The reaction of 4-chloro-3-nitrobenzoic acid (I) with thionyl chloride gives the acid chloride (II) which, by reaction with 4-methylpiperidine, affords the amide (III). Amination of (III) with methanolic ammonia followed by reduction of the nitro group gives the diamine compound (IV), which reacts with 1,3-bis(methoxycarbonyl)-S-methylisothiourea affording CDRI-87-144.