DE102006000839A1 - Preparation of optically active 3-phenylpropionic acid derivatives, used for preparing halo-phenyl compounds, comprises hydrogenating cis-isomer mixture of phenyl compound, crystallizing enantiomer mixture and isolating solid material - Google Patents

Abstract

Preparation of an optically active 3-phenylpropionic acid derivative (I) comprises: (a) an enantioselective hydrogenation of a cis-isomer or cis/trans-isomer mixture of a phenyl compound (II) in the presence of a chiral hydrogenation catalyst to give an enantiomer enriched enantiomer mixture; (b) crystallization of the enantiomer enriched enantiomer mixture by supplementation of a basic salt former in a solvent and isolating the stereoisomer enriched solid material; and (c) optionally isolation of the protonated isomer or a substitutional cation. Preparation of an optically active 3-phenylpropionic acid derivative of formula (I) comprises: (a) an enantioselective hydrogenation of a cis-isomer or cis/trans-isomer mixture of a phenyl compound of formula (II) in the presence of a chiral hydrogenation catalyst to give an enantiomer enriched enantiomer mixture; (b) crystallization of the enantiomer enriched enantiomer mixture by supplementation of a basic salt former in a solvent and isolating the stereoisomer enriched solid material; and (c) optionally isolation of the protonated isomer or a substitutional cation. R 1>-R 4>H, 1-6C alkyl, halo-1-6C alkyl, OH-1-6C alkyl, 1-6C alkoxy, OH-1-6C alkoxy, 1-6C alkoxy-1-6C alkyl, OH-1-6C alkoxy-1-6C alkyl, 1-6C alkoxy-1-6C alkoxy or OH-1-6C alkoxy-1-6C alkoxy; R 5>1-6C alkyl, 5-8C cycloalkyl, phenyl or benzyl; and A : H or cationic equivalent. Independent claims are also included for: (1) the preparation of optically active halo-phenyl compound of formula (III), which comprises protonating (I) in to an acid; reducing the acids or the metal salts to give an alcohol compound of formula (IV); and halodehydroxylating (IV); and (2) an optically active compound 3-phenylpropionic acid derivative (I). Hal : Cl, Br or I. [Image] [Image].

Description

The The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of optically active 3-phenylpropionic acid derivatives, available therefrom optically active 1-chloro-3-phenylpropane derivatives and thereby available optically active intermediates.

die ein wichtiges Zwischenprodukt bei der Herstellung des Renin-Inhibitors Aliskiren (SPP100) darstellt. Aliskiren ist ein hochwirksamer und selektiver Renin-Inhibitor und als solcher ein wichtiger potentieller Pharmawirkstoff zur Behandlung von Bluthochdruck und verwandten cardiovasculären Erkrankungen (J. M. Wood et al., Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 308 (2003) 698–705). Es besteht somit ein großer Bedarf an effektiven Synthesewegen zu Systemen vom Typ des Synthon A bzw. seiner optischen Antipoden.The asymmetric synthesis, ie reactions in which a chiral moiety is generated from a prochiral, so that the stereoisomeric products (enantiomers or diastereomers) arise in unequal amounts, has gained immense importance especially in the pharmaceutical industry, as often only a particular optically active isomer is therapeutically active. This also applies to the following compound designated as synthon A.

which is an important intermediate in the production of the renin inhibitor aliskiren (SPP100). Aliskiren is a potent and selective renin inhibitor and, as such, an important potential drug for the treatment of hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases (JM Wood et al., Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 308 (2003) 698-705). Thus, there is a great need for effective synthetic routes to Synthon A type systems or their optical antipodes.

In WO 02/02500 and Adv. Synth. Catal. 2003, 345, 160-164 the synthesis of (R) -2-alkyl-3-phenylpropionic acids as intermediates the Synthon A preparation by asymmetric hydrogenation of the corresponding trans-acrylic acids following scheme

adversely This process involves the complicated preparation of the trans isomer by repeated extraction and crystallization. Furthermore, the Catalyst based on enantioselective hydrogenation a phosphine ligand with phenylferrocenyl backbone only a low substrate / catalyst ratio (s / c = 5700) at only 95% ee, so that correspondingly high amounts of catalyst have to be used whereby the process is economically disadvantaged.

Of the The present invention is therefore based on the object, a new Process for the preparation of optically active 3-phenylpropionic acid derivatives and their derivatives, in particular Synthon A, which is an efficient and cost-effective technical synthesis allowed. It should be possible in particular, a cis / trans isomer mixture of 3-phenylacrylic acid derivatives as intermediates. Furthermore, if possible high substrate / catalyst ratios, d. H. low amounts of catalyst (s / c ≥ 10000/1) a high optical Yield (≥ 98 % ee).

worin
R¹, R², R³ und R⁴ unabhängig voneinander für Wasserstoff, C₁-C₆-Alkyl, Halogen-C₁-C₆-alkyl, Hydroxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-Alkoxy, Hydroxy-C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-Alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, Hydroxy-C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-Alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkoxy oder Hydroxy-C₁-C₆-alkoxy-C₁-C₆-alkoxy stehen,
R⁵ für C₁-C₆-Alkyl, C₅-C₈-Cycloalkyl, Phenyl oder Benzyl steht, und
A für Wasserstoff oder ein Kationäquivalent steht, bei dem man

• – das cis-Isomer oder ein cis/trans-Isomerengemisch von Verbindungen der allgemeinen Formel II
  
  worin R¹ bis R⁵ die zuvor angegebenen Bedeutungen besitzen, einer enantioselektiven Hydrierung in Gegenwart eines chiralen Hydrierungskatalysators unter Erhalt eines an einem Enantiomeren angereicherten Enantiomerengemischs unterzieht,
• – das bei der Hydrierung erhaltene Enantiomerengemisch zur weiteren Enantiomerenanreicherung einer Kristallisation durch Zugabe eines basischen Salzbildners in einem Lösungsmittel unterzieht und den dabei gebildeten, bezüglich eines Stereoisomers angereicherten Feststoff isoliert, und
• – gegebenenfalls das isolierte Isomer einer Protonierung oder einem Kationenaustausch unter Erhalt der optisch aktiven Verbindung der Formel I unterzieht.

This object is achieved by a process for the preparation of optically active compounds of general formula I.

wherein
R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ independently of one another are hydrogen, C ₁ -C ₆ -alkyl, halogeno-C ₁ -C ₆ -alkyl, hydroxy-C ₁ -C ₆ -alkyl, C ₁ -C ₆ - Alkoxy, hydroxy-C ₁ -C ₆ -alkoxy, C ₁ -C ₆ -alkoxy-C ₁ -C ₆ -alkyl, hydroxy-C ₁ -C ₆ -alkoxy-C ₁ -C ₆ -alkyl, C ₁ -C _6- alkoxy-C ₁ -C ₆ -alkoxy or hydroxy-C ₁ -C ₆ -alkoxy-C ₁ -C ₆ -alkoxy,
R ^{5 is} C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl, C ₅ -C ₈ cycloalkyl, phenyl or benzyl, and
A is hydrogen or a cation equivalent in which one

• The cis isomer or a cis / trans isomer mixture of compounds of the general formula II
  
  wherein R ¹ to R ^{5 have} the abovementioned meanings, subjected to enantioselective hydrogenation in the presence of a chiral hydrogenation catalyst to obtain an enantiomerically enriched mixture of enantiomers,
• - The enantiomeric mixture obtained in the hydrogenation for further enantiomeric enrichment of a crystallization by addition of a basic salt-forming agent in a solvent and the resulting formed, with respect to a stereoisomer enriched solid isolated, and
• Optionally subjecting the isolated isomer to protonation or cation exchange to give the optically active compound of formula I.

"Chiral connections" are part of the present invention compounds with at least one center of chirality (i.e., at least one asymmetric atom, especially at least an asymmetric C atom or P atom), with chirality axis, chirality or screw thread. The term "chiral catalyst" includes catalysts which are at least have a chiral ligand.

"Achiral connections" are connections, that are not chiral.

Under a "prochiral Connection "will a compound with at least one prochiral center understood. "Asymmetric synthesis" refers to a Reaction in which a compound with at least one prochiral Center a connection with at least one chiral center, a chirality axis, chirality or screw coil is generated, wherein the stereoisomeric products arise in unequal amounts.

"Stereoisomers" are compounds same constitution but different atomic arrangement in the three-dimensional Room.

"Enantiomers" are stereoisomers, who behave as image to mirror image to each other. The case of an asymmetric Synthesis achieved "enantiomeric excess" (enantiomeric excess, ee) is given by the following formula: ee [%] = (R - S) / (R + S) × 100. R and S are the descriptors of the CIP system for the two enantiomers and give the absolute configuration at the asymmetric atom. The enantiomerically pure compound (ee = 100%) is also called "homochiral compound".

