EP1848720A1

EP1848720A1 - Rapid resolution process for clopidogrel base and a process for preparation of clopidogrel bisulfate polymorph - form i

Info

Publication number: EP1848720A1
Application number: EP05747156A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Venkatasubramanian Radhakrishnan Tarur; Dhananjay Govind Sathe; Kamlesh Digambar Sawant; Harish Kashinath Mondkar; Manoj Madhukarrao Indrayani Niwas Deshpande; Tushar Anil Naik
Original assignee: USV Pvt Ltd
Current assignee: USV Pvt Ltd
Priority date: 2005-02-15
Filing date: 2005-02-15
Publication date: 2007-10-31
Also published as: CA2567806C; CA2567806A1; WO2006087729B1; WO2006087729A1; AU2005327776A1

Abstract

The present invention discloses a rapid resolution process of racemic clopidogrel base followed by conversion of the resolved (S) isomer to crystalline Clopidogrel bisulfate Form I. The invention also discloses novel racemization process of the unwanted (R) isomer of clopidogrel base. The invention further discloses an improved process for preparation of acid addition salts of clopidogrel.

Description

Rapid Resolution Process of CIopidogrel Base and a Process for Preparation of CIopidogrel Bisulfate Polymorph - Form I

Technical Field:

The present invention relates to a rapid resolution process of racemic clopidogrel base followed by conversion of the resolved (S) isomer to crystalline Clopidogrel bisulfate Form I. Clopidogrel bisulfate [Formula I] [Methyl (S)-(+)-α-(o-chlorophenyl)-6,7- dihydrothieno[3,2-c]pyridine-5(4H)-acetate hydrogen sulfate] is an Antithrombotic agent.

Formula I

Background and Prior Art:

Clopidogrel is administrated as its hydrogensulfate (syn. Bisulfate) salt. Its antiplatelet activity makes it an effective drug for reducing ischemic strokes, heart attacks and in atherosclerosis (a vascular disease causing claudication). Atherosclerosis is a buildup of plaque in the walls of arteries, which leads to thickening, and the reduction in the elasticity of the arteries. High Cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking and infection also causes an injury to the inner walls of the arteries, which leads to the atherosclerosis. The plaque formation leads to blood clotting which is due to the platelet aggregation at the site of the injury. This clotting becomes an obstacle for the flow of the blood to the vital organs causing heart attacks or other severe problems. Antiplatelet activity which fights against Atherosclerosis is exhibited by Clopidogrel, which binds adenosine diphosphate to its receptor and thereby induces platelet reduction, which is desirable in fighting against atherosclerosis. Clopidogrel has found to be more effective in inhibiting platelet aggregation than aspirin and is also mild towards gastrointestinal tract. (S) enantiomer of clopidogrel is pharmaceutically active and is administrated as bisulfate salt.

U.S.Pat.No. 4, 529,596, discloses a racemic mixture of clopidogrel bisulfate and process for preparation of such mixture, which involves condensation reaction between methyl-2-chloro-o-chlorophenylacetate and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro thieno[3,2-c] pyridine. The reaction produces racemic clopidogrel.

U.S.Pat. No. 4,847,265 discloses process for preparation of the dextro-rotatory enantiomer of the clopidogrel bisulfate. Racemic clopidogrel is resolved using camphor sulfonic acid to obtain optically pure dextro rotatory isomer. The patent describes the crystallization of the (S) enantiomer using dimethylformamide, ketones and alcohols. Amongst ketones, acetone is used for crystallization.

U.S.Pat. No. 5,036,156, discloses a method for preparation of an intermediate in the synthesis of clopidogrel, 2-chloro-α-bromophenyl acetic acid and a process for condensing methyl ester with tetrahydrothienopyridine. The patent also describes process for preparation of pyridine derivative, which is one of the intermediate for preparation of clopidogrel.

U.S.Pat. No. 6,080,875 describes a process for preparation of methyl (+)-(S)-α-(2- thienyl-2-ethylamino)- α -(2-chlorophenyl)acetate hydrochloride by reaction of sodium-2-thienylglycidate with (S) 2-chloro phenyl glycine in presence of cyanoborohydride. This intermediate is further used to prepare (S) clopidogrel. The patent also describes the process for recemization of phenyl glycine esters.

