Methyl (2E)-4-{[4-(4-cyanophenyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]amino}-4-methylpent-2-enoate (0.85 g, 2.6 mmol), prepared in step 1 of Example 87, was dissolved in ethyl acetate (10 mL) and 10% Pd on carbon (0.25 g, 0.20 mmol) was added. The mixture was shaken in a Parr apparatus under 40 psi of hydrogen for 16 h. The mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, filtered through the Celite™ reagent and concentrated. Flash chromatography (10% acetone/hexane) afforded methyl 4-{[4-(4-cyanophenyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]amino}-4-methylpentanoate (0.81 g, 95%) as a white solid. HRMS: calcd for C17H19N3O2S+H+, 330.12707; found (ESI, [M+H]+), 330.1292; Analytical HPLC: purity 100% at 210-370 nm, 11.2 min; 100% at 272 nm, 11.2 min; the Xterra® RP18 column, 3.5%, 150×4.6 mm column, 1.2 mL/min, 85/15-5/95 (Ammon. Form. Buff. pH=3.5/ACN+MeOH) for 10 min, hold 4 min.