The inventive method leads to Products related to of a particular stereoisomer are enriched. The achieved "enantiomeric excess" (ee) is in the Usually at least 98%.

"Diastereomers" are stereoisomers, which are not enantiomeric to each other.

In the following, the term "alkyl" includes straight-chain and branched alkyl groups. These are preferably straight-chain or branched C ₁ -C ₂₀ -alkyl, preferably C ₁ -C ₁₂ -alkyl, particularly preferably C ₁ -C ₈ -alkyl and very particularly preferably C ₁ -C ₆ -alkyl groups. Examples of alkyl groups are in particular methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, 2-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, 2-pentyl, 2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, 1,2 Dimethyl propyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, 1-ethylpropyl, n-hexyl, 2-hexyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl, 1,2-dimethylbutyl, 1,3-dimethylbutyl , 2,3-dimethylbutyl, 1,1-dimethylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl, 1,1,2-trimethylpropyl, 1,2,2-trimethylpro pyl, 1-ethylbutyl, 2-ethylbutyl, 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl, n-heptyl, 2-heptyl, 3-heptyl, 2-ethylpentyl, 1-propylbutyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, 2-propylheptyl, Nonyl, decyl.

The term "alkyl" also includes substituted alkyl groups, which are generally 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, preferably 1, 2 or 3 and particularly preferably 1 substituent selected from the groups cycloalkyl, aryl, hetaryl, halogen, NE ¹ E ² , NE ¹ E ² E ³⁺ , COOH, carboxylate, -SO ₃ H and sulfonate.

The term "alkylene" in the context of the present invention stands for straight-chain or branched alkanediyl groups having preferably 1 to 6, in particular 1 to 4, carbon atoms. These include methylene (-CH ₂ -), ethylene (-CH ₂ -CH ₂ -), n-propylene (-CH ₂ -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -), isopropylene (-CH ₂ -CH (CH ₃ ) -) Etc.

The term "cycloalkyl" in the context of the present invention comprises unsubstituted as well as substituted cycloalkyl groups, preferably C ₃ -C ₈ -cycloalkyl groups, such as cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl, which in the case of a substitution, generally 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 , preferably 1, 2 or 3 and particularly preferably 1 substituent, preferably selected from the substituents mentioned for alkyl, can carry.

The term "heterocycloalkyl" in the context of the present invention comprises saturated, cycloaliphatic groups having generally 4 to 7, preferably 5 or 6, ring atoms in which 1 or 2 of the ring carbon atoms are replaced by heteroatoms, preferably selected from the elements oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur and which may optionally be substituted, wherein in the case of a substitution, these heterocycloaliphatic groups are 1, 2 or 3, preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1 substituent selected from alkyl, aryl, COOR ^f , COO ^- M ⁺ and NE ¹ E ² , preferably alkyl, can carry. Exemplary of such heterocycloaliphatic groups are pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, oxazolidinyl, morpholidinyl, thiazolidinyl, isothiazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl, piperazinyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dioxanyl.

The term "aryl" for the purposes of the present invention includes unsubstituted and substituted aryl groups, and is preferably phenyl, tolyl, xylyl, mesityl, naphthyl, fluorenyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl or naphthacenyl, particularly preferably phenyl or naphthyl, these aryl groups in the In the case of a substitution generally 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, preferably 1, 2 or 3 and particularly preferably 1 substituent selected from the groups alkyl, alkoxy, carboxyl, carboxylate, -SO ₃ H, sulfonate, NE ¹ E ² , Alkylene-NE ¹ E ² , nitro, cyano or halogen.

The term "hetaryl" for the purposes of the present invention comprises unsubstituted or substituted heterocycloaromatic groups, preferably the groups pyridyl, quinolinyl, acridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, indolyl, purinyl, indazolyl, benzotriazolyl, 1,2 , 3-triazolyl, 1,3,4-triazolyl and carbazolyl, these heterocycloaromatic groups in the case of a substitution generally 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from the groups alkyl, alkoxy, acyl, carboxyl, carboxylate, -SO ₃ H , Sulfonate, NE ¹ E ² , alkylene-NE ¹ E ² or halogen.

The above explanations to the terms "alkyl", "cycloalkyl", "aryl", "heterocycloalkyl" and "hetaryl" apply mutatis mutandis for the Terms "alkoxy", "cycloalkoxy", "aryloxy", "heterocycloalkoxy" and "hetaryloxy".

Of the Expression "Acyl" is in the sense of present invention for Alkanoyl or aroyl groups of generally 2 to 11, preferably 2 to 8 carbon atoms, for example for the acetyl, propanoyl, Butanoyl, pentanoyl, hexanoyl, heptanoyl, 2-ethylhexanoyl, 2-propylheptanoyl, benzoyl or naphthoyl group.

The groups NE ¹ E ² are preferably N, N-dimethylamino, N-ethyl-N-methylamino, N, N-diethylamino, N, N-dipropylamino, N, N-diisopropylamino, N, N-di-n-butylamino , N, N-di-t.-butylamino, N, N-dicyclohexylamino or N, N-diphenylamino.

halogen stands for Fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine, preferred for fluorine, chlorine and bromine.

A cation equivalent is understood as meaning a monovalent cation or the proportion of a polyvalent cation corresponding to a positive single charge. Preferably, alkali metal, in particular Na ⁺ , K ⁺ -, Li ⁺ ions or onium ions, such as ammonium, mono-, di-, tri-, tetraalkylammonium, phosphonium, tetraalkylphosphonium or tetraarylphosphonium ions are used.

Preferably, the radicals R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ^{4 are} independently hydrogen, C ₁ -C ₄ -alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl and tert-butyl, C ₁ C ₄ alkoxy, such as methoxy, ethoxy, n-propyloxy or isopropyloxy, or C ₁ -C ₄ alkoxy-C ₁ -C ₄ alkoxy, such as methoxyethoxy, ethoxyethoxy, methoxy-n-propyloxy, ethoxy-n-propyloxy ,

Preferably, R ¹ and R ^{4 are} hydrogen and R ² and R ^{3 are} independently selected from the aforementioned suitable and preferred radicals other than hydrogen.

Preferably, R ^{2 is} methoxy-n-propyloxy and R ^{3 is} methoxy.

The radical R ⁵ is preferably C ₁ -C ₆ -alkyl, preferably branched C ₃ -C ₆ -alkyl and in particular isopropyl.

More preferably, A is hydrogen or a cation derived from ammonia, primary amines, alkali metals and alkaline earth metals. In particular, A is H ⁺ , NH ₄ ⁺ or Li ⁺ .

in hoher optischer Reinheit, insbesondere mit einem ee-Wert von wenigstens 98 (* = Stereozentrum).The inventive method is used in a specific embodiment for the production of "synthon A acid" of the following formula

in high optical purity, in particular with an ee value of at least 98 (* = stereocenter).

The inventive method allows the preparation of optically active compounds of the general Formula I, as described above, starting from the cis isomer or preferably a cis / trans isomeric mixture of compounds of the general Formula II. Preferably, a cis / trans isomer mixture of compounds of general formula II, which is the cis isomer in an amount of at least 40%, preferably in excess contains. Preferably contains the mixture of isomers used for the hydrogenation then the cis isomer in an amount of at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60 wt .-% and in particular at least 70 wt .-%, based on the Total weight of cis and trans isomer.

It is a characteristic feature of the method according to the invention, in that the mixture of isomers used for the enantioselective hydrogenation of compounds of general formula II also the trans isomer in not negligible Quantities is included. Advantageously, the method thus allows the preparation of optically active compounds of the general Formula I, starting from cis / trans isomer mixtures of compounds of general formula II, as for example from precursor compounds by usual 1,2-elimination, preferably with some cis stereoselectivity. Preferably contains the cis / trans isomer mixture of compounds used for the hydrogenation of the general formula II, the trans isomer in an amount of at least 1 wt .-%, particularly preferably at least 5 wt .-% and in particular at least 10 wt .-%, based on the total weight of cis- and trans isomer.

advantageously, allows the inventive method the preparation of the compounds of the formula I starting from cis / trans isomer mixtures in technical purity qualities. Thus, elaborate purification steps prior to hydrogenation generally be waived. Preferably, the used cis / trans isomer mixture compositions at least 80% by weight, particularly preferably at least 85% by weight, of cis and trans isomers, based on the total weight of the compositions. Other included Components are z. B. Solvents as well as educts, intermediates and by-products from previous ones Reaction stages.