U.S.Pat. No. 6,180,793 describes a process for preparation of (S) clopidogrel by reaction of 2-thiophene ethanol with (S)-2-chlorophenyl glycineamide, (S)-2- chlorophenyl-α-amino acetonirile or (S)-2-chlorophenyl glycine methyl ester. The resulting compound is cyclised, hydrolysed and esterified.

U.S.Pat. No. 5, 204, 469 discloses enantioselective process for preparation of clopidogrel through the reaction of (+) -2-chlorophenyl glycine and an activated form of 2-thiophene ethanol followed by cyclization with formaldehyde.

U.S.Pat. No. 6800759 describes a process for resolution of racemic clopidogrel, along with the conversion of (R) enantiomer of the clopidogrel to (S). The (S) enatiomer is separated by crystallizing it as camphor sulfonate salt from hydrocarbon, or a mixture of hydrocarbon and a co-solvent, preferably DMF:Toluene. The (R) enantiomer is then racemized and recycled by reaction with catalytic amount of base. The bases used are metal alkoxide, preferably potassium-t-butoxide.

U.S.Pat. No. 4,847,265 describes the formation of the dextrorotatory isomer of clopidogrel by salt formation using racemic compound and an optically active acid such as 10-L-camphorsulfonic acid in acetone, followed by successive recrystallisation until a product with constant rotatory power was obtained, followed by the release of the dextro rotatory isomer from its salt by a base. The hydrogen sulfate salt is then obtained by dissolution of the base in acetone cooled in ice and addition of concentrated sulphuric acid to precipitation. The precipitate thus obtained is crystalline Form I.

WO 98/39286 discloses racemization process for phenyl glycine ester in which a mixture of enantiomer of phenyl glycine ester is treated with a carbonyl compound in presence of carboxylic acid and single enantiomer of an N-protected-a-amino acid as a resolving agent. The formation of the imino intermediate causes the racemisation of the starting product and the precipitation of the single diastereomeric salt. After hydrolysis of the salt, an enantiomer of phenyl glycine ester is obtained. WO/04/074215 discloses racemization process of (R) clopidogrel which involve conversion of (R) isomer to its racemic salt such as Hydrochloride, which is formed by dissolution of (R) Clopidogrel in Isopropyl alcohol and concentrated HCl. The salt thus formed is further converted to Racemic Clopidogrel base by treatment with base.

WO2004013147 describes a process for racemization of (R) isomer of the clopidogrel by the reaction with catalytic amount of the base preferably with potassium t- butoxide.

US 6,429,210 describe process for preparation of the dextrorotatory S enantiomer of Clopidogrel bisulfate in the crystalline Form, Form II.

US20031 14479 describes the novel crystalline forms, Form III, IV and V of clopidogrel hydrogen sulphate and amorphous form of clopidogrel hydrogen sulphate and processes for preparation of these forms and amorphous form as well as their pharmaceutical compositions. In this patent, polymorphic Form I is prepared by suspending amorphous clopidogrel hydrogen sulphate in ether. International Patent application WO2004020443 describes process for preparation of Clopidogrel bisulfate Form I, which comprises separating out crystalline Form I from the solution of clopidogrel in the form of free base or salt in a solvent selected from the series of the primary, secondary or tertiary C1-C5 alcohols or their Esters with C 1 -C4 carboxylic acids or optionally of mixtures thereof.

International application WO 2004048385 describes a process for the preparation of crystalline Form I of S-Clopidogrel hydrogen sulphate by reacting the optically active base, (S)-(+) clopidogrel with concentrated sulfuric acid, wherein the salt formed by the said reaction in the reaction medium is precipitated with the precipitating solvent such as aliphatic or cyclic ethers and/or their mixture or isobutyl methyl ketone.

Form II of Clopidogrel Bisulfate is thermodynamically more stable and hence small change in condition during the preparation of Form I can result in Form II.

