5,6-Dimethoxy-2-(4-pyridylmethylene)-1-indanone is a key intermediate in established synthetic routes to donepezil. Donepezil is the cholinesterase inhibitor used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. But at this stage, the molecule isn't done yet.
Look at the intermediate and two major pieces are already there: the dimethoxyindanone portion and a nitrogen-containing six-membered ring. Chemists first make the intermediate by joining 5,6-dimethoxy-1-indanone with pyridine-4-carboxaldehyde.
Global Chemical Database