The hydrogenation is preferably carried out using a chiral hydrogenation catalyst which is capable of hydrogenating the cis / trans isomer mixture used with preference to the isomer whose absolute configuration corresponds to the (R) -isomer of the synthon A acid. A particularly high ee value at the asymmetric hydrogenation stage is preferred, but not the only decisive factor, since according to the process of the invention a further enantiomeric enrichment takes place in the subsequent crystallization step. Surprisingly, however, it was found that with the chiral hydrogenation catalysts based on planar-chiral bisphosphines with cyclophane backbones described below, both the cis isomer and also the trans-isomer in high optical purity to the desired enantiomer, ie with ee values of at least 50% (eg at least 70%), can be hydrogenated. When using cis / trans isomer mixtures having a cis content of at least 70% by weight (based on the total weight of cis and trans isomers), ee values of at least 80% are generally achieved; Content of 100 is usually achieved ee values of at least 90%.

umfasst, worin
R^I, R^II, R^III und R^IV unabhängig voneinander für Alkyl, Cycloalkyl, Heterocycloalkyl, Aryl oder Hetaryl stehen, und
R^V, R^VI, R^VII, R^VIII, R^IX und R^X unabhängig voneinander für Wasserstoff, Alkyl, Alkylen-OH, Alkylen-NE¹E², Alkylen-SH, Alkylen-OSiE³E⁴, Cycloalkyl, Heterocycloalkyl, Aryl, Hetaryl, OH, SH, Polyalkylenoxid, Polyalkylenimin, Alkoxy, Halogen, COOH, Carboxylat, SO₃H, Sulfonat, NE¹E², Nitro, Alkoxycarbonyl, Acyl oder Cyano stehen, worin E¹, E², E³ und E⁴ jeweils gleiche oder verschiedene Reste, ausgewählt unter Wasserstoff, Alkyl, Cycloalkyl, Aryl und Alkylaryl bedeuten.Preferably, therefore, a transition metal complex is used as catalyst for the hydrogenation, which as ligands at least one compound of formula

which comprises
R ^I , R ^II , R ^III and R ^IV independently of one another are alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl or hetaryl, and
R ^V , R ^VI , R ^VII , R ^VIII , R ^IX and R ^X independently of one another represent hydrogen, alkyl, alkylene-OH, alkylene-NE ¹ E ² , alkylene-SH, alkylene-OSiE ³ E ⁴ , cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, Aryl, hetaryl, OH, SH, polyalkylene oxide, polyalkyleneimine, alkoxy, halogen, COOH, carboxylate, SO ₃ H, sulfonate, NE ¹ E ² , nitro, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl or cyano, wherein E ¹ , E ² , E ³ and E ⁴ each represent identical or different radicals selected from hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and alkylaryl.

Preferably, the radicals R ^I , R ^II , R ^III and R ^IV bonded to the phosphorus atoms are independently selected from unsubstituted and substituted aryl radicals. Preference is given to phenyl radicals which may have 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1, 2 or 3, in particular 1 or 2, substituents which are preferably selected from alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, SO ₃ H, sulfonate, NE ¹ E ² , Alkylene-NE ¹ E ² , trifluoromethyl, nitro, carboxyl, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl and cyano. In the substituents of the phenyls, alkyl is preferably C ₁ -C ₄ -alkyl and in particular methyl, ethyl, isopropyl and tert-butyl, alkoxy is preferably C ₁ -C ₄ -alkoxy and in particular methoxy, alkoxycarbonyl is preferably C ₁ -C ₄ alkoxycarbonyl. Particularly preferably, the radicals R ^I , R ^II , R ^III and R ^{IV are} selected from phenyl or xylyl. Preferably, R ^I to R ^{IV are} all phenyl or all xylyl. The xylyl radicals preferably have the methyl groups in the 3- and 5-position to the phosphorus atom.

Preferably, at least one of R ^V , R ^VI and R ^VII and / or one of R ^VIII , R ^IX and R ^{X is} a radical other than hydrogen and the remaining radicals are hydrogen. Preferably, the radical (s) other than hydrogen are / are selected from C ₁ -C ₆ -alkyl, C ₁ -C ₄ -alkylene-OH, C ₁ -C ₄ -alkylene-OSi (C ₁ - C ₄ alkyl) ₂ , C ₁ -C ₄ alkoxy and C ₁ -C ₄ alkanoyl-OC (aryl) ₃ .

In a preferred embodiment, the radicals R ^V to R ^{X are} all hydrogen. In a further preferred embodiment, one of the radicals R ^V , R ^VI , R ^VII and / or one of the radicals R ^VIII , R ^IX and R ^{X is} selected from the radicals of the formulas CH ₂ OSi (CH (CH ₃ ) ₂ ) ₃ , CH ₂ OH, OCH ₃ and CH ₂ OC (C ₆ H ₅ ) ₃ .

Particularly preferred as planar-chiral bisphosphine ligands with cyclophane backbone are the ligands of the following formulas

• Ph = phenyl, Tol = 3-methylphenyl, xyl = 3,5-dimethylphenyl

suitable Chiral paracyclophanephosphines are known to the person skilled in the art and, for example commercially available from Johnson Matthey Catalysts.

Prefers becomes a complex of a metal for enantioselective hydrogenation the VIII. Subgroup of the Periodic Table with at least one of aforementioned planar-chiral Bisphosphane compounds with cyclophane backbone used as ligands. Preferably, the transition metal selected under Pd, Pt, Ru, Rh, Ni and Ir. Be particularly preferred are catalysts based on Rh, Ru and Ir. Especially preferred are Rh catalysts.

Phosphine-metal complexes can be prepared in a manner known to those skilled in the art (eg Uson, Inorg. Chim. Acta 73, 275 1983, EP-A-0 158 875, EP-A-437 690) by reaction of the phosphines with complexes of the metals containing labile or hemilabile ligands. Here, as metal sources, complexes such as Pd ₂ (dibenzylideneacetone) ₃ , Pd (Oac) ₂ , [Rh (COD) Cl] ₂ , [Rh (COD) ₂ )] X, Rh (acac) (CO) ₂ , RuCl ₂ (COD), Ru (COD) (methallyl) ₂ , Ru (Ar) Cl ₂ , Ar = aryl, both unsubstituted and substituted, [Ir (COD) Cl] ₂ , [Ir (COD) ₂ ] X, Ni ( allyl) X can be used. Instead of COD (= 1,5-cyclooctadiene), NBD (= norbornadiene) can also be used. Preference is given to [Rh (COD) Cl] ₂ , [Rh (COD) ₂ )] X, Rh (acac) (CO) ₂ , RuCl ₂ (COD), Ru (COD) (methallyl) ₂ , Ru (Ar) Cl ₂ , Ar = aryl, both unsubstituted and substituted, [Ir (COD) Cl] ₂ and [Ir (COD) ₂ ] X and the corresponding systems with NBD as a replacement for COD. Particularly preferred are [Rh (COD) ₂ )] X and [Rh (NBD) ₂ )] X.

X may be any generally known anion in asymmetric synthesis known to those skilled in the art. Examples of X are halogens, such as Cl ^-, Br ^-, I ^-, _BF4 -, ClO ₄ -, SbF ₆ -, PF ₆ -, CF ₃ SO ₃ -, BAr ₄ -. Preferred for X are BF ₄ ^- , CF ₃ SO ₃ -, SbF ₆ -, ClO ₄ -, especially BF ₄ - and CF ₃ SO ₃ -.

The Phosphine-metal complexes can, as known in the art, either prior to the actual hydrogenation reaction in the reaction vessel in situ be produced or separately generated, isolated and then used become. It may happen that at least one solvent molecule to the Attached to phosphine-metal complex. The usual solvents (eg methanol, Diethyl ether, dichloromethane) for the Complex preparation is known to the person skilled in the art.

As As is known to those skilled in the art, the phosphine-metal or phosphine-metal-LM complexes are precatalysts with at least one labile or hemi-labile ligand, from those under the conditions of hydrogenation, the actual catalyst is generated.

When solvent for the Hydrogenation reaction are all those skilled in the art for asymmetric hydrogenation known solvents suitable. Preferred solvents are lower alkyl alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, as well as toluene, THF, ethyl acetate. In the process according to the invention, methanol is particularly preferred as a solvent used.

The hydrogenation according to the invention is usually at a temperature of -20 to 200 ° C, preferably at 0 to 150 ° C and more preferably carried out at 20 to 120 ° C.