The present invention relates to the novel process for resolution of racemic clopidogrel base followed by conversion of the resolved (S) isomer to crystalline Clopidogrel bisulfate Form I. The present invention also relates to the racemization of unwanted (R) isomer. The present invention also relates to a process for resolution of clopidogrel base which is simple and less time consuming. The present invention also relates to the process for preparation of crystalline Form I of Clopidogrel Bisulfate from (S) clopidogrel base, which is reproducible. The present invention also relates to the process for preparation of crystalline Form I of Clopidogrel Bisulfate, which is cost effective and economical. The present invention also relates to the process for preparation of crystalline Form I of Clopidogrel Bisulfate, which is commercially viable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses novel process for resolution of racemic clopidogrel base followed by conversion of the resolved (S) isomer to crystalline Clopidogrel bisulfate Form I. The present invention also discloses the racemization of unwanted (R) isomer and further resolution to pure (S) isomer. The present invention further discloses the preparation of crystalline Form of Clopidogrel Bisulfate Form I, by dissolving (S) Clopidogrel base in a solvent such as acetic acid and adding antisolvent such as di-isopropyl ether containing sulfuric acid.

In order to lower the time period and initiate the fast crystallization of the (S) clopidogrel camphorsulfonate salt, the resolution is carried out in a mixture of solvent which comprises aliphatic ketones preferably Acetone and acyclic simple ethers like Diisopropyl ether, methyl-ter/-butyl ether, diethyl ether, preferably methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE). The resolution takes place within 4 Hrs to 10 Hrs.

The unwanted (R) isomer separated during the resolution is further converted to (S) isomer by dissolving the (R)-isomer in C₅-C₇aliphatic hydrocarbon/ Ci -Cs alcohols/or aliphatic ethers like di ethyl ether, methyl-t-butyl ether, di isopropyl ether, Tetrahydrofuran (THF), 1,4-Dioxane, as solvents containing base such as metal alkoxide.

The resolved (S) Clopidogrel base is dissolved in a solvent such as acetic acid and adding antisolvent such as di-isopropyl ether containing sulfuric acid to get the crystalline Form 1 of Clopidogrel bisulfate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the novel process for resolution of racemic clopidogrel base followed by conversion of the resolved (S) isomer to crystalline Clopidogrel bisulfate Form I. The present invention also relates to the racemization of unwanted (R) isomer of Clopidogrel base. The process is shown as below,

O Acetic acid, li) H₂SO₄ Hl) DIPE

Clopidogrel Bisulfete (Form 1)

The manufacturing process described in this invention involves preparation of racemic Clopidogrel by the process similar to described in U.S.Pat. No.4,529,596. The said process comprises, condensation of the 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[3,2- cjpyridine hydrochloride (A) and α-bromo-2-chlorophenyl acetic acid methyl ester (B) in DMF in presence of potassium carbonate, which gives racemic clopidogrel free base (I_RI_S)- The process is shown below.

B

The present invention relates to rapid and simple process for resolution of (S) clopidogrel base (Is) which, comprises the steps of reacting a mixture of (R) and (S) clopidogrel base (I_RI_S) with laevo rotatory camphor sulfonic acid (II) in a mixture of solvents to precipitate (S) clopidogrel camphor sulfonate.

The Chiral, laevo rotatory camphor- 10-sulfonic acid of formula (II) is allowed to react with the racemic clopidogrel base of Formula (I_RI_S) in the mixture of solvent comprises a ketone and/or an aliphatic ether according to following scheme.

(Is H)

The ketones are selected from group consisting of acetone, 2-butanone, methyl iso- butyl ketone and 3-pentanone, preferably acetone. The ethers are selected from the group comprising of di ethyl ether, methyl-t-butyl ether, di isopropyl ether, THF and 1,4-Dioxane, preferably methyl-tert-butyl ether. The mixture of solvent is about 10% v/v to about 50% v/v of ether in acetone preferably 50% v/v.

The (S) Clopidogrel camphor sulfonate salt (IsII) is further purified with ketonic solvents like acetone, 2-butanone, 3-pentanone, methyl-ter/-butyl ketone. Converting the (S) Clopidogrel camphor sulfonate salt (IsII) to (S) Clopidogrel free base of formula (Is) by the conventional technique. Dissolving the resolved (S) Clopidogrel base (Is) in glacial acetic acid at room temperature; followed by adding an antisolvent containing sulfuric acid to the solution at room temperature. Stirring the reaction mixture for 24 hours at room temperature, filtering and drying the crystals to obtain Form I of Clopidogrel Bisulfate.

