EP2310387A2

EP2310387A2 - A process for the preparation of solifenacin salts and their inclusion into pharmaceutical dosage forms

Info

Publication number: EP2310387A2
Application number: EP09777523A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Milo RU I; Darja PRUDI; Anica PE AVAR; Antonio Zanotti-Gerosa; Tadej Stropnik
Original assignee: KRKA dd
Current assignee: KRKA dd
Priority date: 2008-07-29
Filing date: 2009-07-29
Publication date: 2011-04-20
Also published as: WO2010012459A2; HRP20180150T1; EP3067353B1; WO2010012459A3; EP3067353A1; SI3067353T1; PL3067353T3

Abstract

The invention relates to the synthesis of solifenacin, the preparation of its salts and their inclusion into pharmaceutically acceptable dosage forms.

Description

A PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF SOLIFENACIN SALTS AND THEIR INCLUSION INTO PHARMACEUTICAL DOSAGE FORMS

TECHNICAL FIELD

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1 S)-(3R)-1 -azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl 3,4-dihydro-l-phenyl-2(lH)-isoquinoline carboxylate (I) (solifenacin) is used for symptomatic treatment of urgent incontinence and/or increased frequency of urinating and urgency of urinating in patients with a hyperactive urinary bladder. The commercial tablet is marketed under the name Vesicare® and has been approved by the FDA for once daily treatment of OAB in 5 mg and 10 mg tablets. Each Vesicare tablet contains 5 or 10 mg of solifenacin succinate and is formulated for oral administration. In addition to the active ingredient solifenacin succinate, each Vesicare tablet also contains the following inert ingredients: lactose monohydrate, corn starch, hypromellose 2910, magnesium stearate, talc, polyethylene glycol 8000 and titanium dioxide with yellow ferric oxide (5 mg Vesicare tablet) or red ferric oxide (10 mg Vesicare tablet).

One way of the overall preparation of solifenacin base is reported by Mealy, N. et al. in Drugs of the Future 24 (8): 871-874 (1999) is shown in Scheme 1 :

(I)

Scheme 1

In this approach, optical resolution was performed at the racemic solifenacin base (I) level. Another described method in this article uses tartaric acid for the separation of 1 (S)-phenyl- 1 ,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin (II) from its R-enantiomer, and then reacting it further to yield solifenacin (I).

In EP 0801067 another synthesis of solifenacin is described, wherein 3-quinuclidinyl chloroformate monohydrochloride is reacted with l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin (II) as shown in Scheme 2:

pyridine

(II) (I)

Scheme 2:

In WO2007/076116 another approach was applied: l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinoline (II) and a haloalkyl haloformate were reacted in the presence of a first base to yield a haloalkyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline carbamate, which was converted into solifenacin (I) in the next step, as shown by Scheme 3:

In another embodiment of the same patent application, (R)-3-quinuclidinol is combined with a haloalkyl haloformate in the presence of a base, and in the next step the haloalkyl-quinuclidyl- carbonate obtained is used to obtain solifenacin (Scheme 4):

Base

(O

Scheme 4

The common feature of all these synthetic approaches is the use of l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinoline (II) as the key intermediate. Optical resolution of this intermediate is already reported by Monatshefte fur Chemie, Vol. 53-54: 956-962 (1929) and involves the formation of the tartrate from an aqueous solution. In J. Med. Chem. Naito et al. described a similar process using ethanol for the addition of the tartaric acid and crystallization from water. In WO 2008/011462 the solvents for basically the same process were changed to organic solvents, and in WO 2008/019055 the organic solvents used are IPA and EtOAc. In IPCOM000139416D the use of racemic l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline oxalate salt (by Rintec Inc.) for the preparation of solifenacin is reported. No further details about the synthesis of solifenacin or any optical resolution are given.

In order to be included into a pharmaceutical dosage form, solifenacin is transformed into one of its pharmaceutically acceptable salts. In EP 0801067 the hydrochloride and monooxalate salts were disclosed but were later on reported as causing difficulties. The hydrochloride is reported to be so hydroscopic as to deliquence in a conventional environment kept at a relative humidity of 70% (room temperature) and accompanied by increase of impurities during long term storage. In Naito, R. et al, the preparation of the hydrobromic salt is reported, together with its crystallographic properties. EP 1700858 describes and (re)protects the preparation of solifenacin addition salts with the following acids: (-)-(2S,3S)-tartaric acid, (+)-(2S,3S)-di-O-benzoyltartaric acid, (+)-(2S,3S)-di-O-(4-methylbenzoyl)tartaric acid, (-)-Z- phenylalanine, benzenesulfonic acid, cyclohexanesulfamic acid, hydrobromic acid, naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid, sebacic acid, (+)-camphor-10-sulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid and methyl phosphate. In WO 2008/077357 the preparation of solifenacin hydrogen tartrate is reported.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Technical problems to be solved by the present invention are: a.) the provision of novel pharmaceutically acceptable salts and/or polymorphs of solifenacin, having satisfactory properties for pharmaceutical use and the provision of suitable pharmaceutical formulations including them, b.) the provision of an improved method for the preparation of l(S)-phenyl-l, 2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinoline (II) or its appropriate dichloromethane or toluene solution for further use, c.) the conversion of l-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline or l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinoline into the potassium or sodium salt of 1 -phenyl- 1,2,3, 4- tetrahydroisoquinoline or l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (III), d.) the use of (II) or (III), or the solution of (II) or (III) in dichloromethane or toluene for the synthesis of solifenacin base and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of solifenacin. A variety of acid addition salts was investigated and it was found out that the new salts

- solifenacin hydrogen adipiate(s),

- solifenacin adipiate(s),

- solifenacin potassium adipiate(s),

- solifenacin hydrogen pimelate(s),

- solifenacin pimelate(s),

- solifenacin potassium pimelate(s),

- solifenacin maleate(s),

- solifenacin hydrogen maleate(s),

- solifenacin potassium maleate(s),

- solifenacin hydrogen citrate(s),

- solifenacin citrate(s),

- solifenacin hydrogen malate(s),

- solifenacin malate(s),

- solifenacin glutarate(s),

- solifenacin hydrogen malonate(s),

- solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI) and its hydrates, and the new polymorphs of solifenacin HBr and solifenacin HCl, solve the technical problem under a.). In addition, according to the invention, a pharmaceutical composition comprising as an active ingredient one or more acid addition salts of solifenacin, is provided.

The term "acid addition salt" as used in the present invention comprises both the respective acid addition salt in water-free form and in the form of one or more hydrates of the respective acid addition salts, as well as mixtures of the respective acid addition salt in water-free form and/or of one or more hydrates of the respective acid addition salt.

As regards the technical problem under b.), it was found out that l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinoline (II) is more efficiently prepared by stereoselective/ stereospecific hydrogenation of l-phenyl-3,4-dihidroisoquinoline (IV) than by optical resolution via diastereoisomeric salts of phenyl- 1,2, 3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (II) and/or may be synthesized on the basis of an alternative synthesis route allowing the use of educts and/or intermediate products as taught by the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of racemic potassium 1 -phenyl- 1,2,3, 4- tetrahydroisoquinoline (III) (Example 1).

Fig. 2 shows two photographs of racemic potassium l-phenyl-l ,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (III) crystals (Example 1).

Fig. 3 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of amorphous solifenacin hydrogen maleate (Example 3).

Fig. 4 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of crystalline form I solifenacin hydrogen maleate (Example 3).

Fig. 5 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of crystalline form II solifenacin hydrogen maleate (Example 3).

Fig. 6 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of solifenacin adipiate (Example 4).

Fig. 7 shows a photograph of solifenacin adipiate crystals (Example 4).

Fig. 8 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of solifenacin hydrogen adipiate (Example 4).

Fig. 9 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of solifenacin potassium adipiate (Example 4).

Fig. 10 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of solifenacin pimelate (Example 5).

Fig. 11 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of solifenacin potassium pimelate (Example 5).

Fig. 12 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of solifenacin potassium tartrate (Example Fig. 13 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of solifenacin HBr Form K (Example 8).

Fig. 14 shows two photographs of solifenacin HBr crystals Form K (Example 8).

Fig. 15 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of amorphous solifenacin citrate (Example 10).

Fig. 16 shows two photographs of solifenacin citrate crystals (Example 10).

Fig. 17 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of amorphous solifenacin hydrogen citrate (Example 10).

Fig. 18 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of crystalline solifenacin citrate (Example 10).

Fig. 19 shows two photographs of solifenacin hydrogen citrate crystals (Example 10).

Fig. 20 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of solifenacin hydrogen malonate (Example 7).

Fig. 21 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of solifenacin malate Form I (Example 11).

Fig. 22 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of solifenacin malate Form II (Example 11).

Fig. 23 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of solifenacin malate Form III (Example 11).

Fig. 24 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of solifenacin malate Form IV (Example 11).

Fig. 25 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern and two photographs of solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI) Form I (Example 12). Fig. 26 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern and two photographs of solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI) Form II (Example 12).