Of the Hydrogen pressure can be in a wide range between 0.1 bar and 325 bar for the hydrogenation process according to the invention be varied. Very good results are obtained in a pressure range from 1 to 300 bar, preferably from 5 to 250 bar.

Preferably allows the inventive method the enantioselective hydrogenation at substrate / catalyst ratios (s / c) of at least 1000: 1, more preferably at least 10000 : 1 and in particular at least 30,000: 1 even at substrate / catalyst ratios of 30,000: 1 yet achieved ee values of at least 80% (when using a cis / trans isomer mixture, the at least 70% cis isomer, based on the total weight of cis and trans isomer, contains). This is a decisive advantage over those in the known methods used hydrogenation catalysts.

The previously described hydrogenation catalysts (or pre-catalysts) can also in a suitable manner, for. B. by connection via suitable as anchor groups functional groups, adsorption, grafting, etc. to a suitable Carrier, z. Glass, silica gel, synthetic resins, polymer carriers, etc., be immobilized. They are also suitable for one Use as solid phase catalysts. Advantageously, can be further reduce catalyst consumption by these methods. The Catalysts described above are also suitable for a continuous Reaction, z. B. after immobilization, as described above, in the form of solid phase catalysts.

In a preferred embodiment the hydrogenation takes place continuously. The continuous hydrogenation can take place in one or preferably in several reaction zones. Several reaction zones can of several reactors or by spatially different areas are formed within a reactor. When using multiple reactors can each be the same or different reactors. These can each be the same or different Have mixing characteristics and / or by internals be divided one or more times. The reactors can communicate with each other be interconnected, z. B. parallel or in series.

suitable pressure-resistant reactors for the hydrogenation are known to the person skilled in the art. These include the usual ones Reactors for gas-liquid reactions, such as B. tube reactors, tube bundle reactors, stirred tank, Gas circulation reactors, bubble columns, etc., which may be filled or divided by internals.

• i) in eine erste Reaktionszone ein Isomerengemisch von Verbindungen der allgemeinen Formel II und Wasserstoff einspeist und in Gegenwart eines chiralen Hydrierungskatalysators bis zu einem Teilumsatz umsetzt,
• ii) aus der ersten Reaktionszone einen Strom entnimmt und in wenigstens einer weiteren Reaktionszone hydriert.

Preferred is a process for continuous hydrogenation, in which

• i) in a first reaction zone, a mixture of isomers of compounds of general formula II and What feeds hydrogen and reacts in the presence of a chiral hydrogenation catalyst to a partial conversion,
• ii) withdrawing a stream from the first reaction zone and hydrogenating in at least one further reaction zone.

In a first preferred embodiment will be carried out the aforementioned cascaded continuous hydrogenation process a reactor is used which has two or more than two reaction zones has, which are realized by internals. In these internals For example, it can be perforated plates, fillers, packs or combinations act on it. In a second preferred embodiment, for carrying out the aforementioned cascaded continuous hydrogenation process a reaction system used, consisting of two series-connected Reactors exists.

The Temperature in the hydrogenation is in all reaction zones in general in a range of about 10 to 200 ° C, preferably 20 to 150 ° C. If desired, may in the second reaction zone another, preferably one higher Temperature than in the first reaction zone, or in each subsequent Reaction zone a higher Temperature set as in a previous reaction zone be, for. B. as possible complete To achieve sales in the hydrogenation. The implementation will be in all Reaction zones preferably at a hydrogen pressure in one Range of about 1 to 300 bar, preferably 5 to 250 bar performed. If desired, can in the second or a subsequent reaction zone another, z. B. a higher Hydrogen pressure as in the first and a preceding reaction zone, respectively be set.

The Reactor volume and / or the residence time of the first reaction zone are chosen that generally at least about 10% of the isomer mixture fed be implemented. Preferred is the conversion based on the fed isomer mixture in the first reaction zone at least 80%.

to Removal of the resulting reaction heat in the exothermic hydrogenation can the first and / or the following reaction zone (s) with a cooling device be provided. The removal of the heat of reaction can be achieved by cooling a external recirculation flow or by internal cooling in at least one of Reaction zones take place.

to internal cooling can the usual Devices, generally hollow body modules, such as field tubes, Pipe coils, heat exchanger plates, etc. are used. If that in the second or a subsequent Reaction zone hydrogenated reaction mixture only so small proportions Hydrogenatable compounds that in the reaction not occurring heat of reaction sufficient, the desired Keeping temperature in the reaction zone can also cause heating of the be required second or subsequent reaction zone. This can analogously to the previously described removal of the heat of reaction warming an external recirculation flow or by internal heating in the reaction zone. In a suitable execution can for temperature control of the second or a subsequent reaction zone the heat of reaction used from the first or a previous reaction zone become.

Of Further may be for heating the starting materials used the reaction heat withdrawn from the reaction mixture become. In a specific embodiment of the method is a Reactor cascade of two reactors connected in series, wherein the reaction in the second reactor is performed adiabatically. This term is used in the context of the present invention in the technical and not understood in the physicochemical sense. That's how it finds out Reaction mixture while flowing through the second reactor due to the exothermic hydrogenation reaction a temperature increase. Under adiabatic reaction is understood a procedure in which the released in the hydrogenation heat absorbed by the reaction mixture in the reactor and no cooling by coolers is applied. Thus, the heat of reaction with the reaction mixture discharged from the second reactor, apart from a residual share caused by natural heat conduction and heat radiation discharged from the reactor to the environment.

to Reduction of the temperature gradient across all reaction zones can when using an external cooling the feed stream the post-reactors are withdrawn after the external heat exchanger. As a result, the inlet temperature of the secondary reactor drops to the outlet temperature of the heat exchanger and will be below the exit temperature of the main reactor. Thus, the exit temperature of the following decreases Reaction zone.

In an embodiment can in at least one of the reaction zones used or in the reactor system a total of additional mixing done. An additional Mixing is particularly advantageous when the hydrogenation at big Residence times of the reaction mixture. For mixing z. B. the introduced into the reaction zone currents are used by you over this suitable mixing devices, such as nozzles, in the respective reaction zone introduces. For mixing can also in an external circuit guided streams from the respective reaction zone be used. In a special embodiment, the reactor system a gas space, which is a gaseous Taken power and, optionally after tempering in a heat exchanger, via a suitable mixing device, preferably a nozzle, the liquid reaction mixture again is added (cycle gas method). The suction of the circulating gas from the gas space is preferably carried out by the mixing device, which is designed in the form of an ejector.

The Infeed of for needed the hydrogenation Hydrogen may enter the first and, in addition, the following reaction zone (s) respectively. Preferably, the supply of hydrogen takes place only in the first reaction zone.

Of the Discharge from the hydrogenation may take place prior to the enantiomeric enrichment an on or be subjected to multi-stage separation operation, wherein at least one the main amount of the hydrogenation product containing stream and optionally additionally a stream containing the hydrogenation catalyst can be obtained. For this purpose, the discharge from the hydrogenation of a first degassing to isolate excess hydrogen be subjected. The resulting liquid phase, which is the hydrogenation product, the catalyst and optionally used solvent contains can then according to usual, The method known to the person skilled in the art can be further separated. To counts the thermal separation by distillation or an extractive separation.

For further work-up, the mixture of enantiomers obtained in the hydrogenation is subjected to an enantiomer-enriching crystallization with the addition of a basic salt former. Suitable basic salt formers are customary, known in the art asymmetric amines such. B. (R) -phenethylamine. When using such asymmetric amines ee values of about 99.5% are usually achieved. Surprisingly, it has been found that achiral basic compounds can also be used as salt formers for enantiomer-enriching crystallization. Preferably these are selected from ammonia, primary amines such as methylamine, ethylamine, n-propylamine, isopropylamine, n-butylamine, n-pentylamine, n-hexylamine, cyclohexylamine, alkali hydroxides such as KOH, NaOH, LiOH, and alkaline earth hydroxides such as Ca ( OH) ₂ and Mg (OH) ₂ .

Preferably the enantiomer-enriching crystallization takes place from a Solvent, that selected is under organic solvents, preferably water-miscible organic solvents, solvent mixtures and mixtures of water-miscible organic solvents and water. Suitable organic solvents are monovalent Alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, cyclohexanol; Polyols such as ethylene glycol and glycerin; Ether and Glycol ethers, such as diethyl ether, dibutyl ether, anisole, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, Mono-, di-, tri- and polyalkylene glycol ethers; Ketones, such as acetone, Butanone, cyclohexanone; Mixtures of the abovementioned solvents and mixtures of one or more of the aforementioned solvents with water. Particularly preferred solvents are alkanols and alkanol-water mixtures and especially isopropanol and isopropanol-water mixtures used.

