A simple and efficient synthesis of the ras farnesyl-protein transferase inhibitor chaetomellic acid A.

A simple and efficient synthesis of the ras farnesyl-protein transferase inhibitor chaetomellic acid A anhydride (1) is reported. The imidazopyridinium bromide 5 obtained from the reaction of 2-bromopalmitoyl chloride and 2-aminopyridine was reacted with maleic anhydride in the presence of NaOAc/AcOH to form 1 in 62% overall yield in three steps.