Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and its Synthetic Precursors: A Review

Abstract

: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an extremely important drug used for treatment of various ailments. WHO listed it as one of the essential drugs. Utility of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as prophylaxis of COVID19, although debated, is well known. We have reviewed synthetic strategies for industrial and academic synthesis of HCQ and its key intermediates like 4,7-dichloroquinoline (4,7-DCQ) and 2-((4-aminopentyl)(ethyl)amino)ethan-1-ol 9 (aka hydroxynovaldiamine; HNDA). The review is expected to provide the right perspective of the state-of-the-art knowledge in this field so that further developments are possible.