In a suitable procedure may be the product of enantiomer-enriching Hydrogenation in the solvent solved or suspended and then the salt builder as a solution in the same or a different solvent or in solid Form are added. So it is possible, for example, that Product of hydrogenation in a sufficient amount of solvent to complete the solution to solve and subsequently an aqueous one solution to add the salt former. In a preferred embodiment the hydrogenation product is dissolved in isopropanol and then with an aqueous Ammonia solution added. Suitable, for example, is a 20 to 30% aqueous ammonia solution. In a further preferred embodiment the hydrogenation product is dissolved in isopropanol and treated with solid LiOH and the resulting suspension is subsequently stirred. A sufficient stirring time is for example in the range of about 10 minutes to 12 hours, preferably 20 minutes to 6 hours, especially 30 minutes to 3 hours.

The temperature in the enantiomer-enriching crystallization is generally in the range between melting point and boiling point of the solvent or solvent mixture used. In egg In a suitable embodiment, the temperature may be increased one or more times in the course of the crystallization and / or lowered in order to initiate the crystal formation and / or to complete the precipitation of the desired enantiomer.

advantageously, has the isolated after the enantiomer-enriching crystallization Solid ee value of at least 98%, more preferably at least 99% and in particular greater than 99.5%.

If desired, the compounds isolated in the enantiomer-enriching crystallization may be subjected to protonation or cation exchange. Thus, for example, for protonation to give an optically active compound of the formula I in which A is hydrogen, it is possible to obtain the product of the crystallization with a suitable acid, preferably a mineral acid such as HCl, H ₂ SO ₄ , H ₃ PO ₄ To bring contact. In a suitable procedure, the product of the crystallization is dissolved or suspended in water and then the pH is adjusted to about 0 to 4, preferably about 1, by addition of acid. To isolate the free acid, it is possible to acidify the acidified solution or suspension with a suitable organic solvent, e.g. Example, an ether such as methyl butyl ether, a hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon mixture, for. As an alkane, such as pentane, hexane, heptane, or an alkane mixture, ligroin or petroleum ether, or aromatics, such as toluene to extract. A preferred extractant is toluene. In this procedure, the acid can be obtained almost quantitatively, while also maintaining the ee value.

wobei R¹ bis R⁵ und A die zuvor angegebenen Bedeutungen besitzen. Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren eignet sich somit in besonders vorteilhafter Weise zur Herstellung von Zwischenprodukten, die sich zur Weiterverarbeitung zu Synthon A und Synthon A-Derivaten eignen.In a preferred embodiment, the process according to the invention makes it possible to prepare optically active compounds of the formula I having the following absolute configuration

where R ¹ to R ⁵ and A have the meanings given above. The process according to the invention is thus particularly advantageously suitable for the preparation of intermediates which are suitable for further processing into synthon A and synthon A derivatives.

worin R¹ bis R⁵ die zuvor angegebenen Bedeutungen besitzen und Hal für Cl, Br oder I steht, bei dem man

• – eine Verbindung der allgemeinen Formel I, wie zuvor definiert, für den Fall, dass A nicht für ein Metallkation oder Proton steht, durch Protonierung in die Säure überführt,
• – die, gegebenenfalls nach Protonierung erhaltene, Säure oder ein Metallsalz davon einer Reduktion unter Erhalt eines Alkohols der allgemeinen Formel IV
  
  unterzieht, worin R¹ bis R⁵ die zuvor angegebenen Bedeutungen besitzen und
• – den Alkohol der Formel IV einer Halodehydroxylierung unter Erhalt der optisch aktiven Verbindung der Formel III unterzieht.

Another object of the invention is therefore a process for the preparation of optically active compounds of general formula III

wherein R ¹ to R ^{5 have} the meanings given above and Hal is Cl, Br or I, in which

• A compound of the general formula I, as defined above, in the case where A does not stand for a metal cation or proton, is converted by protonation into the acid,
• - The optionally obtained after protonation, acid or a metal salt thereof a reduction to obtain an alcohol of the general formula IV
  
  wherein R ¹ to R ^{5 have} the meanings given above, and
• - subjecting the alcohol of formula IV to a halodehydroxylation to give the optically active compound of formula III.

For reduction, the compound of the formula I is preferably used in the form of the free acid. In order to convert compounds of the formula I in which A is a cation equivalent other than protons into the free acid, it is possible to proceed as described above. Preferably, the compound of formula I is contacted with a mineral acid such as HCl, H ₂ SO ₄ or H ₃ PO ₄ . Preferably, the protonation of the compound of the formula I takes place in an aqueous medium. The isolation of the free acid is preferably carried out with a suitable organic solvent, preferably by extraction with a water-immiscible or only slightly water-miscible solvent. Suitable solvents are, for. For example, ethers such as diethyl ether, methyl butyl ether and methyl tert-butyl ether, the aforementioned hydrocarbons or hydrocarbon mixtures, aromatics such as toluene, and halogenated aromatics such as dichloromethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and 1,2-dichloroethane. Preferably, the isolation and / or purification of the acid is carried out by extraction of an organic phase containing the acid with an aqueous phase. In such a procedure, as described above, the acid can be obtained almost quantitatively, with the ee value also retained.

To reduce the compounds of the formula I in which A is a proton or a metal cation, the reagents customary for the reduction of carboxylic acids to alcohols, such as complex hydrides, and catalytic hydrogenation processes with molecular hydrogen are suitable in principle. Suitable methods and reaction conditions are described in J. March, Advanced Organic Chemistry, 4th Edition, John Wiley & Sons (1992), 1212 and Table 19.5, p. 1208, incorporated herein by reference. Preference is given to complex hydrides, such as LiAlH ₄ , AlH ₃ , LiAlH (OCH ₃ ) ₃ , LiAlH (Ot.-C ₄ H ₉ ) ₃ , (i.-C ₄ H ₉ ) ₂ AlH (= DIBALH), NaAl (C ₂ H ₅ ) ₂ H ₂ , NaAl (CH ₃ OC ₂ H ₄ O) ₂ H ₂ (= Vitride), etc., used.

The conversion of the alcohol of the general formula IV obtained in the reduction into an alkyl halide can be carried out by customary methods known to the person skilled in the art. Suitable methods are described in J. March, Advanced Organic Chemistry, 4th Edition, John Wiley & Sons (1992), pp. 431-433, which is incorporated herein by reference. For halodehydroxylation, preference is given to using a hydrohalic acid, such as HCl, HBr, HI, or an inorganic acid halide, such as SOCl ₂ , PCl ₅ , PCl ₅ , POCl ₃ , etc. Preferably, the alcohol is converted to the corresponding alkyl chloride (Hal = Cl). In a particularly preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, this is Synthon A.

The If desired, the compound of the formula III can undergo a final purification after usual, that Specialist known methods, for. B. by recrystallization a suitable solvent, be subjected.

• a) einen aromatischen Aldehyd der allgemeinen Formel V
  
  worin R¹ bis R⁴ die zuvor angegebenen Bedeutungen besitzen, mit einem Carbonsäureester der allgemeinen Formel VI R⁵-CH₂-OOOR⁷ (VI) worin R⁵ die in Anspruch 1 angegebenen Bedeutungen besitzt und R⁷ für Alkyl, Cycloalkyl, Aryl oder Alkylaryl steht, unter Erhalt von Verbindungen der allgemeinen Formel VII
  
  umsetzt,
• b) in den Verbindungen der Formel VII die Hydroxylgruppe in eine bessere Abgangsgruppe überführt und einer Eliminierung unter Erhalt von Verbindungen der allgemeinen Formel VIII
  
  unterzieht,
• c) die Verbindungen der Formel VIII einer Esterhydrolyse unter Erhalt von Verbindungen der allgemeinen Formel II
  
  unterzieht,
• d) die Verbindungen der Formel II einer enantioselektiven Hydrierung in Gegenwart eines chiralen Hydrierungskatalysators unterzieht, unter Erhalt eines an einem Enantiomeren angereicherten Enantiomerengemischs,
• e) das bei der Hydrierung in Schritt d) erhaltene Enantiomerengemisch zur weiteren Enantiomerenanreicherung einer Kristallisation durch Zugabe eines basischen Salzbildners in einem Lösungsmittel unterzieht und den dabei gebildeten, bezüglich eines Stereoisomers angereicherten Feststoff isoliert,
• f) gegebenenfalls das in Schritt e) isolierte Isomer einer Protonierung oder einem Kationenaustausch unter Erhalt der optisch aktiven Verbindung der Formel I unterzieht,
• g) für den Fall, dass in der Verbindung der Formel I der Rest A für ein von Wasserstoff und Metallkationen verschiedenes Kationäquivalent steht, diesen einer Protonierung unterzieht,
• h) die Säure oder das Metallsalz davon einer Reduktion unter Erhalt eines Alkohols der allgemeinen Formel IV
  
  unterzieht, und
• i) den Alkohol der Formel IV einer Halodehydroxylierung unter Erhalt der optisch aktiven Verbindung der Formel III
  
  unterzieht.

