Efficient synthesis of a novel m-phenylene derivative as a selective EP4 agonist inducing follicular growth and maturation in the ovary.

An efficient and straightforward synthesis of a novel m-phenylene derivative has been developed. The optically pure dibromo compound was selected as a starting material. Through a protocol involving the Prins reaction and two steps of the Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction, the basic skeleton was constructed with appropriate alpha and omega side chains. The compound proved to be a highly selective EP4 agonist and a possible drug candidate for maturation of the uterine cervix.