an improved synthesis of a class of inhibitor of focal adhesion kinase is provided , wherein use of an expensive palladium - based catalyst is reduced and reaction yields and product purities are improved . two key reactions of coupling of aryl halides with anilines are optimized with the surprising discovery that the palladium - based catalyst can be dispensed with entirely in one of the reactions . the invention also provides the use of the fak - inhibitory compounds in the treatment of inflammatory and immune disorders and of arthritis .