The process according to the invention can advantageously be used as part of an overall synthesis for the preparation of synthon A and synthon A derivatives. The invention therefore also provides a process as defined above, in which

• a) an aromatic aldehyde of the general formula V
  
  wherein R ¹ to R ^{4 have} the meanings given above, with a carboxylic acid ester of the general formula VI R ⁵ -CH ₂ -OOOR ⁷ (VI) wherein R ^{5 has} the meanings given in claim 1 and R ^{7 is} alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl, to give compounds of general formula VII
  
  implements,
• b) converted in the compounds of formula VII, the hydroxyl group in a better leaving group and elimination to obtain compounds of general formula VIII
  
  subjects,
• c) the compounds of formula VIII ester hydrolysis to obtain compounds of general formula II
  
  subjects,
• d) subjecting the compounds of the formula II to an enantioselective hydrogenation in the presence of a chiral hydrogenation catalyst to give an enantiomerically enriched mixture of enantiomers,
• e) subjecting the mixture of enantiomers obtained in the hydrogenation in step d) to further enantiomeric enrichment by crystallization by addition of a basic salt-forming agent in a solvent and isolating the solid matter enriched in respect of a stereoisomer,
• f) optionally subjecting the isomer isolated in step e) to protonation or cation exchange to give the optically active compound of the formula I,
• g) in the case where, in the compound of the formula I, the radical A is a cation equivalent other than hydrogen and metal cations, this is subjected to protonation,
• h) the acid or the metal salt thereof a reduction to obtain an alcohol of the general formula IV
  
  undergoes, and
• i) the alcohol of formula IV of a Halodehydroxylierung to obtain the optically active compound of formula III
  
  subjects.

worin R¹ bis R⁵ die zuvor angegebene Bedeutung besitzen und A für ein von Ammoniak, primären Aminen, Alkalimetallen und Erdalkalimetallen abgeleitetes Kation stehen, sind neu und ebenfalls Gegenstand der Erfindung. Bevorzugt steht in den Verbindungen der Formel I der Rest R⁵ für einen verzweigten C₃-C₈-Alkylrest und insbesondere für Isopropyl. Die erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungen weisen vorzugsweise die folgende Formel auf:

The optically active compounds of general formula I obtained as intermediates by the process according to the invention

wherein R ¹ to R ^{5 have} the meaning given above and A is a derived from ammonia, primary amines, alkali metals and alkaline earth metals cation, are novel and also the subject of the invention. In the compounds of the formula I, the radical R ⁵ is preferably a branched C ₃ -C ₈ -alkyl radical and in particular isopropyl. The compounds according to the invention preferably have the following formula:

In particular, these are compounds where A is NH ₄ ⁺ or Li ⁺ .

The aromatic aldehydes of the formula V used as starting material in step a) are commercially available or can be prepared by customary processes known to the person skilled in the art. In a suitable embodiment for the preparation of "Synthon A", for example, starting from 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (isovanillin), the hydroxy function of an etherification to give 3- (3-methoxypropoxy) -4-me Subject thoxybenzaldehyde as the compound of formula V.

suitable Process conditions for the reaction of aromatic aldehydes with carboxylic acid esters which are acidic Have hydrogen atoms in the sense of an aldol reaction, z. In J. March, Advanced Organic Chemistry, 4th Edition, John Wiley & Sons (1992), pp. 944-951, which is referred to here. The reaction usually takes place in the presence of a strong base, which is preferably selected under alkali metal alcoholates, such as sodium methoxide, potassium methoxide, Potassium t-butoxide, alkali metal hydrides, such as sodium hydride, secondary Amides, such as lithium amide, lithium diisopropylamide, etc. The reaction is preferably carried out at a temperature in the range of -80 to +30 ° C, especially from -60 up to +20 ° C. Suitable solvents are z. As ethers, such as diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran and dioxane, Aromatics, such as benzene, toluene and xylene, etc.

The Dehydration in reaction step b) is also a matter of principle known. Preferably, the conversion of the hydroxyl group takes place in a better leaving group by reaction with a sulfonic acid or a derivative thereof such as benzenesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, methylsulfonic acid, trifluoromethylsulfonic acid or a derivative, e.g. As a halide thereof. In a preferred execution the dehydration takes place in a low boiling to the formation Azeotropic water-competent Solvent, such as benzene or preferably toluene. The removal of the at the Reaction formed water can then by azeotropic distillation (Circling) according to usual, The method known to those skilled in the art. In this procedure Is it possible, the acid capable of forming the leaving group only in catalytic Use quantities. It was found that in this approach advantageously cis / trans isomer mixtures of compounds of Formula VIII which contains the cis isomer in excess contain.

method for the hydrolysis of carboxylic acid esters (Step c)) to the corresponding carboxylic acids or to salts thereof also known in principle and z. In J. March, Advanced Organic Chemistry, 4th edition, published by John Wiley & Sons (1992), pp. 378-383, which is referred to here. The ester hydrolysis can in principle sour or basic.

Regarding the Method steps d) to i) is based on the previous statements at appropriate and preferred process conditions in full Referenced.

Advantageous embodiments of the hydrogenation step of the process according to the invention with regard to a continuous reaction regime are described in US Pat 1 and 2 and are explained below.

1 shows the schematic representation of a suitable for carrying out the hydrogenation two-stage reactor cascade, is omitted for the sake of clarity on the reproduction of such details, which are not relevant to the explanation of the invention. The plant comprises a first hydrogenation reactor ( 1 ) and a second hydrogenation reactor ( 8th ). The hydrogenation reactor ( 1 ) is a circulation reactor and the hydrogenation reactor ( 8th ) designed as an adiabatic flow tube reactor. About the pipeline ( 2 ), hydrogen gas is injected under pressure into the reactor ( 1 ), and via the pipeline ( 3 ) is a solution of the compound to be hydrogenated in the reactor ( 1 ). If the catalyst is not contained in the educt solution, it is sent via another line ( 10 ) either fed directly to the reactor or before the circulation pump. About the pipeline ( 4 ) and the pump ( 5 ) is a discharge from the reactor ( 1 ), in the heat exchanger ( 6 ) and cooled in two partial streams ( 7a ) and ( 7b ) divided. The partial flow ( 7a ) is circulated to the reactor ( 1 ) fed again. The characteristic residence time distribution in the reactor ( 1 ) depends essentially on the circulated stream ( 7a ). About the pipeline ( 7b ), the second substream to complete the hydrogenation of the reactor ( 8th ). The discharge stream ( 4 ) can dissolved or gaseous components z. B. of hydrogen. In an alternative embodiment, the stream ( 4 ) fed to a phase separation vessel and the gaseous components via the separate line ( 11 ) the reactor ( 8th ). In a further alternative embodiment, the feed of the reactor ( 8th ) with hydrogen does not exceed one of the reactor ( 1 ) withdrawn gaseous feed, but with fresh hydrogen via a separate feed line. The hydrogenation product leaves reactor ( 8th ) over the pipeline ( 9 ).

2 shows the schematic representation of a reactor suitable for carrying out the hydrogenation of two hydrogenation compartments, again omitted for reasons of clarity on the reproduction of such details, which are not relevant to the explanation of the invention. The reactor comprises two hydrogenation compartments ( 1 ) and ( 2 ), both of which are backmixed. Compartment ( 1 ) is designed as a jet loop reactor. In the compartment ( 2 ), the hydrogenation is carried out under quasi-adiabatic conditions. From the compartment ( 1 ) is via the circulation pump ( 5 ) removed a discharge stream and together with supplied hydrogen gas ( 3 ) via heat exchangers ( 6 ) of the flow-regulated nozzle ( 9 ). The nozzle ( 9 ) can, if necessary via supply line ( 10 ) Are supplied hydrogen gas. The discharge flow of the nozzle ( 9 ) is due to the baffles ( 11 ) limited. The supply of the secondary reactor ( 2 ) takes place via a perforated bottom with at least one hole ( 13 ). For better mixing, a gas cycle ( 12 ) using an ejector ( 9 ) are used. The hydrogenation product is added to the liquid space of the compartment ( 2 ) via pipeline ( 14 ).

The The invention will be apparent from the following non-limiting Examples explained.