The unwanted (R) isomer Clopidogrel base (IR) enriched in the mother liquor of resolution is diluted with ether, washed with sodium bicarbonate solution to remove camphor sulfonate. The ether layer containing the enriched unwanted (R) Clopidogrel base (I_R) isomer is treated with a base such as metal alkoxide preferably potassium-t- butoxide to get back racemic clopidogrel base (IRI_S) which is then resolved again as earlier described. This process is shown in the following scheme.

(IR) ( ¹R¹S ⁵

The entire sequence of the process is shown below,

4,5,6,7-Tetrahydrothieno[3,2-c] pyridine hydrochloride (A) + α-bromo-2-chlorophenyl acetic acid methyl ester (B) DMF, MDC

Racemic Clopidogrel Base (IRIS)

Laevo-camphor sulfonic acid (II) Acetone + MTBE

Sat NaHCO, and MDC salt (IsII) + Filtrate (I_R,II) R enriched

Recrystallised in acetone Clopidogrel

Base (I_RIS)

S-Clopidogrel base (Is) (Dextro rotatory enetiomer) Racemic

Clopidogrel

Base (I_RI_S)

Acetic acid, Cone. H₂SO₄ and DIPE

S-Clopidogrel Bisulfate (Form I)

As used herein, a solvent is any liquid substance, which has capacity to dissolve the organic compound, Clopidogrel Bisulfate, either at room temperature or higher temperature. Antisolvent is an organic solvent in which organic compound such as Clopidogrel Bisulfate has poor solubility.

As used herein, room temperature means a temperature from about 10⁰C to 45°C, preferably 25⁰C to 30⁰C The quality of clopidogrel bisulfate of Form I without detectable contamination by Form II, obtained in accordance with this invention, is characterized by X-Ray crystallographic data, Differential Scanning Calorimeter and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum.

X-ray powder diffraction pattern has been obtained on D 8 -Advance, Bruker AXE, Germany, diffractometer equipped with Scintillation detector using Copper Ka (λ = 1.5406 A) radiation with scanning range between 2-50 θ at scanning speed of 27m in.

Differential Scanning Calorimeter was performed on Mettler DSC 20 instrument. Samples of 2 mg to 3 mg weighed in aluminium crucibles with holes were scanned at a heating rate of 10⁰C per minute under nitrogen atmosphere at rate of 35 ml/min.

The Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum of Form I was obtained on a FT-IR 8300, Shimadzu instrument, in the range of 400-4000 cm^"1 with a resolution of 4 m^"1. The spectrum is entirely different from the spectrum of Form II disclosed in patent US 6429210.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1 Shows the X-ray Diffraction Diagram of Clopidogrel Bisulfate Form I Fig. 2 Shows the DSC Thermogram of Clopidogrel Bisulfate Form I Fig. 3 Shows the FT-IR Spectrum of Clopidogrel Bisulfate Form I

Fig 1 of the polymorphic form obtained by this method, Form I shows an X-ray powder diffraction pattern which is characterized by having peaks at about 9.21, 9.56, 14.85, 15.53, 15.23, 20.62, 21.59, 23.19, 23.85, 25.52, + 0.2 degrees. Fig 2 shows the DSC thermogram of Form I which is characterized by having sharp endotherm at 187⁰C followed by another sharp endotherm at 212⁰C. The FT-IR spectrum of Form I shows absorption at 2987, 2952, 1751, 1477, 1436, 1220, 1 191, 867, 841, 766, 592 cm^"1 which is shown in Fig 3. The following examples are provided to illustrate the invention and are not limiting the scope of the complete disclosure.

Example 1

Synthesis of Racemic Clopidogrel Base (I_{R, S})

50 g (0.284 mole) of Tetrahydrothienopyridine hydrochloride (A) was reacted with 83 g (0.315 mole) of α-bromo-2-chlorophenyl acetic acid methyl ester (B) in 2.5 Lt. DMF in presence of 83 g. (0.6 mole) potassium carbonate. The reaction mixture was heated at 80-85⁰C under nitrogen atmosphere for 4 Hrs. The reaction mixture was filtered at RT and washed the residue with DMF. The DMF was concentrated under vacuum to obtain a viscous liquid. To this viscous liquid, water was added and the base was extracted from the aqueous layer using methylene dichloride. The methylene dichloride was concentrated under vacuum to get pure Clopidogrel base. Yield = 92%

Example 2

Resolution of Racemic clopidogrel base(I_RI_s) a) Conversion of Racemic clopidogrel base (I_RI_S) to (S) Clopidogrel camphor sulfonate salt (IsII).

