Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and its Synthetic Precursors: A Review

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an extremely important drug used for the treatment of various ailments. WHO listed it as one of the essential drugs. The utility of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as prophylaxis of COVID19, although debated, is well known. We have reviewed synthetic strategies for the 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 hydroxy novaldiamine; HNDA). The review is expected to provide the right perspective of state-of-the-art knowledge in this field so that further developments are possible.