A scalable synthesis of an azabicyclooctanyl derivative, a novel DPP-4 inhibitor

A practical synthetic strategy is described for a chiral azabicyclooctanyl derivative, a potent DPP-4 inhibitor, starting from a commercially available nortropine. The stereogenic center of this derivative is established by using a modified protocol of Ellman's diasteroselective addition of a benzylic nucelophile to tert-butanesulfinimine.