Fig. 27 shows a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of solifenacin HBr Form R as prepared by heating form K (Example 8).

Fig. 28 shows the solubility ratios among solifenacin salts and free base

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Solifenacin hydrogen adipiate, solifenacin adipiate, solifenacin potassium adipiate, solifenacin hydrogen pimelate, solifenacin pimelate, solifenacin potassium pimelate, solifenacin maleate, solifenacin hydrogen maleate, solifenacin potassium maleate, solifenacin citrate, solifenacin hydrogen citrate, solifenacin malate, solifenacin hydrogen malate, solifenacin glutarate, solifenacin hydrogen malonate, solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI) salts, and the new polymorphs of solifenacin HBr and solifenacin HCl are provided and can in particular be produced according to the following manufacturing method(s).

The acid-addition salts of the present invention, in particular as claimed e.g. in claim 1, can be present in amorphous form(s), in crystalline form(s) and in form of mixtures comprising amorphous form(s) and/or crystalline form(s). In case of acid-addition salts having anions existing in more than one stereoisomeric form, such as e.g. as enantiomers, the acid-addition salts of the present invention encompass all stereoisomeric forms and mixtures of said acid- addition salts. For example, solifenacin malate may comprise L-malate or D-malate and/or mixtures of L-malate and D-malate as anion(s).

In a first reaction step of an acid addition salt preparation method, a solvent can be added to solifenacin free base at a (solvent : solifenacin free base) - ratio of 2 mL/g - 60 mL/g to solifenacin base, wherein the ratio is indicated on the basis of the volume of the solvent as present at 20 °C and at a pressure of 1 atm and of the weight of the solifenacin base.Then the acid can be added, either in solid or in fluid, in particular dissolved form. The range of the acid and/or inorganic base added to solifenacin can be between 1 :1 to 1:2 equivalents to solifenacin at a temperature between 15 °C and 120 °C. In case of remaining insoluble material, the same or different solvent(s) can be added, and/or the mixture can be heated to a temperature between room temperature (20 ⁰C) and the boiling point of the suspension or solution until all solid phase is dissolved and preferably remains dissolved upon cooling. When an insoluble material is still remaining in spite of dilution and/or heating, the mixture can be filtered to remove it before crystallization or precipitation of the salt. The resulting crystals or precipitate can be collected by filtration and washed with a suitable solvent. Normally, cooling the mixture more rapidly results in bigger particles than cooling it gradually. In case greater purity is desirable, the person skilled in the art may employ any of the conventional manners of re-crystallization. Isolation of the desired salt could be done also by lyophilization if the solvent applied is water.

Suitable solvents that can be used in the formation of solifenacin salts of the present invention, in particular the before-mentioned acid addition salt preparation method, and for their optional crystallization comprise inorganic solvents and organic solvents, as well as mixtures thereof. Suitable solvents include water, acetone, anisole, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, n- butyl acetate, t-butyl methyl ether, cumene, dimethylsulfoxide, ethanol (EtOH), ethyl acetate (EtOAc)₃ diethyl ether, ethyl formate, heptane, isobutyl acetate, isopropyl acetate (iPrOAc), methyl acetate, 3-methyl- 1-butanol, methyl ethyl ketone (2-butanone), methyl isobutyl ketone, 2-methyl-l-propanol, pentane, 1-pentanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol (2 -PrOH), propyl acetate, acetonitrile, chlorobenzene, chloroform, cyclohexane, 1 ,2-dichloroethene, dichloromethane, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, DMF, DMA, 1,4-dioxane, 2-ethoxyethanol, ethylene glycol, formamide, hexane, methanol, 2-methoxyethanol, methyl butyl ketone, methylcyclohexane, N-methylpyrrolidone, nitromethane, pyridine, sulfolane, THF, tetraline, toluene, 1,1,2-trichloroethene, xylene, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1- dichloroethene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, diisopropyl ether, and the like, as well as mixtures thereof, but are not restricted to these solvents or mixtures of solvents.

Solifenacin free base (I) (in solid form or in form of a fluid comprising solifenacin free base, in particular a solution in the specified solvents) as used in the preparation of solifenacin salts of the present invention may be produced according to any of the reported manufacturing method, including the one described by this patent application, or any method obviously employed by the average person skilled in the art. In case solifenacin base (or a subsequent reaction product thereof) of increased purity is desired, the preparation of solifenacin salts may also be used as a purification step, and the solifenacin salt then converted to solifenacin base.

The isolated materials containing solifenacin salts can be dried in state of the art dryers. Particularly good results are obtained when using one or more dryers of fluid bed dryer, try dryer with or without vacuum, rotating dryer. In order to facilitate an elimination of residual organic solvent one can use fluid bed dryer where the inlet gas, in particular inlet air has the water content in the range of 0.5 to 10 g water per kg of the water-free gas. In some case higher humidity of inlet gas, in particular inlet air, of more than 1O g water per kg of the water-free gas is desired in order to prevent a too fast drying of the surface of the material in the dryer resulting in forming strong impermeable layer on the surface of the particles causing slow and incomplete removal of solvent from interior of the particles.

The obtained solifenacin salts can have particle size determined by microscopic method in the range of 5 to 500 μm preferably 10 to 300 μm. The particle size can be determined by laser light scattering for instance using a Malvern Mastersizer Apparatus MS 2000 equipped with a Hydro S dispersion unit using purified water as the dilution medium. In order to eliminate weak agglomerated particles, samples can be treated with ultrasound before particle size determination. The surface area of such particles can be in the range of 0.1 to 8, preferably 0.5 to 5 m²/g, determined by nitrogen adsorption (BET method). The particle size of the salts can be reduced and the particle size distribution can be narrowed, what is advantageous for the manufacturing of solid dosage forms, by conventional milling or grinding methods and equipment such as yet mills, hammer mills.

Amorphous form(s) of solifenacin salts can optionally be produced by grinding of the salt sample in a ball mill. Preferably the grinding is performed in the presence of one or more water soluble diluents such as sucrose, lactose in hydrated or anhydrous form, sugar alcohols such as mannitol, water soluble polymers such as povidone with K value 2 to 50, preferably 7 to 35, cellulose ether such as hypromelose, methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, graft copolymer of polyvinyl alcohol and polyethyleneglycol, copovidone, polyethyleneglycol or the like, anorganic materials such as colloidal silica(sold under trade name Aerosil), natural silicates such as bentonite or zeolite, and mixtures thereof. During milling the mechanical force exerted on the particle surface leads to particle size reduction. Milling can be performed by any milling process known in the art. For example, particularly good milling process results are obtainable using one or more of a ball mill (planetary ball mill or mixer mill), hammer mill, bead mill, disc mill, ultrasonic mill, torus mill, impact mill, vibration mill, pin mill or air jet mill.

The basic principle of treatment in an air jet mill is collision and attrition between particles suspended within the high velocity air stream which introduces the power to the milling chamber. In a ball mill, particles are fractured by impact of grinding media (e.g. balls, cubes, cylinders, jars etc.) that can occupy up to half of the mill chamber volume. Due to rotation of the chamber the grinding media falls from an elevated position. Friction is also present among all elements, contributing significantly to the attrition and consequently to the amorphous nature of the material being milled. One of the most widely used mills in the pharmaceutical industry is the hammer mill. In such equipment, particles are exposed to the impact of rapidly rotating hammers. During milling, material may additionally hit the perforated screen that is placed over the chamber outlet.

The acid addition salts of solifenacin of the invention can be used as drug substances in production of pharmaceutical preparations by combining them with conventional pharmaceutical carriers or diluents employed in this field. The pharmaceutical preparations may be produced by a method forming part of the general knowledge in the art, in particular usually employed in this field.

X-ray powder diffraction patterns were obtained by Phillips PW3040/60 X'Pert PRO diffractometer; CuK₀ radiation 1,541874 A.

Solifenacin HBr Form K according to the present invention is characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: ±0.2 (Table 1)

Table 1

Solifenacin HBr Form R according to the present inventionis characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: ±0.2 (Table 2)

Table 2

Solifenacin potassium adipiate according to the present invention is characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: ±0.2 (Table 3)

Table 3

Solifenacin potassium tartrate according to the present invention is characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: ±0.2 (Table 4)

Table 4

Solifenacin potassium pimelate according to the present invention is characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: ±0.2 (Table 5)

Table 5

Solifenacin hydrogen malonate according to the present invention is characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: ±0.2 (Table 6)

Table 6

Solifenacin citrate according to the present invention is characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: ±0.2 (Table 7)

Table 7

Crystalline Form I solifenacin hydrogen maleate according to the present invention is characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: ±0.2 (Table 8)

Table 8

Crystalline Form I solifenacin malate according to the present invention is characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: ±0.2 (Table 9)

Table 9

Crystalline Form II solifenacin malate according to the present invention is characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: ±0.2 (Table 10)

Table 10

Crystalline Form III solifenacin malate according to the present invention is characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: ±0.2 (Table 11)

Table 11

Crystalline Form IV solifenacin malate according to the present invention is characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: ±0.2 (Table 12)

Table 12

Crystalline Form I solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI) according to the present invention is characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: ±0.2 (Table 13)

Table 13

Crystalline Form II solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI) according to the present invention is characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: ±0.2 (Table 14)

Table 14

Racemic potassium 1 -phenyl- 1, 2,3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (III) according to the present invention is characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: ±0.2 (Table 15)

Table 15

The pharmaceutical preparations containing the acid addition salts of solifenacin of the present invention include orally administrable preparations such as tablets, pills, capsules, granules, powders, liquids, fluids, emulsions, suspensions and solutions, and the like; or parenteral preparations such as intraarticular, intravenous, or intramuscular injections, suppositories, percutaneous liquid preparations, ointments, transdermal stickers, transmucosal liquid preparations, transmucosal stickers, inhalations, and the like. Particularly, tablets, pills, capsules, granules and powders, are advantageous as stable solid preparations.

