(Z)-5-(4-Fluorophenyl)pent-4-enoic Acid: A Precursor for Convenient and Efficient Synthesis of the Antihypercholesterolemia Agent Ezetimibe

A convenient and efficient total synthesis of ezetimibe, an intestinal cholesterol absorption inhibitor and useful anticholesteremic agent, is described. Based on (Z)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)pent-4-enoic acid as a starting compound, and taking the synthesis through further Z-configured intermediates, the total yield is remarkably increased, compared with the use of the corresponding E-configured starting substances or intermediates.