<p>Molnupiravir (MK-4482) is an investigational
direct-acting antiviral agent that is under development for the
treatment of COVID-19. Given the potential high demand for this
compound, it was critical to develop a sustainable and efficient
synthesis from commodity raw materials. The three-step route that
we report here embodies the shortest possible synthesis to
molnupiravir, and was enabled through the invention of a novel
biocatalytic cascade and final condensation step. Each step occurs
in over 95% yield and only utilizes widely available commodity
reagents and simple operations. Compared to the initial route, the
new route is 70% shorter, and approximately seven-fold higher in
overall yield. <br></p>
Ibuprofen is a commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is available in a variety of forms some of which may be purchased over the counter (OTC) at pharmacies or in small packs from retail outlets.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.