Examples Example 1: Preparation of

544 ml of a 15% solution of n-butyllithium in hexane, 98.2 g of methyl isovalerate in 45 ml of tetrahydrofuran and 170 g of 4-methoxy-3 were added at -50 ° C. to a solution of 88.5 g of diisopropylamine in 300 ml of tetrahydrofuran - (3-methoxypropyloxy) benzaldehyde in 75 ml of tetrahydrofuran was added dropwise. The resulting solution was allowed to warm to room temperature over 2 h and stirred for a further 1 h at this temperature. Subsequently, 300 ml of water were added dropwise to the reaction solution, the pH was adjusted to 1 with concentrated HCl, the phases were separated and the aqueous phase was then extracted twice with 300 ml of toluene. The organic phases were combined and the solvent was evaporated on a rotary evaporator. The residue was taken up in 500 ml of toluene, mixed with 6 g of p-toluenesulfonic acid and then heated under reflux for 3.5 hours on a water separator. The reaction mixture was washed with 150 ml of saturated NaHCO ₃ solution and 300 ml of water, dried over sodium sulfate and the solvent removed on a rotary evaporator. This gave 242 g of product.

The analysis of the reaction product was carried out by HPLC according to the following method:
Column: Waters Symmetry C18 5 μm, 250 × 4.6 mm
Eluent: A) 0.1% by volume H ₃ PO ₄ in water, B) 0.1% by volume H ₃ PO ₄ in CH ₃ CN
Gradient (based on eluent B): 0 min (35%) 20 min (100%) 30 min (100%) 32 min (35%)
Flow: 1 ml / min, temperature: 20 ° C, injection volume: 5 μl
Detection: UV detector at 205 nm, BW = 4 nm

at This method eluted the cis ester at 15.7 min, the trans-ester at 16.2 min, the cis acid at 10.6 min, the trans acid at 10.9 min and the starting material used as an aromatic aldehyde at 7.9 min.

The product obtained contained 69.1% cis-ester, 21.0% trans-ester, 0.8% aldehyde, residual components not assigned (area% of HPLC peaks).

The hydrolysis of the resulting ester mixture can be carried out by conventional methods, for example with KOH in an ethanol / water mixture. Example 2: Preparation of

30.1 g of the cis / trans acid mixture obtained after ester hydrolysis in 55.4 g of methanol were placed under a protective gas atmosphere in a 300 ml steel autoclave. After the addition of 2.05 mg of (R) -Phanephos-Rh- (COD) BF ₄ × 1 (C ₂ H ₅ ) ₂ O, the reaction was carried out at a hydrogen pressure of 200 bar and a temperature of 12 h hydrogenated at 100 ° C. After 12 h, the hydrogenation was quantitative. The enantiomeric excess of the product was 83%.

The analysis of both the product of the hydrogenation and the subsequent crystallization (Examples 3 and 4) was carried out by HPLC according to the following method:
Column: CHIRALPAK AD-H (250 × 4.6 mm)
Eluent: mixture of 950 ml of n-heptane, 50 ml of ethanol and 2 ml of trifluoroacetic acid
Flow: 1.0 ml / min, column temperature 25 ° C, injection volume 25 μl
Detection: UV detector at 225 nm

at This method eluted the cis-isomer (educt) at 22.3 min, the trans isomer (starting material) at 30.7 min, the (S) -enantiomer (product) at 11.7 min and the (R) -enantiomer (product) at 14.0 min.

Example 3:

enantioenrichment by crystallization with ammonia

95.6 g of a crude hydrogenation product obtained in Example 2 dissolved in 750 ml of isopropanol and mixed with 44.2 ml of 25% ammonia solution with stirring. After 10 minutes, a crystal formation could be observed. Then one left still Stir for 3 more hours at room temperature, cooled the crystal solution at -10 ° C and isolated the crystals by filtration. The resulting solid was extracted twice washed with 100 ml of cold petroleum ether and overnight at 30 ° C in a drying oven dried.

you received the ammonium salt in a yield of 78% based on the crude product used with an ee value of 98.9%.

Example 4:

enantioenrichment by crystallization with LiOH

0.5 g of a crude hydrogenation product obtained in Example 2 dissolved in 5 ml of isopropanol, with 40 mg LiOH and the resulting suspension for 1 h at room temperature stirred. The resulting crystals were isolated by filtration and the solid washed twice with 2 ml of cold petroleum ether and overnight at 30 ° C dried in a drying oven. There were 0.3 g of crystals (60%) with obtained an ee value of 97.5%.

Example 5:

manufacturing of synthon A acid

The in Example 3, ammonium salt was dissolved in 500 ml of water and the pH value by addition of 30 ml conc. HCl is set to a value of 1. The aqueous phase was extracted twice with 250 ml of toluene, the combined organic Washed with demineralized water and then the solvent concentrated on a rotary evaporator to 150 ml. After stirring for 10 minutes Room temperature, crystal formation was observed. Then one left still Stir for 3 h at room temperature, cooled crystal solution at -10 ° C and off isolated the crystals by filtration. The resulting solid became washed twice with 100 ml of cold petroleum ether and overnight at 30 ° C dried in a drying oven. 69.3 g of synthon A acid were obtained white Solid in a yield of 99% and with an ee value of 98.9 %.

Example 6:

"Scale-up" of Example 1

In a 1m ³ -Edelstahlkessel 68.4 kg of diisopropylamine and 155 kg of tetrahydrofuran (THF) were submitted and cooled to -50 ° C. Then 274 kg of a 15% solution of n-butyllithium in hexane, 72.7 kg of methyl isovalerate, 30 kg of THF, and 139 kg of 4-methoxy-3- (3-methoxypropyloxy) -benzaldehyde followed by 30 kg of THF were added in succession, the temperature being kept below -30 ° C. After the end of the feed, the reactor was heated to 20 ° C. at 10 K / h. 500 l of demineralized water were placed in a 2.5 m ³ steel / enamel kettle, the contents of the stainless steel kettle at 20 ° C and the stainless steel kettle with 88 kg Rinsed THF. Then, the pH was adjusted to 1 by adding 200 kg of 31% HCl and the phases were separated. The organic upper phase was evacuated stepwise to 400 mbar in a 1m ³ steel / enamel kettle and the THF was distilled off. After addition of 585 kg of toluene and 5.4 kg of p-toluenesulfonic acid in 12 L of demineralized water was distilled off from the kettle contents toluene / water azeotropically, until pure toluene went over. After cooling to 20 ° C., the contents of the vessel were washed with 200 l of saturated NaHCO ₃ solution and 200 l of water, and the organic phase was used directly in Example 7. The crude 28% product solution contained 160 kg cis-trans isomer mixture (3.2: 1).

Example 7:

Hydrolysis of in example 6 illustrated connection

In a 2m ³ stainless steel kettle, the product solutions from two parts of the precursor (Example 6) were combined and the toluene was largely distilled off at a pressure of 150 mbar. At an internal temperature of 80 ° C 720 kg 25% NaOH were added and distilled for 6 hours until reaching an internal temperature of 115 ° C. The kettle contents were cooled to 60 ° C and allowed to settle for phase separation. After separating 500 L of a clear aqueous phase, 630 kg of water and 300 kg of toluene were added to the brown organic phase in the kettle and stirred at 60 ° C for 30 minutes. Subsequently, 1100 L of an aqueous phase were drained off and the organic phase was discarded. The aqueous phase was extracted a second time with 300 kg of toluene. The aqueous phase was then treated in a 2.5m ³ steel / enamel kettle with 590 kg of toluene, acidified by addition of 105 kg of 75% sulfuric acid and stirred for 30 minutes. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase extracted again with 590 kg of toluene. The organic phases were combined and washed with 700 kg of deionized water. The washed organic phase was heated to boiling at 150 mbar and the toluene distilled off until the bottom temperature was 120 ° C. The remaining bottoms were diluted by adding 350 kg of methanol. 302 kg of acid were obtained as a cis-trans isomer mixture (3.2: 1).

Example 8:

"Scale-up" of Example 2

486 kg of the cis / trans acid mixture obtained analogously to Example 7 in 1118 kg of methanol were placed under a protective gas atmosphere in a 3.5 m ³ steel autoclave. After addition of a methanolic solution of 64.3 g of (R) -Phanephos-Rh (COD) BF ₄ was hydrogenated at a hydrogen pressure of 200 bar and a temperature of 75 ° C. After 14 h, the hydrogenation was quantitative. The enantiomeric excess of the product was 86%.

