Synthesis of 5-(4-substituted benzyl)-2,4-diaminoquinazolines as inhibitors of Candida albicans dihydrofolate reductase

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/jhet.5570320508

Several 5-(4-substituted benzyl)-2,4-diaminoquinazolines were prepared as potentially selective inhibitors of Candida albicans dihydrofolate reductase. These compounds were synthesized by a novel route, which included as a key step the displacement of a fluoro group in 2,6-difluorobenzonitrile by the anions of ethyl or methyl 4-substituted phenylacetates. The resultant diarylacetates were saponified and decarboxylated to the 2-fluoro-6-(4-substituted phenyl)benzonitriles. Ring closure of these benzonitriles with guanidine carbonate gave the 5-(4-substituted benzyl)-2,4-diaminoquinazolines.