Procaterol is a β2 adrenoreceptor agonist used for the treatment of asthma in many countries, but is not approved in the United States. The drug is readily oxidized in the presence of moisture and air, and requires stabilizers for use by inhalation.[1]
It was patented in 1974 and came into medical use in 1980.[2] Procaterol is similar to salbutamol (albuterol), but has a somewhat more prolonged action. It can be taken orally or by inhalation to treat asthma.
Synthesis
8-Hydroxycarbostyril 1 is acylated with 2-bromobutyric acid chloride 2 at the fifth position of the quinoline system, which gives the compound 3. This undergoes action of isopropylamine, forming an aminoketone, the carbonyl group of which is reduced by sodium borohydride, giving procaterol 4.[3][4][5][6]
^ abYoshizaki S, Tanimura K, Tamada S, Yabuuchi Y, Nakagawa K (September 1976). "Sympathomimetic amines having a carbostyril nucleus". Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 19 (9): 1138–1142. doi:10.1021/jm00231a011. PMID10441.
^ abYoshizaki S, Manabe Y, Tamada S, Nakagawa K, Tei S (August 1977). "Isomers of erythro-5-(1-hydroxy-2-isopropylaminobutyl)-8-hydroxycarbostyril, a new bronchodilator". Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 20 (8): 1103–1104. doi:10.1021/jm00218a024. PMID894683.