produce the compound of formula 7c. 10. A method of producing a compound of formula 7b, wherein X, and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C r C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C r C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substituent selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine, comprising reacting a compound of formula 8a - 52 - wherein X j and X 2 are as defined above, with a methoxide salt to produce the compound of formula 7b. 11. A method of producing a compound of formula 7d, wherein X, and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstituted or have a substiment selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine, comprising reacting a compound of formula 8c wherein X, and X 2 are as defined above, with a methoxide salt to produce the compound of formula 7d. 12. A compound of formula 8a, - 53 - aa wherein X, and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C r C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substiment selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine. 13. A method of producing a compound of formula 8a, wherein X, and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substiment selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine, comprising reacting a compound of formula 7a wherein X { and X 2 are as defined above, with p-nitrobenzoic acid to produce the compound of formula 8a. - 54 - 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the reacting step is conducted in the presence of triphenyl phosphine and diethyl azodicarboxylate. 15. A compound of formula 8c, wherein X, and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C C 6 alkyl group and C C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substiment selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine. 16. A method of producing a compound of formula 8c, wherein X, and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substiment selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine, comprising reacting a compound of formula 7c wherein X, and X 2 are as defined above, with p-nitrobenzoic acid to produce the compound of formula 8c. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the reacting step is conducted in the presence of triphenyl phosphine and diethyl azodicarboxylate. 18. A method of producing a compound of formula 7a, wherein X, and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substiment selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine, the method comprising (a) reacting a compound of formula 4a - 56 - wherein X ! and X 2 are as defined above; and R is selected from the group consisting of 2-tetrahydropyranyl, benzyl, trityl, methoxymethyl and methoxyethoxymethyl, with methyl triphenyl phosphonium bromide to produce a compound of formula 5a, wherein X„ X 2 and R are as defined above; (b) thereafter reacting the compound of formula 5a with pyridinium p- toluene sulfonate to produce a compound of formula 6a, wherein X [ and X 2 are as defined above; and (c) thereafter reacting the compound of formula 6a with tert-butyl hydroperoxide in the presence of titanium isopropoxide and a chiral tartrate to produce the compound of formula 7a. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein steps (a)-(c) are conducted in sequence without intervening purification steps. 20. A method of producing a compound of formula 7c, wherein X ! and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C r C 6 alkyl and C C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substiment selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine, the method comprising (a) reacting a compound of formula 4b wherein X, and X 2 are as defined above; and R is selected from the group consisting of 2-tetrahydropyranyl, benzyl, trityl, methoxymethyl and methoxyethoxymethyl, with methyl triphenyl phosphonium bromide to produce a compound of formula 5b, - 58 - wherein X„ X 2 and R are as defined above; (b) thereafter reacting the compound of formula 5b with pyridinium p- toluene sulfonate to produce a compound of formula 6b, wherein X, and X 2 are as defined above; and (c) thereafter reacting the compound of formula 6b with tert-butyl hydroperoxide in the presence of titanium isopropoxide and a chiral tartrate to produce the compound of formula 7c. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein steps (a)-(c) are conducted in sequence without intervening purification steps. 22. A method of producing a compound of formula 9b, wherein X, and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C,-C 6 alkyl group and C r C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substiment selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine; and X is selected from the group consisting of - 59 - (1) N(R ! )(R 2 ), wherein R, and R 2 are each independently hydrogen or phenyl, wherein the phenyl is unsubstimted or substituted with chlorine, bromine, fluorine, NO 2 , C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substiment selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, fluorine and phenyl, wherein the phenyl is unsubstimted or substituted with chlorine, bromine, fluorine, NO 2 , C r C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group; (2) S-R l5 wherein R, is as defined above; (3) O-R l5 wherein R { is as defined above; (4) S(O)-R,, wherein R, is as defined above; (5) S(O 2 )-R ! , wherein R ! is as defined above; and (6) a five, six or seven membered heterocycle with 1-3 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group consisting of N, S, S(O), 8(0^) and O, wherein the heterocycle is attached to the remainder of the compound via a heteroatom or a carbon, the method comprising (a) reacting a compound of formula 7a wherein X, and X 2 are as defined above, with p-nitrobenzoic acid to produce a compound of formula 8a, - 60 - wherein X, and X 2 are as defined above; (b) thereafter reacting the compound of formula 8a with a methoxide salt to produce a compound of formula 7b, wherein X, and X 2 are as defined above; and (c) thereafter reacting the compound of formula 7b with a salt of X, wherein X is as defined above, to produce the compound of formula 9b. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein steps (a)-(c) are conducted in sequence without intervening purification steps. 