In the solid compositions for use in oral administration, one or more of the active ingredients may be mixed with at least one inert diluent, for example, at least one of lactose, mannitol, glucose, hydroxypropylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose starch, in particular powdered cellulose starch, polyvinylpyrrolidone, magnesium metasilicate aluminate, cyclodextrins and the like. The compositions may contain pharmaceutically acceptable additives other than diluents in a conventional manner, for example, lubricants such as magnesium stearate, sodium stearyl fumarate, hydrogenated castor oil and the like, disintegrating agents such as starch, fibrous calcium glycolate, sodium starch glycolate croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone and the like, stabilizers, or solubilizing agents. The tablets or pills if required may be coated with sugar-coating or a polymeric coating film, such as sucrose, gelatin, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and the like. The coating can additionally contain at least one pharmaceutically acceptable additive, selected from colouring agents, opacifϊers, antiadherents, and the like.

Since the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise one or more of the acid addition salts of solifenacin of the present invention, which are muscarinic M₃ receptor antagonists, as the active ingredient, the pharmaceutical compositions may be used for the therapy or prophylaxis of a variety of diseases to which muscarinic M₃ receptors contribute or may be employed in diagnostic procedures. That is, the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention, specifically, are useful as regimen in the treatment of, for example, urinary urgency, frequency/pollakisuria, urinary incontinence, nocturnal enuresis or hyperreflexic bladder caused by urinary diseases, such as overactive bladder, unstable bladder, neurogenic bladder, cystitis, etc.; in the therapy or prophylaxis of bladder spasm caused by surgery or catheters; in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, asthma and rhinitis; in the treatment of digestive diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome; as the relaxant used for examination of the digestive tract; as an agent to ameliorate myopia or to promote mydriasis; or as an agent to treat or prevent hyperhidrosis. In the second embodiment of the present invention l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (II) is prepared by hydrogenation of l-phenyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline (IV), in particular by stereoselective/ stereospecific hydrogenation of l-phenyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline (IV).

The term "stereoselective/ stereospecific hydrogenation" as used in the present invention encompasses both stereoselective and stereospecific hydrogenations and encompasses in particular stereoselective hydrogenations. The term "stereoselective hydrogenation" comprises in particular hydrogenation reactions wherein among at least two different, at least theoretically possibly resulting stereoisomeric reaction products of the hydrogenation reaction one of said stereoisomers is exclusively formed or obtained in higher yields than the other stereoisomer(s), in particular is formed in an amount of at least 55 wt.-%, preferably at least 75 wt.-% more preferably at least 90 wt.-%, based on the total weight of all stereoisomeric reaction products resulting from the same educt.

The term "optically enriched 1 -phenyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (or salt thereof)" in particular encompasses that l(S)-phenyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (or salt thereof) is present in a mixture of 1 -phenyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (or salt thereof) stereoisomers in an amount of more than 50 wt.%, preferably of more than 70 wt.-%, more preferably of more than 90 wt.-%, based on the total weight of all stereosisomers of 1 -phenyl- 1,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinoline (or salt thereof). The term "optically pure l(S)-phenyl- 1,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinoline (or salt thereof)" may in particular mean that l(S)-phenyl- 1,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinoline (or salt thereof) is present in a mixture of 1 -phenyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (or salt thereof) stereoisomers in an amount of more than 97 wt.%, preferably of more than 99 wt.-%, more preferably of 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of all stereosisomers of 1 -phenyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (or salt thereof).

The hydrogenation reaction, in particular the stereoselective/ stereospecific hydrogenation, is accomplished by reacting l-phenyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline (IV) with a hydrogenating agent in the presence of a hydrogenation reaction catalyst, in particular in the presence of organometallic molecular catalyst comprising a metal atom or metal ion having one or more chiral ligands coupled thereto, further in particular in the presence of an asymmetric organometallic molecular catalyst comprising a metal atom or ion having one or more chiral ligands coupled thereto. In terms of preferred process parameters, the hydrogenating agent is preferably H₂ and/or the hydrogenating step is carried out at a pressure of from about 3 bar to 100 bar, preferably from about 5 bar to 40 bar, and at a temperature of from about 5 ⁰C to 70 ⁰C, preferably from 40 to 65 °C. The reaction is normally allowed to proceed for a period of from about 2 hours to 7 days. Typically, the reaction mixture is agitated during the hydrogenating step.

The active catalyst can be prepared from a Ti (IV), Pd(II), Ir, Pt (IV), Rh or Ru (IV) salt under the action of reducing agents, preferably Ir catalysts are used. The active catalyst may be prepared in advance, optionally deposited on a catalyst support material such as silica, alumina, carbon, titanium dioxide, molecular sieves, zeolites, kieselguhr, etc., or generated in the reaction mixture. Preferably the active catalyst is prepared in situ.

It was observed by the present invention that the presence of additives such as 1,4- diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), NaI, MgI₂, Bu₄NI, Bu₄NBr, pyperazine, H₃PO₄, acetic acid, p-toluene sulphonic acid, HBF₄, HCl, HCOOH, or NaH₂PO₄ in amounts between 0.1 and 2 molar equivalents, preferably between 1 and 2 molar equivalents with regard to the substrate leads to better conversion and higher yields.

The catalyst used in the hydrogenation reaction is preferably one or more of the well-known Noyori catalysts such as RuBr₂(S)-binap, [(R,R)-ethylene bis(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-l-indenyl) titanium (IV)] (R )-l,l'-binaphtyl-2,2'-diolate, Ir-Meo-Biphep, Ir-P-Phos, Ir-Binap, Ir- biphosphonite, 5-Ts, or 5-Nps. 5-Ts and 5-Nps, respectively have the structural formulas shown below, wherein Me stands for methyl:

5-Nps: Ar = ^: 1-naphtyl

5-ts: Ar =P-MeC₆H₄ The abbreviation Binap stands for 2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-l,r-binapthalene, the abbreviation Meo-Biphep stands for (6,6'-dimethoxybiphenyl-2,2'-diyl)- bis(diphenylphosphine), the abbreviation P-Phos stands for 2,2',6,6'-tetramethoxy-4,4'- bis(diphenylphosphino)-3 ,3 '-bipyridine.

The catalysts, in particular the stereoconfiguration of the catalyst and of the ligands thereof, can be chosen or optimized on the basis of standard experiments carried out by a skilled person and on the basis of the teachings of the present application, in particular as given in the Example section.

However, a variety of other catalysts of this type can also be employed. The catalyst is generally used at a level of from about 5 - 25 mol % in the reaction mixture, with respect to the molar amount of l-phenyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline.

In another preferred embodiment, (S)-P-Phos-iridium and/or (S)-Binap-iridium can be used. (S)-P-Phos-iridium and/or (S)-Binap-iridium can be either pre-prepared or prepared in situ, from [Ir COD Cl] and a slight excess (1.15 to 1.50 equivalent to 1 equivalent of Ir) of the ligand, preferably in the presence of the substrate and optionally in the presence of an additive, preferably H₃PO₄. (The abbreviation COD stands for cis, cis-l,5-cyclooctadien.) The temperature is preferably between 55 to 70°C, most preferably between 55°C and 60°C, and the hydrogen pressure can be 10 to 30 bar, preferably between 18 and 22 bars. The catalyst loadings used may be between 100/1 to 3000/1 S/C (molar substrate to catalyst ratio). As solvents preferably tetrahydrofurane, isopropanol, dichloromethane, toluene, 2- methyltetrahydrofurane may be used. Most preferably THF is applied.

