Erlotinib synthesis

EGFR mutations have subsequently been identified in some pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDA), which may explain the partial elficacy of erlotinib in the treatment of this highly malignant disease (50). Erlotinib in combination with the DNA synthesis inhibitor gemcitabine has now received FDA approval for the treatment of PDA, with a median survival benefit of approximately 2 weeks. 

The previous synthesis involves use of corrosive chemicals such as thionyl chloride/phosphoryl chloride, costly reagents such as platinum oxide, and flammable gas such as hydrogen at high-temperature reaction conditions. To overcome these issues, an easily scalable, convergent, and versatile process for the preparation of erlotinib was reported in 56% overall yield. Nitro reduction using sodium dithionite in aqueous medium gave aniline... 

A facile synthesis of erlotinib, patented by Schnur and Arnold, began with the condensation of readily available ethyl-2-amino-4,5-bis-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)benzoate and formamide to produce the corresponding quinazolinone,... 

Answer the following questions about erlotinib and phomallenic acid C. Erlotinib, sold under the trade name Tarceva, was introduced in 2004 for the treatment of lung cancer. Phomallenic acid C is an inhibitor of bacterial fatty acid synthesis. 

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