1 Og (0.03 mole) of Racemic clopidogrel obtained from Example 1 was dissolved in 20 ml Methyl-tert-butyl-ether and to this 3.82 (0.016 mole) g. of L-(-)-Camphor sulfonic acid was added. To this solution 20 ml acetone was added to get the clear solution. The solution was stirred at 50⁰C for 8 Hrs. Filter the solid separated and washed with acetone and dried under vacuum at 50 ⁰C. m.p 163-165, [α]_D ²⁰ = 24.7, yield =58%

b) Conversion of (S) Clopidogrel camphor sulfonate salt (IsII) to (S) Clopidogrel Base

(Is).

5 g (0.009 mole) of the (S) Clopidogrel camphor sulfonate salt obtained from example 2 was suspended in 20 ml MDC. To this add 20 ml aqueous solution of saturated sodium bicarbonate. After vigorous stirring, the organic phase was separated and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue obtained was (S) Clopidogrel Base. Yield = 97% Example 3

Preparation of Clopidogrel bisulfate form I from (S) Clopidogrel base (Is). 5 g (0.015 mole) of (S) Clopidogrel was dissolved in 25 ml of Glacial acetic acid at room temperature. The solution was filtered to remove any suspended particles. This clear solution was added to 200 ml of Di isopropyl ether containing 1.5g (0.015 mole) cone. H₂SO₄ was added drop wise at the 10°C. The solution was stirred for 6 hrs. at the same temperature and further 10 Hrs at room temperaturte. The solid was filtered, washed with Di isopropyl ether and dried to get Form I, m.p. = 184-186⁰C, [α]o²⁰ = 55.6, Yield = 85%.

Example 4

Racemization of (R) Clopidogrel (I_R)

The mother liquor obtained from Example 2(a) was washed with the saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. The organic layer was separated and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The organic layer was concentrated under vacuum to obtain the oily liquid. The 1Og (0.031 mole) of oily liquid was then dissolved in 50 mL Di isopropyl ether and to this 2 g (0.017 mole) of potassium-/er/-butoxide was added at room temperature. After 12 Hrs, potassium ter/-butoxide was neutralized with acetic acid. The organic phase was extracted with 50 mL water thrice. The organic phase was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated to obtain the oily liquid, yield 75%. The racemic clopidogrel thus obtained was resolved with the process described in example 3.

While the present invention is described above in connection with preferred or illustrative embodiments, these embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the invention. Rather, the invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents included within its spirit and scope, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

We claim,

1. A process for rapid resolution of methyl (+) α-(o-chlorophenyl)-6,7- dihydrothieno[3,2-c]pyridine-5(4H)-acetate comprising; a) treating methyl (+) α-(o-chlorophenyl)-6,7-dihydrothieno[3,2- c]pyridine-5(4H)-acetate using levo rotatory camphor-10- sulfonic acid in a mixture of organic solvents under stirring for 2-12 hrs within a temperature range of 0-70°C; b) purifying the (S)-clopidogrel camphor sulphonate salt in a ketonic solvent. c) converting the obtained methyl (S)-(+)-α-(o-chlorophenyl)-6,7- dihydrothieno[3,2-c]pyridine-5(4H)-acetate camphor sulphonate salt into (S) clopidogrel base by treating with aqueous base in suitable organic solvent.

2. The process as claimed in claim l(a), wherein said mixture of organic solvents is selected from alphatic ketones and ethers.

3. The process as claimed in l (a) or 2, wherein said mixture of solvents used in a proportion ranging from 1 :9 to 1 :1.

4. The process as claimed in Claim l(a) to 3 wherein said proportion of mixed organic solvent is preferably 1 :1.

5. The process as claimed in claim l(a) to 4 wherein said ketone is selected from the group comprising of acetone, 2-butanone, 3-pentanone, methyl wø-butyl ketone, preferably acetone.

