Some Analogs of 4-(2',4'-Difluorobiphenyl-4-yl)-2-methyl-4-oxobutanoic Acid: Synthesis and Antiinflammatory Activity

Abstract
Analogs of 4-(2',4'-difluorobiphenyl-4-yl)-2-methyl-4-oxobutanoic acid (I, flobufen), containing a double bond (II, IV, V, VII, VIII) or a methyl group in position 3 (VI) were prepared. Their antiinflammatory activity was evaluated and compared with that of flobufen. None of the mentioned analogs reached the activity of the standard. Isomerization of the unsaturated derivatives is connected with a shift of the double bond, Z-E transformation or lactonization. Reaction conditions and spectra of the compounds prepared are described.