The solvents for the coupling reaction can be chosen on the basis of the general knowledge in the art, and in particular can be selected from a variety of known process solvents. Illustrative of the coupling solvents that can be utilized either singly or in combinations are benzene, toluene, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, acetonitrile, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, ethanol, methanol, propanol, water, dichloroethane, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran or diethoxymethane, N-methylpyrrolidinone, hexamethylphosphoramide, supercritical CO₂, and/or ionic liquids. Preferably tetrahydrofurane is used. The produced l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, in particular produced as set forth above, according to one embodiment can be converted to the potassium or sodium salt of l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (III) by dissolving 1(S)- (II) in a suitable solvent, preferably water, and by adding a potassium or sodium base, preferably KOH and/or NaOH, or l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (II) or its salt (III) may be used in the next step without isolation from the final purification step in dichloromethane or toluene, in form of a solution. Analogously also the potassium and sodium salt of racemic 1 -phenyl- 1,2,3, 4- tetrahydroisoquinoline are prepared.

In the frame of the present invention, the term "1 -phenyl- 1, 2,3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (II) and salts of l-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (III)" encompasses inter alia in particular l(S)-phenyl- 1,2,3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline and salts thereof, as well as racemic 1 -phenyl - 1,2,3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline and salts thereof.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a solution of l(S)-phenyl- 1,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinoline (II) and/or its sodium and/or potassium salt(s) (III) in toluene and/or in dichloromethane, as well as a solution of a mixture of l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinoline and l(R)-phenyl- 1,2,3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline and/or the sodium and/or potassium salt(s) (III) thereof in toluene and/or dichloromethane.

The term "solution of a compound (such as e.g. l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline) in a specified solvent or a specified mixture of solvents (such as e.g. toluene)" encompasses in the frame of the present invention in particular any mixture comprising the compound and the specified solvent / the specified mixture of solvents, and encompasses preferably any mixture wherein the total weight of the compound and the specified solvent / mixture of solvents is at least 80 wt.%, more preferably at least 95 wt.%, or in particular 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the mixture comprising the compound and the specified solvent / mixture of solvents. Furthermore said term "solution of a compound in a specified solvent or a specified mixture of solvents" may encompass also suspensions and emulsions. For many technical applications solutions free of the non-dissolved compound and in particular free of any not dissolved material can be preferred.

In order to complete the reaction sequence, the l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline or its potassium or sodium salt resulting from the hydrogenation reaction, in particular the Noyori reduction is reacted with ethyl chloroformiate and converted to solifenacin base (I). Solifenacin free base (I) can than be converted into an acid addition salt and incorporated into a pharmaceutical formulation as described above.

1 (S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline and its impurities were determined by means of a HPLC method, comprising:

Chromatographic conditions:

Column: Ascentis Express C8, 2.7 μm particles, 100 x 4.6 mm i.d. The following experimental data were obtained using the before-mentioned Ascentis Express C8 column. (Another equivalent column, filled with ODS reverse phase can also be used. If necessary, adjust slightly flow rate and/or the time gradient of the mobile phase to assure the chromatographic system suitability.)

Mobile Phase: Gradient elution

A: 0.02 M NaH₂PO₄, pH 2.5

B: acetonitrile and methanol in the ratio 50:50

Gradient:

Filter the mobile phases A and B through a 0.22 μm membrane filter and degas it (by ultrasound or helium) prior to use.

Post run: 3 min

Column temp: 25°C

Flow-rate: 1.0 ml/min Detection : UV, wavelength 210 nm

Injection: 5 μl

Solifenacin, its salts and their impurities were determined by means of a second HPLC method, comprising:

Chromatographic conditions

Column: Ascentis Express C8, 2.7 μm particles, 100 x 4.6 mm i.d., The following experimental data were obtained using the before-mentioned Ascentis Express C8 column.

(Another equivalent column, filled with ODS reverse phase can also be used. If necessary, adjust slightly flow rate and/or the time gradient of the mobile phase to assure the chromatographic system suitability.)

Mobile phase: gradient elution

A: 0.02M NaH₂PO₄ pH 2.5

B: acetonitrile

C: methanol

Gradient:

Filter the mobile phases A and B through a 0.22 μm membrane filter and degas it (by ultrasound or helium) prior to use. Post run: 3 min

Column temp: 25°C

Flow-rate: 0.7 ml/min

Detection: UV, wavelength 210 nm

Injection: 5 μl

The invention is explained specifically by the following examples which are not intended as a limitation thereof and are not intended to restrict the scope of the invention. Unless explicitly indicated otherwise, the term "room temperature" means 20⁰C.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

Preparation of l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (II)

Procedure A:

118 g of [(R,R)-ethylene bis(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-l-indenyl) titanium (IV)] (R )-l,l '-binaphtyl- 2,2'-diolate, 20 mL of THF, 242 μL BuLi and 74 μL phenylsylane were mixed at room temperature in nitrogen atmosphere, and 0.82 g of l-phenyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline in 4 mL THF was added to the suspension. The reaction mixture was then transported to the hydrogenation reactor HeI Automate II. Hydrogenation started at room temperature and proceeded at 65 ⁰C at a pressure between 5 and 100 bar until the reaction was concluded. After the reaction was completed, the solvent fractions were evaporated under vacuum and the product was re-crystallized from diethyl ether. In the product isolated the ratio between the R and the S isomer was 9:91.

Procedure Bl:

0.0025 mmol [IrCOD)Cl]₂, 0.0055 mmol (S)-BINAP and 0.25 mmol of l-phenyl-3,4- dihydroisoquinoline were weighted in a glass liner, placed in the hydrogenation reactor and then under inert atmosphere 3 mL of THF was added. The reaction was purged with hydrogen, heated to 50°C and hydrogen pressure topped up to 30 bar. After 3 hours the yield of the product was 85% and the enantiomeric excess was 80 % (S).

If additives were used, the following results were obtained under identical reaction conditions:

Procedure B2:

0.0025 mmol [IrCOD)Cl]₂ and 0.0055 mmol (S)-BINAP were weighted in a glass liner, placed in the hydrogenation reactor and then under inert atmosphere 3 mL of THF was added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes and then a solution of 0.25 mmol of l-phenyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline was added. 2 mL of dichloroethane was added to solubilize l-phenyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline. The reaction was purged with hydrogen, heated to 50°C and hydrogen pressure topped up to 30 bar. After 3 hours the yield of the product was over 97% and the enantiomeric excess was 50 % (S). Procedure C:

[IrCODCl]₂ (0.05 mmol, 33.5 mg), (S)-P-Phos (0.115 mmol, 1.15 eq to Ir, 74 mg), 1-phenyl- 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline (100 mmol, 20.7 g) were placed in a steel 600 mL Parr autoclave (equipped with overhead stirrer, internal temperature probe, external heating jacket). The autoclave was sealed and placed under nitrogen. THF (200 mL, anhydrous grade, Aldrich) and H₃PO₄ (85% in water, 10.3 mL, 150 mmol) were pre-mixed (mild exotherm) in air and then added to the solid in the autoclave using a 50 mL syringe through the autoclave injection port. The autoclave was sealed and then purged with nitrogen five times by pressurizing to 3 bar under stirring and then releasing pressure. The reaction was then purged with hydrogen five times by pressurizing to 30 bar under stirring and then releasing pressure. The pressure was set to 20 bar and the reaction was heated to 60°C over 30 minutes (pressure increased to about 22 bar). The reaction was stirred at maximum stirring speed (1200-1500 rpm) for 68 hours, then it was cooled to 45°C, opened to find a clear, thick yellow/green solution that was sampled. Analysis on AD-H column showed full conversion to amine (II) and 95% ee (S).

Work up: The reaction was diluted with MeOH (200 mL),l transferred to a 500 mL round- bottomed flask and concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain a clear yellow/green oil. Dichloromethane (100 mL) was added, followed by 50 mL of water and 60 mL of 25% ammonium hydroxide (to constant pH 8-9). The layers were separated and the aqueous layer was further extracted with dichloromethane (4x 100 mL). The organic layers were combined, dried over Na₂SO₄, the filter cake was washed with more dichloromethane (2 x 75 mL) and the dichloromethane solution was evaporated under reduced pressure to give an off-white solid (more than 99% amine (II), 94% ee, 18.5 g, 88.5% yield), or can be used directly further in the synthesis of solifenacin carbamate.

Preparation of sodium l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (II)

0.3 g (1.43 mmol) 1 (S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline is mixed with 6 mL of demineralised water and 0.06 g (1.43 mmol) of NaOH (solid). The suspension is agitated at room or higher temperature (e.g. 50 °C), mixed there for some time and cooled to temperatures above 0 °C. The product is filtered, washed with water and dried. 0.22 g of sodium salt is formed. Preparation of potassium l-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoauinoline (II)

0.3 g (1.43 mmol) 1 -phenyl- 1, 2,3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline is mixed with 6 mL demineralised water and 0.08 g (1.43 mmol) of KOH (solid). The suspension is agitated at room or higher temperature (e.g. 50 °C), mixed there for some time and cooled to temperatures above 0 ⁰C. The product is filtered, washed with water and dried. 0.24 g of potassium salt is formed.