24. A method of producing a compound of formula 9d, HO ? H 3 wherein X, and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C r C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substiment selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine; and X is selected from the group consisting of (1) N(R,)(R 2 ), wherein R, and R 2 are each independently hydrogen or - 61 - phenyl, wherein the phenyl is unsubstimted or substimted with chlorine, bromine, fluorine, NO 2 , C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and - alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substiment selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, fluorine and phenyl, wherein the phenyl is unsubstimted or substimted with chlorine, bromine, fluorine, NO 2 , C,-C 6 alkyl group and C C 6 alkoxy group; (2) S-R j , wherein R, is as defined above; (3) O-R,, wherein R, is as defined above; (4) S(O)-R,, wherein R, is as defined above; (5) S(O 2 )-R ! , wherein R [ is as defined above; and (6) a five, six or seven membered heterocycle with 1-3 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group consisting of N, S, S(O), S(O 2 ) and O, wherein the heterocycle is attached to the remainder of the compound via a heteroatom or a carbon, the method comprising (a) reacting a compound of formula 7c wherein X j and X 2 are as defined above, with p-nitrobenzoic acid to produce a compound of formula 8c, - 62 - wherein X, and X 2 are as defined above; (b) thereafter reacting the compound of formula 8c with a methoxide salt to produce a compound of formula 7d, wherein X, and X 2 are as defined above; and (c) thereafter reacting the compound of formula 7d with a salt of X, wherein X is as defined above, to produce the compound of formula 9d. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein steps (a)-(c) are conducted in sequence without intervening purification steps. 26. A method of producing a compound of formula 9a, HO 5"a wherein X, and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substiment selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine; and X is selected from the group consisting of (1) N(R,)(R 2 ), wherein R, and R 2 are each independently hydrogen or - 63 - phenyl, wherein the phenyl is unsubstimted or substimted with chlorine, bromine, fluorine, NO 2 , C C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substiment selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, fluorine and phenyl, wherein the phenyl is unsubstituted or substimted with chlorine, bromine, fluorine, NO 2 , C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group; (2) S-R,, wherein R [ is as defined above; (3) O-R,, wherein R, is as defined above; (4) S(O)-R [ , wherein R, is as defined above; (5) S(O 2 )-R l5 wherein R, is as defined above; and (6) a five, six or seven membered heterocycle with 1 -3 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group consisting of N, S, S(O), 8(0^ and O, wherein the heterocycle is attached to the remainder of the compound via a heteroatom or a carbon, the method comprising reacting a compound of formula 7a 9*3 wherein X, and X 2 are as defined above, with a salt of X, wherein X is as defined above, to produce the compound of formula 9a. 27. A method of producing a compound of formula 9c, - 64 - wherein X, and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstituted or have a substiment selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine; and X is selected from the group consisting of (1) N(R,)(R 2 ), wherein R, and R 2 are each independently hydrogen or phenyl, wherein the phenyl is unsubstituted or substimted with chlorine, bromine, fluorine, NO 2 , C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substituent selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, fluorine and phenyl, wherein the phenyl is unsubstimted or substimted with chlorine, bromine, fluorine, NO 2 , C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group; (2) S-R„ wherein R, is as defined above; (3) O-R,, wherein R, is as defined above; (4) S(O)-R,, wherein R, is as defined above; (5) S(O,)-R,, wherein R, is as defined above; and (6) a five, six or seven membered heterocycle with 1 -3 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group consisting of N, S, S(O), S(O 2 ) and O, wherein the heterocycle is attached to the remainder of the compound via a heteroatom or a carbon, the method comprising reacting a compound of formula 7c wherein X, and X 2 are as defined above, with a salt of X, wherein X is as defined above, to produce the compound of formula 9c. - 65 - 28. A method of producing a compound of formula 9b, wherein X, and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substiment selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine; and X is selected from the group consisting of (1) N(R,)(R 2 ), wherein R, and R 2 are each independently hydrogen or phenyl, wherein the phenyl is unsubstimted or substimted with chlorine, bromine, fluorine, NO 2 , C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substiment selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, fluorine and phenyl, wherein the phenyl is unsubstimted or substimted with chlorine, bromine, fluorine, NO 2 , C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group; (2) S-R„ wherein R, is as defined above; (3) O-R,, wherein R, is as defined above; (4) S(O)-R„ wherein R, is as defined above; (5) S(O 2 )-R„ wherein R, is as defined above; and (6) a five, six or seven membered heterocycle with 1-3 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group consisting of N, S, S(O), SfO j ) and O, wherein the heterocycle is attached to the remainder of the compound via a heteroatom or a carbon, the method comprising reacting a compound of formula 7b, - 66 - wherein X, and X 2 are as defined above, with a salt of X, wherein X is as defined above, to produce the compound of formula 9b. 29. A method of producing a compound of formula 9d, HO 9 H s wherein X, and X 2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstimted or have a substiment selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine; and X is selected from the group consisting of (1) N(R,)(R 2 ), wherein R, and R 2 are each independently hydrogen or phenyl, wherein the phenyl is unsubstimted or substimted with chlorine, bromine, fluorine, NO 2 , C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group, wherein the C,-C 6 alkyl and C,-C 6 alkoxy groups are unsubstituted or have a substiment selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, fluorine and phenyl, wherein the phenyl is unsubstimted or substimted with chlorine, bromine, fluorine, NO 2 , C,-C 6 alkyl group and C,-C 6 alkoxy group; (2) S-R,, wherein R, is as defined above; (3) O-R„ wherein R, is as defined above; (4) S(O)-R„ wherein R, is as defined above; (5) S(O 2 )-R,, wherein R, is as defined above; and - 67 - (6) a five, six or seven membered heterocycle with 1-3 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group consisting of N, S, S(O), 8(0^) and O, wherein the heterocycle is attached to the remainder of the compound via a heteroatom or a carbon, the method comprising reacting a compound of formula 7d, wherein X, and X 2 are as defined above, with a salt of X, wherein X is as defined above, to produce the compound of formula 9d.

Inventors: MICETICH RONALD G, PALAK BHUPINDER, SIDHU INDERJIT, SINGH INDER PAL, MICETICH, RONALD, G., PALAK, BHUPINDER, SIDHU, INDERJIT, SINGH, INDER, PAL
Applicants: SYNPHAR LAB INC, TAIHO PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD, SYNPHAR LABORATORIES, INC., TAIHO PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.
Application year: 1999
Main classification: C07B53
IPC codes: C07B53, C07B61, C07C29, C07C33, C07C41, C07C43, C07D249, C07D301, C07D303, C07D309, C07D521