Example 9:

Scale-up of Examples 3 and 5

In a 2m ³ stainless steel kettle 1000 kg of a 25% solution of the hydrogenation product from Example 8 stage were filled and the methanol was largely distilled off at a pressure of 600 mbar. 1000 kg of isopropanol were added to the remaining bottom and 57 kg of a 25% strength aqueous ammonia solution were added at 50.degree. After the end of the feed was stirred at 50 ° C for 30 minutes, then cooled at 10 K / h to 0 ° C and stirred at 0 ° C for 1 h. The crystal mash was centrifuged in 4 portions in a peeler centrifuge, the crystals washed with 100 kg of isopropanol and discharged with a residual moisture content of about 60%.

durch Hydrierung mit Phanephos bei 80 barThe crystals were dissolved in 800 ml of water in a 2 m ³ steel enamel kettle and covered with 400 kg of toluene. At 30 ° C, 120 L of a 31% HCl solution was added and stirred for 30 minutes. After phase separation, the aqueous phase was re-extracted with 400 kg of toluene, the organic phases combined and washed with 300 kg of deionized water. At atmospheric pressure, 500 L of toluene were distilled off. Was obtained in a 28% toluene solution 205 kg SynthonA acid with an ee of 99.2%. Example 10: Preparation of

by hydrogenation with Phanephos at 80 bar

durch Hydrierung mit (Ligand C)

In a 300 ml steel autoclave, 30 g of the obtained after ester hydrolysis according to Example 1 cis / trans acid mixture in 59 g of methanol were placed under a protective gas atmosphere. After addition of 3.8 mg of (R) -Phanephos-Rh (COD) BF ₄ was hydrogenated at a hydrogen pressure of 80 bar and a temperature of 90 ° C. After 20 hours, the hydrogenation was quantitative. The enantiomeric excess of the product was 83%. Example 11 Preparation of

by hydrogenation with (ligand C)

In a 300 ml steel autoclave, 30 g of the obtained after ester hydrolysis analogous to Example 1 cis / trans acid mixture in 62 g of methanol were placed under a protective gas atmosphere. After addition of 5.0 mg of (R) - (ligand C) -Rh- (NBD) BF ₄ was hydrogenated at a hydrogen pressure of 80 bar and a temperature of 90 ° C. After 20 h, the hydrogenation was quantitative. The enantiomeric excess of the product was 83%.

Claims (20)

Process for the preparation of optically active compounds of general formula I.

wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ^{4 are} independently hydrogen, C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl, halo-C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl, hydroxy-C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl, C ₁ -C ₆ Alkoxy, hydroxy-C ₁ -C ₆ -alkoxy, C ₁ -C ₆ -alkoxy-C ₁ -C ₆ -alkyl, hydroxy-C ₁ -C ₆ -alkoxy-C ₁ -C ₆ -al kyl, C ₁ -C ₆ alkoxy-C ₁ -C ₆ alkoxy or hydroxy-C ₁ -C ₆ alkoxy-C ₁ -C ₆ alkoxy, R ^{5 is} C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl, C ₅ C ₈ -Cycloalkyl, phenyl or benzyl, and A is hydrogen or a cation equivalent, wherein - the cis isomer or a cis / trans isomer mixture of compounds of general formula II

wherein R ¹ to R ^{5 have} the meanings given above, subjected to an enantioselective hydrogenation in the presence of a chiral hydrogenation catalyst, to obtain a enantiomerically enriched enantiomeric mixture, - the mixture of enantiomers obtained in the hydrogenation for further enantiomeric enrichment of a crystallization by addition of a basic salt former in one Subjecting the solvent to isolation of the resulting stereoisomer-enriched solid, and optionally subjecting the isolated isomer to protonation or cation exchange to give the optically active compound of formula I. The method of claim 1, wherein for the hydrogenation cis / trans isomer mixture is used, which is at least 50 wt .-%, preferably at least 60% by weight, in particular at least 70% by weight of the cis isomer. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein for hydrogenation, a cis / trans isomer mixture is used, the at least 1% by weight, preferably at least 5% by weight, in particular contains at least 10 wt .-% of the trans isomer. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein for the hydrogenation, a transition metal complex is used as a catalyst containing as ligands at least one compound of formula

wherein R ^I , R ^II , R ^III and R ^{IV are} independently alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl or hetaryl, and R ^V , R ^VI , R ^VII , R ^VIII , R ^IX and R ^X are each independently hydrogen , Alkyl, alkylene-OH, alkylene-NE ¹ E ² , alkylene-SH, alkylene-OSiE ³ E ⁴ , cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, hetaryl, OH, SH, polyalkylene oxide, polyalkyleneimine, alkoxy, halogen, COOH, carboxylate, SO ₃ H, sulfonate, NE ¹ E ² , nitro, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl or cyano, wherein E ¹ , E ² , E ³ and E ⁴ each represent identical or different radicals selected from hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and alkylaryl. The method of claim 4, wherein R ^I , R ^II , R ^III and R ^{IV are} independently phenyl or xylyl. Method according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein one of the radicals R ^V , R ^VI and R ^VII and / or one of the radicals R ^VIII , R ^IX and R ^{X is} a radical different from hydrogen and the / different from hydrogen ( n) radical (s) is / are selected from C ₁ -C ₆ -alkyl, C ₁ -C ₄ -alkylene-OH, C ₁ -C ₄ -alkylene-OSi (C ₁ -C ₄ -alkyl) ₂ , C C ₁ -C ₄ -alkoxy and C ₁ -C ₄ -cyclo-OC (aryl) ₃ . A process according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the catalyst comprises at least one ligand selected from compounds of the formulas

Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrogenation takes place continuously. A method according to claim 8, wherein i) in a first reaction zone is a mixture of isomers of compounds of general formula II and hydrogen and in the presence converts a chiral hydrogenation catalyst to a partial conversion, ii) from the first reaction zone takes a stream and in at least hydrogenated another reaction zone. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the salt former used for the crystallization is selected under achiral basic compounds. The method of claim 10, wherein the salt former selected is under ammonia, primary Amines, alkali hydroxides and alkaline earth hydroxides. A method according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein for crystallization Ammonia or LiOH as salt former and isopropanol as solvent is used. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the solid isolated after crystallization has an ee value of at least 98%. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an optically active compound of the formula I having the following absolute configuration is obtained

wherein R ¹ to R ⁵ and A have the meanings given in claim 1. Process for the preparation of optically active compounds of general formula III

wherein R ¹ to R ^{5 have} the meanings given in claim 1 and Hal is Cl, Br or I, wherein - a compound of general formula I as defined in claim 1, in the case that A is one of hydrogen and metal cations different cation equivalent is converted by protonation into the acid, - the acid or the metal salt thereof a reduction to obtain an alcohol of the general formula IV

in which R ¹ to R ^{5 have} the meanings given above, and - subjecting the alcohol of the formula IV to a halodehydroxylation to obtain the optically active compound of the formula III. Process according to Claim 15, in which a) an aromatic aldehyde of the general formula V

wherein R ¹ to R ^{4 have} the meanings given in claim 1, with a carboxylic acid ester of the general formula VI R ⁵ -CH ₂ -OOOR ⁷ (VI) wherein R ^{5 has} the meanings given in claim 1 and R ^{7 is} alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl, to give compounds of general formula VII

b) converted in the compounds of formula VII, the hydroxyl group in a better leaving group and a Elimination to give compounds of general formula VIII

c) the compounds of the formula VIII are subjected to ester hydrolysis to give compounds of the general formula II

d) subjecting the compounds of the formula II to an enantioselective hydrogenation in the presence of a chiral hydrogenation catalyst, to obtain an enantiomeric mixture enriched in one enantiomeric mixture, e) the mixture of enantiomers obtained in the hydrogenation in step d) for further enantiomeric enrichment of a crystallization by addition of a basic salt former f) optionally subjecting the isomer isolated in step e) to protonation or cation exchange to give the optically active compound of formula I, g) in the case where the compound of the formula I is the radical A is a cation equivalent other than hydrogen and metal cations, this is subjected to protonation, h) the acid or the metal salt thereof a reduction to give an alcohol of the general formula IV

and i) the alcohol of formula IV is subjected to a halodehydroxylation to give the optically active compound of formula III

subjects. Optically active compound of general formula I.

wherein R ¹ to R ^{5 have} the meaning given in claim 1 and A is a derived from ammonia, primary amines, alkali metals and alkaline earth metals cation. A compound according to claim 17, wherein R ^{5 is} a branched C ₃ -C ₈ alkyl radical, in particular isopropyl. A compound according to any one of claims 17 or 18 of the formula

A compound according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein A is NH ₄ ⁺ or Li ⁺ .