Example 2

Preparation of solifenacin carbamate

To a solution of 5 g of l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline in 50 mL dichloromethane, 6.6 g of potassium carbonate were added, the mixture was agitated and cooled to 0 - 5 °C. 4.55 mL of ethyl chloroformate were slowly added to the mixture and the white emulsion obtained was stirred at room temperature over night. 50 mL of demineralized water were added and the mixture was stirred for further 30 minutes. The organic phase was separated and concentrated until a colorless oil (6 g) was obtained. HPLC chromatographic purity was 99.8 area %.

Preparation of solifenacin carbamate

To a solution of 100 g of l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline in 500 mL dichloromethane, 99 g of potassium carbonate were added, agitated and cooled to 0 - 5 ⁰C. 91 mL of ethyl chloroformate were slowly added and the white emulsion obtained was stirred at room temperature over night. 400 mL of demineralized water were added and the mixture was stirred for further 30 minutes. The organic phase was separated and concentrated until a colorless oil (114 g) was obtained. HPLC chromatographic purity was 98.3 area %, ee purity was 99.97 area %.

Preparation of solifenacin carbamate

To a solution of 5 g of l(S)-phenyl- 1,2,3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline in 25 mL dichloromethane (Ph = 10.3), agitated and cooled to 0 - 5 °C, 1.2 mL of ethyl chloroformate were slowly added. Then solutions of 1.2 mL of ethyl chloroformate in 10 ml of dichloromethane and a solution of 3.5 potassium carbonate in 10 mL of demineralised water were added to reaction mixture in parallel. pH was controlled (regulated by speed of addition either of solutions) to be between 8 and 9. The mixture was further agitated for 15 minutes at 5° C and then heated in 40 minutes to room temperature, at which it was agitated for 40 minutes. The organic phase was separated, washed with water, dried with Na₂SO₄ and concentrated until a colorless oil (5.3 g) was obtained. HPLC chromatographic purity was 98.7 area %, ee purity was 99.91 area %.

Preparation of solifenacin carbamate

To solution of 100 g of l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline in 700 mL dichloromethane, agitated and cooled to 0 - 5 °C, solution of 27,3 mL of ethyl chloroformate in 284 g dichloromethane were slowly (30 minutes) added. Then solutions of 27.3 mL of ethyl chloroformate in 284 g of dichloromethane and solution of 7Og potassium carbonate in 500 mL of demineralised water were added to reaction mixture in parallel. The pH value was controlled (regulated by speed of addition either of solutions) to be between 8 and 9. The mixture was further agitated for 15 minutes at 5 °C and then heated in 10 minutes to room temperature, at which it was agitated for 60 minutes. The organic phase was separated, washed with 100 ml of water and concentrated until a colorless oil (135.7 g) was obtained. HPLC chromatographic purity was 99.8 area %.

Preparation of solifenacin carbamate

To a solution of 20 g of l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline in 100 mL toluene, 19.81 g of potassium carbonate were added, agitated and cooled to 0 - 5 °C. 10 mL of ethyl chloroformate were slowly added and the white emulsion obtained was stirred at room temperature over night. 100 mL of demineralized water were added and the mixture was stirred for further 30 minutes. The organic phase was separated and concentrated until a colorless oil (27,5 g) was obtained. HPLC chromatographic purity was 94.4 area %, ee purity was 99.96 area %.

Preparation of solifenacin carbamate

5 g of (S)-I -phenyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline were dissolved in 25 mL of dichloromethane and cooled to 0°C. During the addition of 2 mL of methyl chloroformate the final pH was 0.9 at 0°C. After the addition of the first 2 mL of methyl chloroformate, another 2 mL of methyl chloroformate were dissolved in 10 mL dichloromethane, and the solution of 3.5 g of potassium carbonate in 25 mL of water was added to the reaction mixture in parallel. During the addition pH of suspension is measured and it was controlled (by addition speed of both solutions) to be in the interval between 8 and 9. The reaction mixture was left stirring for 15 minutes, after which the reaction mixture was slowly warmed to room temperature. After stirring for 40 minutes at room temperature, the two phases of the reaction mixture were separated and the organic phase is washed with demineralized water and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate (VI). The volatile components were evaporated in vacuo. The purity of the isolated product obtained was 98.6% (HPLC).

Preparation of solifenacin base (I)

24 g of solifenacin ethyl carbamate were dissolved in 170 mL of toluene in inert atmosphere and (optionally) water was removed by azeotrope distillation (removed toluene was replaced with fresh toluene). Then 3.4 g of NaH (n(solifenacin ethyl carbamate) : n((R) -quinuclidin-3- ol : n(NaH) = 1 : 3 : 1; NaH could be 60 % moistened with oil or > 95 % dry - Sigma- Aldrich) were added together with 32.5 g of (R) -quinuclidin-3-ol to reaction mixture. The mixture was heated under reflux for at least 3 h, toluene/water azeotrope was continuously removed and replaced with fresh toluene. A yellow solution was formed which was cooled to room temperature and left stirring overnight in inert atmosphere. Reaction mixture was slowly transferred to 100 mL brine (NaCl solution), the phases were separated and 100 mL of 15 % HCl solution were added to organic phase. The phases were again separated. To the aqueous phase 80 mL of 20 % NaOH were added, the pH value was adjusted to alkaline and 100 mL of ethylacetate were then mixed with this solution. The phases were separated and the organic phase(s) (the aqueous phase could be extracted with additional portion of ethylacetate) are dried over sodium sulfate (VI) and the volatile fraction was evaporated under vacuum. 29 g of the product was obtained. More than 75 area % HPLC purity and more than 99.5 area % ee purity was obtained.

Preparation of solifenacin base (J)

20.1 g of solifenacin ethyl carbamate and 10.9 g (R) -quinuclidin-3-ol were dissolved in 100 mL of toluene under inert atmosphere and (optionally) water was removed by azeotrope distillation (removed toluene was replaced with fresh one). Then 1.1 g of NaH (n(solifenacin ethyl carbamate) : n((R) -quinuclidin-3-ol : n(NaH) = 1 : 1,2 : 0,3; NaH could be 60 % moistened with oil or > 95 % dry — Sigma-Aldrich) were added to reaction mixture. The mixture was heated under reflux for at least 3 h, toluene/water azeotrope was continuously removed and replaced with fresh toluene . A yellow solution was formed which was cooled to room temperature and left stirring overnight in inert atmosphere. Reaction mixture was slowly transferred to 120 mL brine (NaCl solution), phases were separated and organic phase was washed twice with 150 mL of water. The organic phase was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate (VI) and the volatile fraction was evaporated under vacuum. 24.9 g of the product was obtained. More than 93 area % HPLC purity and more than 99.9 area % ee purity was achieved.

Example 3

Solifenacin hydrogen maleate

2 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 20 mL of dichloromethane, and 0.64 g of maleic acid were added (mole ratio 1 :1). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature, after which the volatile components were evaporated under vacuum and 2.29 g of amorphous white powder of solifenacin maleate were isolated. Water content: 0.25 % Assay: 100 % / b.s

2 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 40 mL of ethanol and 0.64 g of maleic acid were added (mole ratio 1 :1). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature, after which the volatile components were evaporated under vacuum and the resulting paste was dried in a vacuum drier at a temperature of 55 °C for 1Oh. 1.8 g of fluffy white crystals was isolated. Melting point: 79-83 °C Assay: 99.8 % / b.s

1 g of solifenacin base was dissolved in 10 mL of iPrOAc and 0.32 g of maleic acid were added (mole ratio 1 :1). The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature, after which the suspension was filtered, washed with iPrOAc, and dried. 0.74 g of a solvate was isolated (3% of residual solvents, Form I). IPS: <1%

50 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 500 mL of iPrOAc and 16 g of maleic acid were added (mole ratio 1 :1). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature, after which the suspension was filtered, washed with 70 mL of iPrOAc. The white crystals obtained were dried in a vacuum drier at a temperature of 50 °C for 4h. 46.7 g white crystals Form II were isolated. IPS: <1%. Melting point: 99 - 102⁰C HPLC purity: >99.8 %

Solifenacin potassium maleate

0.08 g of solid KOH were dissolved in 20 mL of EtOH and 0.16 g of maleic acid were added at room temperature. A white suspension was obtained, and 0.50 g of solifenacin base was added while stirring the suspension. The product was filtered, washed with EtOH and dried in a vacuum dryer during the night at higher temperatures (40 °C). 0.27 g of solifenacin potassium maleate was yielded.

0.5 g of solifenacin base, 0.08 g of KOH and 0.16 g of maleic acid were dissolved in 10 mL of demineralized water at room temperature. The reaction mixture was lyophilized.

Example 4

Solifenacin adipiatβ

2 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 40 mL of demineralized water and heated to the boiling point. 0.4 g of adipic acid (hexanedioic acid) were added (mole ratio 2:1). The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and lyophilized. The product can be also dried in vacuum dryer during the night at higher temperatures (e.g. 40 °C).

2 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 40 mL of ethanol and 0.4 g of adipic acid were added (mole ratio 2:1). The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 minutes and the volatile components were evaporated under vacuum. The product can be also dried in vacuum dryer during the night at higher temperatures (e.g. 40 ⁰C). 2.4 g of the product was gained.

0.5 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 10 mL of dichloromethane at room temperature and 0.1 g of adipic acid were added (mole ratio 2:1). The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 minutes and the volatile components were evaporated under vacuum. The product was dried in vacuum dryer during the night at higher temperatures (e.g. 60 °C) 0.56 g of white product was gained. Solifenacin hydrogen adipiate

2 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 40 mL of demineralized water and heated to the boiling point. 0.86 g of adipic acid were added (mole ratio 1 :1). The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and lyophilized. The product can be also dried in vacuum dryer during the night at higher temperatures (e.g. 40 °C).

0.5 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 10 mL of ethanol at room temperature and 0.2 g of adipic acid were added (mole ratio 1 :1). The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 minutes and the volatile components were evaporated under vacuum. The product can be also dried in vacuum dryer during the night at higher temperatures (e.g. 40 °C).

0.5 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 10 mL of dichloromethane at room temperature and 0.2 g of adipic acid were added (mole ratio 1 :1). The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 minutes and the volatile components were evaporated under vacuum. The product was dried in vacuum dryer during the night at higher temperatures (e.g. 60 °C) O.,67 g of white product was gained

Solifenacin potassium adipiate)

0.077 g of solid KOH, 0.20 g of adipic acid and 10 ml of demineralized water were mixed together and than 0.5 g of solifenacin base were added at room temperature. Solution was agitated for 30 minutes and than lyophilized. The product was dried in vacuum dryer during the night at higher temperatures (e.g. 40 °C). White product was gained.

Example S

Preparation of solifenacin pimelate

0.5 g of solifenacin base were suspended in 10 mL of demineralized water at room temperature and the mixture was heated to the boiling point. 0.11 g of pimelic acid were added (mole ratio 2:1). The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and lyophilized. Preparation of solifenacin hydrogen pimelate

0.5 g of solifenacin base were suspended in 10 mL of demineralized water at room temperature and 0.22 g of pimelic acid were added (mole ratio 1 :1). The reaction solution was lyophilized.

Preparation of solifenacin potassium pimelate

0.15 g of solid KOH, 0.44 g of pimelic acid and 20 ml of demineralized water were mixed together and than 1.00 g of solifenacin base were added at room temperature. Solution was agitated for 30 minutes and than lyophilized. The product was dried in vacuum dryer during the night at higher temperatures (e.g. 40 °C). White product was gained.

Example 6

Preparation of solifenacin potassium tartrate

0.08 g of solid KOH, 0.16 g of succinic acid and 10 ml of demineralized water were mixed together and than 0.50 g of solifenacin base were added at room temperature. Solution was agitated for 30 minutes and than lyophilized. The product was dried in vacuum dryer during the night at higher temperatures (e.g. 40 °C). White product was gained.

0.08 g of solid KOH, 0.21 g of L(+)-tartaric acid, and 20 mL of EtOH were mixed together and then 0.50 g of solifenacin base were added at room temperature. The white suspension was filtered, washed with EtOH, and dried under vacuum during the night at elevated temperatures (e.g. 40°C). 0.2 g of solifenacin potassium tartrate was obtained.

Example 7

Preparation of solifenacin hydrogen malonate

50 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 500 mL of iPrOAc and 14.4 g of malonic acid were added. The solution was stirred overnight and the suspension obtained was filtered and washed with 70 mL of iPrOAc. The product was dried for 4 hours at a temperature of 50⁰C in a vacuum drier. 54.6 g of solifenacin hydrogen malonate were obtained.

IPS: < 1%

Melting point: 120 - 123⁰C HPLC purity: > 99.8 %

Example 8

Preparation of a novel polymorphs of solifenacin HBr

2 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 10 ml of EtOH at room temperature and 0.64 ml of a 40% (w/w) aqueous solution of HBr was added. A yellow solution is obtained, to which 1 1 mL isopropyl ether is added. The mixture was cooled to 5 ⁰C and white crystals with a melting point of 216-219 ⁰C of solifenacin HBr Form K were obtained.

48.4 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 96.8 ml of EtOH at room temperature and 15.4 mL of a 48% (w/w) aqueous solution of HBr was added. A yellow solution is obtained, to which 270 mL isopropyl ether is added. The mixture was cooled to 0-8 ⁰C and stirred for 4 hours. The product was filtered and washed with 70 mL of iPrOH. The white crystals of Form K obtained were dried in a vacuum drier for 8 hours at 60°C. Mass: 56.6 g. HPLC purity: > 90%

The Form K of solifenacin HBr obtained was slowly heated to 110⁰C until complete conversion to Form R was observed.

Example 9

Preparation of a novel polymorph of solifenacin HCl

55 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 620 ml of EtOH at room temperature and 44 mL of a 4M aqueous solution of HCl was added. The volatile components were evaporated under vacuum, untill an ©ily residue is obtained. To the oily residue 230 mL of acetonitrile were added untill a clear solution is obtained. 620 mL of diethyl ether were added and a white suspension was obtained. The product was filtered and washed with 70 mL of diethyl ether.

The white crystals obtained were dried in a vacuum drier untill 48.1 g of the dry product were obtained.

IPS: < 1%

Melting point: 193 - 196°C

HPLC purity: > 99.5% Similarly, the same polymorph was also obtained if diisopropyl ether, dimethyl ether, dipropyl ether, dibutyl ether, diisobutyl ether or disekbutyl ether were used.

Example 10

Preparation of solifenacin citrate

0.72 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 14 mL of EtOH at room temperature and 0.19 g of citric acid were added (mole ratio 2:1). The volatile components were evaporated under vacuum until an oily residue remained, which eventually yielded crystals of solifenacin citrate.

0.72 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 14 mL of demineralized water at room temperature and 0.19 g of citric acid were added (mole ratio 2:1). The reaction solution was lyophilized to amorphous solifenacin citrate.

5O g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 360 mL of iPrOAc at room temperature and 13.2 g of citric acid were added. The suspension was filtered and washed with 70 mL of iPrOAc. The solifenacin citrate obtained was dried in a vacuum dried under 60°C, overnight (42.3 g). IPS: < 1% Melting point: 136 - 142°C

Preparation of solifenacin hydrogen citrate

0.36 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 7 mL of EtOH at room temperature and 0.19 g of citric acid were added (mole ratio 1 :1). The volatile components were evaporated under vacuum until an oily residue remained, which eventually yielded crystals of solifenacin hydrogen citrate.

0.36 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 7 mL of demineralized water at room temperature and 0.19 g of citric acid were added (mole 1 : 1). The reaction solution was lyophilized.

Example 11 Preparation of solifenacin malate

0.72 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 14 mL of EtOH at room temperature and 0.13 g of L(-)-malic acid were added (mole ratio 2:1). The volatile components were evaporated under vacuum until an oily residue remained, which eventually yielded crystals of solifenacin malate (Form I).

0.72 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 14 mL of demineralized water at room temperature and 0.13 g of L(-)-malic acid were added (mole ratio 2:1). The reaction solution was lyophilized.

0.24 g of amorphous solifenacin malate was dissolved in 2 mL of 4-Me-2-pentanone. The solution was stirred and the precipitate was filtered, washed with 4-Me-2-pentanone and dried. 0.14 g of crystalline solifenacin malate was obtained (Form I).

2 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 30 mL of EtOAc at room temperature and 0.37 g of L(-)-malic acid were added (mole ratio 2:1). The mixture was left stirring overnight and the precipitate was filtered, washed with EtOAc and dried. 0.93 g of solifenacin Form II was obtained.

2 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 30 mL of EtOAc at room temperature and 0.37 g of L(-)-malic acid were added (mole ratio 2:1). The mixture was left stirring overnight and the precipitate was filtered, washed with EtOAc and dried. The product obtained was macerated in 4-Me-2-pentanone, to yield crystalline Form III.

2 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 30 mL of EtOAc at room temperature and 0.37 g of L(-)-malic acid were added (mole ratio 2:1). The mixture was left stirring overnight and the precipitate was filtered, washed with EtOAc and dried. The product obtained was macerated in hexane, to yield crystalline Form IV.

Preparation of solifenacin hydrogen malate

0.36 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 7 mL of EtOH at room temperature and 0.13 g of L(-)-malic acid were added (mole ratio 1 :1). The volatile components were evaporated under vacuum until an oily residue remained, which eventually yielded crystals of solifenacin hydrogen malate.

0.36 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 7 mL of demineralized water at room temperature and 0.13 g of L(-)-malic acid were added (mole 1 :1). The reaction solution was lyophilized.

Example 12

Preparation of solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI)

1.0 g of solifenacin base was dissolved in 10 mL of diisopropyl ether at room temperature and 0.27 g of sulphuric acid (VI) acid was added (mole 1:1). The white suspension obtained was left stirring overnight, filtered, washed with diisopropyl ether, and dried at 50⁰C in a vacuum drier. 1.0 g of white crystals Form I was obtained.

1.0 g of solifenacin base was dissolved in 10 mL of hexane at room temperature and 0.27 g of sulphuric acid (VI) acid was added (mole 1:1). The white suspension obtained was left stirring overnight, filtered, washed with diisopropyl ether, and dried at 50°C in a vacuum drier. 1.0 g of white crystals Form II was obtained.

Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen bromide hydrates were prepared by exposing solifenacin hydrogen bromide to water vapor over a water bath.

Example 13

Preparation of solifenacin slutarate

1.0 g of solifenacin base were dissolved in 20 mL of EtOH at room temperature and 0.18 g of glutaric acid were added (mole 2:1). The volatile components were evaporated and the remaining mixture was dried overnight at 60 ⁰C under vacuum. Crystalline solifenacin glutarate was obtained.

Example 14 Preparation of tablets by FB granulation

12 g of hypromellose was dissolved in 108 g of purified water, using a propeler mixer in order to prepare binder solution. Further, 20 g of solifenacin maleate, 205 g of lactose monohydrate and 60 g of corn starch were homogenized together in a fluid bed granulator Mini-Glatt at inlet air temperature 55 ⁰C up to the temperature of the homogenized mixture 36 °C. The resulting homogenized mixture was sprayed with binder solution of hypromellose in purified water at inlet air temperature 55 - 60 ⁰C. The temperature of the mixture at the end of the spraying of the binder solution was 26 °C. After granulation, the granulate was dried at inlet air temperature 55-60 °C for 7 minutes up to the final temperature of the granulate 37°C. Granulate was passed through the sieve with sieve openings 1 mm. Loss of drying of the granulate (measurement perfomed on apparatus Mettler Toledo HR73 halogen moisture analyser at 85 °C for 20 minutes) was 2.0 w/w %. 3 g of the magnesium stearate was added to the granulate and homogenized to prepare tabletting mixture. Loss on drying of the tabletting mixture (measurement perfomed on apparatus Mettler Toledo HR73 halogen moisture analyser at 85 °C for 20 minutes) was 2.1 w/w %. The resulting tabletting mixture was compressed with rotary tabletting machine (Pressima) on round punches with diameter 7.5 mm to a tablet weight 150 mg. The average hardness of the tablet cores was 56 N and disintegration time (purified water, 37 °C) 7 minutes. The composition of the coating suspension (calculated for 1 core) was: Hypromellose 2.48 mg

Macrogol 6000 0.46 mg

Talc 0.75 mg

Titanium dioxide 0.31 mg

Colour ferric oxide red 0.0009 mg

Purified water q.s.

The amount of colour ferric oxide red is not included in total weight of the coating layer (4.00 mg of coating layer/150 mg of tablets core). The coating was performed in automatic coating machine Manesty XL at inletz air temperature 50 °C at spraying rate 20 g/min, using spraying gun with diameter 1.2 mm. Theoretical weight of 1 film coated tablet was 154 mg.

Example 15 Preparation of tablets by HS granulation and FB drying

12 g of hypromellose was dissolved in 45 g of purified water, using a propeler mixer in order to prepare binder solution. Further, 20 g of solifenacin maleate, 205 g of lactose monohydrate and 60 g of corn starch were homogenized together in high-shear granulator Mipro for 1 minute at 1000 rpm. The resulting homogenized mixture was charged with binder solution of hypromellose in purified water. The granulation was performed for 1 minute at 500 rpm. After granulation, the granulate was dried in Mini-Glatt at inlet air temperature 50 ⁰C for 8 minutes up to the final temperature of the granulate 36 °C. Granulate was passed through the sieve with sieve openings 1 mm. Loss of drying of the granulate (measurement perfomed on apparatus Mettler Toledo HR73 halogen moisture analyser at 85 °C for 20 minutes) was 1.6 w/w %. 3 g of the magnesium stearate was added to the granulate and homogenized to prepare tabletting mixture. Loss on drying of the tabletting mixture (measurement perfomed on apparatus Mettler Toledo HR73 halogen moisture analyser at 85 °C for 20 minutes) was 1.6 w/w %. The resulting tabletting mixture was compressed with rotary tabletting machine (Pressima) on round punches with diameter 7.5 mm to a tablet weight 150 mg. The average hardness of the tablet cores was 56 N and disintegration time (purified water, 37 °C) 6 minutes.

The coating was performed with the same composition and process as described in Example 6.

Example 16

Preparation of tablets by FB granulation

20 g of solifenacin maleate, 205 g of lactose monohydrate and 60 g of corn starch were homogenized together in a fluid bed granulator Mini-Glatt at inlet air temperature 55°C up to the temperature of the homogenized mixture 35 °C. The resulting homogenized mixture was sprayed with 12O g of purified water at inlet air temperature 55 - 60 ⁰C. The temperature of the mixture at the end of the spraying of purified water was 25 °C. After granulation, the granulate was dried at inlet air temperature 55 - 60 °C for 7 minutes up to the final temperature of the granulate 36 °C. Granulate was passed through the sieve with sieve openings 1 mm. Loss of drying of the granulate (measurement perfomed on apparatus Mettler Toledo HR73 halogen moisture analyser at 85 °C for 20 minutes) was 1.5 w/w %. 3 g of the magnesium stearate was added to the granulate and homogenized to prepare tabletting mixture. Loss on drying of the tabletting mixture (measurement perfomed on apparatus Mettler Toledo HR73 halogen moisture analyser at 85 °C for 20 minutes) was 1.5 w/w %. The resulting tabletting mixture was compressed with rotary tabletting machine (Pressima) on round punches with diameter 7.5 mm to a tablet weight 144 mg. The average hardness of the tablet cores was 49 N and disintegration time (purified water, 37 °C) 2 minutes.

The coating was performed with the same composition and process as described in Example

6.

Example 17

Preparation of tablets by direct compression

20 g of solifenacin maleate, 205 g of lactose monohydrate (Tablettose, manufactured by Meggle), 60 g of corn starch and 12 g of hypromellose were homogenized together. Finally, 3 g of magnesium stearate was added and homogenized to prepare tabletting mixture. The resulting tabletting mixture was compressed with rotary tabletting machine (Pressima) on round punches with diameter 7.5 mm to a tablet weight 150 mg. The average hardness of the tablet cores was 51 N and disintegration time (purified water, 37 °C) 4.5 minutes. The coating was performed with the same composition and process as described in Example 6.

Example 18

Preparation of tablets by FB granulation

The composition was performed in the same way as described in Example 6 with quantitative substitution of hypromellose with polyvinylalcohol.

Example 19

Preparation of tablets by FB granulation

The composition was performed in the same way as described in Example 6 with quantitative substitution of hypromellose with sodium carboxymethylcellulose.

Example 20 Preparation of tablets by FB granulation

12 g of xanthan gum was dissolved in 108 g of purified water, using a propeler mixer in order to prepare binder solution. Further, 20 g of solifenacin maleate, 205 g of lactose monohydrate and 60 g of corn starch were homogenized in high-shear granluator Mipro for 30 seconds at 1000 rpm. After addition of granulating liquid, the homogenized mixture was sieved and dried on plates for 1 hour at 35 °C.

The obtained granulate was finally dried in Mini-Glatt at inlet air temperature 50 °C for 1 1 minutes up to the final temperature of the granulate 36 °C. Granulate was passed through the sieve with sieve openings 1 mm. Loss of drying of the granulate (measurement perfomed on apparatus Mettler Toledo HR73 halogen moisture analyser at 85 °C for 20 minutes) was 1.4 w/w %. 3 g of the magnesium stearate was added to the granulate and homogenized to prepare tabletting mixture. Loss on drying of the tabletting mixture (measurement perfomed on apparatus Mettler Toledo HR73 halogen moisture analyser at 85 ⁰C for 20 minutes) was 1.4 w/w %. The resulting tabletting mixture was compressed with rotary tabletting machine (Pressima) on round punches with diameter 7.5 mm to a tablet weight 150 mg. The average hardness of the tablet cores was 57 N and disintegration time (purified water, 37 ⁰C) 3.5 minutes.

Example 21

Preparation of tablets by HS granulation

20 g of solifenacin maleate, 47 g of β-cyclodextrin (Cavamax W7 Pharma, manufactured by ISP), 170 g of lactose monohydrate (Tablettose, manufactured by Meggle), 60 g of corn starch and 12 g of hypromellose were homogenized together in high-shear granulator Mipro for 1 minute at 1000 rpm. The resulting homogenized mixture was charged with 30 g of purified water for 30 seconds at 500 rpm. The dried granulate was further knedaded for 30 minutes (1.800 seconds) at at 500 rpm. After granulation, the granulate was dried in Mini-Glatt at inlet air temperature 50 °C for 10 minutes up to the final temperature of the granulate 36 °C. Granulate was passed through the sieve with sieve openings 1 mm. Loss of drying of the granulate (measurement perfomed on apparatus Mettler Toledo HR73 halogen moisture analyser at 85 °C for 20 minutes) was 2.2 w/w %. 3 g of the magnesium stearate was added to the granulate and homogenized to prepare tabletting mixture. Loss on drying of the tabletting mixture (measurement perfomed on apparatus Mettler Toledo HR73 halogen moisture analyser at 85 ⁰C for 20 minutes) was 2.0 w/w %. The resulting tabletting mixture was compressed with rotary tabletting machine (Pressima) on round punches with diameter 7.5 mm to a tablet weight 150 mg. The average hardness of the tablet cores was 56 N and disintegration time (purified water, 37 ⁰C) 3.5 minutes.

6.

Example 22

Preparation of tablets by FB granulation

12 g of hypromellose was dissolved in 108 g of purified water, using a propeler mixer in order to prepare binder solution. Further, 20 g of solifenacin maleate, 205 g of lactose monohydrate and 60 g of corn starch were homogenized together in a fluid bed granulator Mini-Glatt at inlet air temperature 55 ⁰C up to the temperature of the homogenized mixture 36 °C. The resulting homogenized mixture was sprayed at high-spray rate with binder solution of hypromellose in purified water at inlet air temperature 55 - 60 °C. The temperature of the mixture at the end of the spraying of the binder solution was 26 °C. Before drying, the wet granulate was sieved. The granulate was dried at inlet air temperature 50 °C for 7 minutes up to the final temperature of the granulate 37 ⁰C. Granulate was passed through the sieve with sieve openings 1 mm. Loss of drying of the granulate (measurement perfomed on apparatus Mettler Toledo HR73 halogen moisture analyser at 85 °C for 20 minutes) was 3.3 w/w %. 3 g of the magnesium stearate was added to the granulate and homogenized to prepare tabletting mixture. Loss on drying of the tabletting mixture (measurement perfomed on apparatus Mettler Toledo HR73 halogen moisture analyser at 85 ⁰C for 20 minutes) was 3.0 w/w %. The resulting tabletting mixture was compressed with rotary tabletting machine (Pressima) on round punches with diameter 7.5 mm to a tablet weight 150 mg. The average hardness of the tablet cores was 58 N and disintegration time (purified water, 37 ⁰C) 8 minutes. The coating was performed with the same composition and process as described in Example 6.

Similarly, also solifenacin hydrogen adipiate, solifenacin adipiate, solifenacin potassium adipiate, solifenacin hydrogen pimelate, solifenacin pimelate, solifenacin potassium pimelate, solifenacin maleate, solifenacin hydrogen maleate, solifenacin potassium maleate, solifenacin citrate, solifenacin hydrogen citrate, solifenacin malate, solifenacin hydrogen malate, solifenacin glutarate, solifenacin hydrogen malonate, solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI) and the new polymorphs of solifenacin HBr and solifenacin HCl were applied. In particular, the present invention provides the following items:

1. An acid addition salt of solifenacin from the group of solifenacin hydrogen adipiate, solifenacin adipiate, solifenacin potassium adipiate, solifenacin hydrogen pimelate, solifenacin pimelate, solifenacin potassium pimelate, solifenacin maleate, solifenacin hydrogen maleate, solifenacin potassium maleate, solifenacin citrate, solifenacin hydrogen citrate, solifenacin malat, solifenacin hydrogen malate, solifenacin glutarate, solifenacin hydrogen malonate and solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI).

2. A pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more salts of item 1, in particular as active ingredient.

3. Amorphous solifenacin hydrogen maleate according to item 1, characterized by the X- ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 3.

4. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen maleate according to item 1, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 14.7, 17.5, 18.3 and 23.2 ±0.2 (Form I)

5. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen maleate according to items 1 and 4, further characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 3.7, 7.3, 13.4, 14.7, 17.5, 17.8, 18.3, 20.2, 23.2, 26.0 ±0.2 (Form I)

6. Solifenacin adipiate according to item 1 , characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 6.

7. Solifenacin hydrogen adipiate according to item 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 8.

8. Solifenacin potassium adipiate according to item 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 9.

9. Crystalline solifenacin potassium adipiate according to items 1 or 8, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 8.5, and 20.7 ±0.2

10. Crystalline solifenacin potassium adipiate according to items 1, 8 or 9, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 8.5, 17.0, 20.7, 22.4, 26.9, 29.2, 29.6 ± 0.2.

11. Amorphous solifenacin pimelate according to item 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 10.

12. Solifenacin potassium pimelate according to item 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 1 1. 13. Solifenacin potassium pimelate according to items 1 or 11, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 7.5, 17.6, 24.1, 29.9 ±0.2.

14. Solifenacin potassium tartrate according to item 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 12.

15. Solifenacin potassium tartrate according to items 1 or 14, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 7.6, 11.2, 23.8, 29.6 ± 0.2.

16. Form K solifenacin HBr, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 13.

17. Form K solifenacin HBr according to item 16, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 18.3, 19.6, 20.3 and 23.3 ± 0.2.

18. Form K solifenacin HBr according to item 16, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 4.1, 8.1, 14.3, 18.3, 19.6, 19.9, 20.3, 21.6, 23.3, 24.2, 30.4 ±0.2.

19. Form R solifenacin HBr, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 27.

20. Form K solifenacin HBr according to item 19, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 18.8, 20.4 and 23.4 ± 0.2.

21. Form K solifenacin HBr according to items 19 or 20, characterized by the following 2- theta degrees: 4.1, 14.0, 18.2, 18.8, 19.9, 20.4, 23.4, 28.2 ± 0.2.

22. Crystalline solifenacin citrate according to item 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 18.

23. Crystalline solifenacin citrate according to items 1 or 22, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 3.9, 15.4, 18.1, and 19.4 ± 0.2.

24. Crystalline solifenacin citrate according to items 1, 22 or 23, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 3.9, 1 1.6, 13.9, 14.4, 15.4, 18.1, 18.8, 19.4, 21.5, 23.5 and ± 0.2.

25. Amorphous solifenacin hydrogen citrate according to item 1, characterized by the X- ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 17.

26. Crystalline solifenacin malate according to item 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 21 (Form I).

27. Crystalline solifenacin malate Form I according to items 1 or 26, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 9.1, 17.3, 19.9, and 20.9 ± 0.2.

28. Crystalline solifenacin malate Form I according to items 1, 26 or 27, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 9.1, 11.6, 16.9, 17.3, 18.2, 18.6, 18.8, 19.9, 20.9, and 23.4 ± 0.2. 29. Crystalline solifenacin malate according to item 1 , characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 22 (Form II).

30. Crystalline solifenacin malate Form II according to items 1 or 29, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees 13.8, 14.8, and 18.5 ± 0.2.

31. Crystalline solifenacin malate Form II according to items 1, 29 or 30, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 3.6, 10.8, .13.8, 14.8, 17.8, 18.5, 19.7, 21.3, 21.6, and 22.7 ± 0.2.

32. Crystalline solifenacin malate according to item 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 23 (Form III).

33. Crystalline solifenacin malate Form III according to items 1 or 32, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees 14.3, 17.9, and 18.9 ± 0.2.

34. Crystalline solifenacin malate Form III according to items 1, 32 or 33, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 3.7, 1 1.9, 13.8, 14.3, 16.4, 17.9, 18.9, and 22.0 ± 0.2.

35. Crystalline solifenacin malate according to item 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 24 (Form IV).

36. Crystalline solifenacin malate Form IV according to items 1 or 35, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees 18.5, 18.9, and 21.6 ± 0.2.

37. Crystalline solifenacin malate Form IV according to items 1, 35 or 36, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 3.3, 13.2, 13.8, 14.3, 15.0, 17.7, 18.5, 18.9, 21.6, and 27.8 ± 0.2.

38. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen malonate according to item 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 20.

39. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen malonate according to items 1 or 38, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 15.3, 19.0, and 22.0 ± 0.2.

40. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen malonate according to items 1, 38 or 39, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 7.5, 13.5, 14.3, 15.3, 18.1, 19.0, 22.0, 22.9, and 25.4 ± 0.2.

41. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI) according to item 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 25 (Form I).

42. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI) Form I according to items 1 or 41, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 3.9, 14.3, 18.0, and 19.6 ± 0.2.

43. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI) Form I according to items 1, 41 or 42, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 3.9, 14.3, 15.1, 18.0, 18.3, 18.9, 19.6, 24.6, and 26.8 ± 0.2. 44. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI) according to item 1 , characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 26 (Form II).

45. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI) Form II according to items 1 or 44, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 4.1, 17.6, and 19.4 ± 0.2.

46. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI) Form II according to items 1, 44 or 45, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 4.1, 14.0, 15.1 , 17.6, 18.2, 18.9, 19.4, and 23.4 ± 0.2.

47. Potassium 1 -phenyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline.

48. Potassium 1 (S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline.

49. Potassium 1 -phenyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline according to item 47, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 1.

50. Potassium 1 -phenyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline according to items 47 and 49, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 10.2, 15.3, 17.7, 18.0, 20.6, 22.4, 24.6, 25.8 ±0.2.

51. Sodium 1 -phenyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline.

52. