High-speed synthesis of potent C2-symmetric HIV-1 protease inhibitors by in-situ aminocarbonylations.

Two novel series of C2-symmetric HIV-1 protease inhibitors were synthesized by microwave-promoted, palladium-catalyzed aminocarbonylations of the o-iodo- and m-bromobenzyloxy P1/P1' substituted core structures. Molybdenum hexacarbonyl was used as a convenient solid source of carbon monoxide in these transformations. After the initial high-speed library generation, biological testing identified highly active HIV-1 protease inhibitors.