6. The process as claimed in claim l(a) to 5 wherein said ether is selected from the group comprising of di ethyl ether, di isopropyl ether, butyl ether, preferably methyl-/er/- butyl ether.

7. The process as claimed in claim l(a) to 6 wherein the stirring is carried out for 2 to 12 hrs, preferably 8 Hrs.

8. The process claimed in claim any of the preceding claims wherein said resolution is preferably carried out at 25-55°C.

9. The process claimed in claim 1 (b) where in said ketonic solvent is selected from acetone, 2-butanone, 3-pentanone, methyl /so-butyl ketone, preferably acetone.

10. A process for rapid resolution of methyl (+) α-(o-chlorophenyl)-6,7- dihydrothieno[3,2-c]pyridine-5(4H)-acetate as substantially described herein particularly with reference to the examples.

1 1. An improved process for the preparation of (S)-(+)-α-(o-chlorophenyl)-6,7- dihydrothieno[3,2-c]pyridine-5(4H)-acetate bisulfate Form I, which comprises;

a. condensing 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydrothieno[3,2-c]pyridine hydrochloride with α-bromo-2-chlorophenyl acetic acid methyl ester in an organic solvent at an ambient temperature in presence of an inorganic base; extracting the racemic clopidogrel base with a lower chlorinated hydrocarbons; b. resolving the racemic clopidogrel base using levo rotatory camphor- 10-sulphonic acid in a mixture of organic solvents under stirring for few hrs within a temperature of range of 0-70C; c. purifying the obtained (S)-Clopidogrel camphor sulfonate salt in a ketonic solvent; d. converting the (S)-Clopidogrel camphor sulfonate salt to (S)- Clopidogrel free base; and e. converting the clopidogrel base into clopidogrel bisulfate Form I by dissolving (S)-Clopidogrel free base in a solubilizing solvent to form a clear solution; adding the solution of sulfuric acid in antisolvent within temperature range 0-25⁰C and stirring for several hours; filtering the separated solid to get the crystalline polymorphic Form I.

12. The process as claimed in claim 1 1 (a) wherein said organic solvent is dipolar aprotic solvent, preferably Dimethyl formamide.

13. The process as claimed in Claim 1 1 (a) wherein said lower halogenated hydrocarbon is preferably methylene dichloride.

14. The process as claimed in claim 1 1 (e) wherein said solubilizing solvent is Ci-C₅ Carboxylic acid preferably Glacial Acetic acid.

15. The process as claimed in claim 1 1 (e) wherein said temperature range is preferably 0⁰C to 5°C.

16. The process as claimed in claim 1 1 (e) wherein said antisolvent is selected from the group of aliphatic ethers such as Diethyl ether, Di isopropyl ether, methyl-tei't- butyl ether preferably Di isopropyfether.

17. The process as claimed in claim 11 (e) wherein said reaction mixture is stirred preferably upto 16 hrs.

18. A process for making Clopidogrel Bisulfate Form I as substantially described herein particularly with reference to the examples.

19. A process for racemization of the unwanted (R) isomer of clopidogrel base comprises; a) dissolving (R) Clopidogrel Base in organic solvent; b) treating the (R) Clopidogrel Base with metal alkoxide; c) stirring the suspension for few hours; d) neutralizing the base by aqueous acid; e) isolating the racemic base from an organic layer; and recycled for further resolution into its (R) and (S) stereo isomers according to claim 1 .

2O.The process claimed in claim 19 (a) wherein, said organic solvent used for racemization are selected from the group of aliphatic ethers like Diethyl ether, Di isopropyl ether, methyl-/er/-butyl ether or their mixture, preferably Di isopropyl ether.

21 The process claimed in claim 19 (b) wherein, said bases used for racemization is selected from sodium/potassium methoxide, ethoxide or butoxide, preferably potassium tert-butoxide.

22. The process claimed in claim 19 (c) wherein the stirring is carried out for 2-24 hours, preferably 12 Hrs.

23. The process claimed in claim 19 (d) wherein said aqueous acids are selected from

HCl, H₂SO₄, acetic acid preferably acetic acid.

24. The process for racemization of the unwanted (R) isomer of clopidogrel base as substantially described herein particularly with reference the examples.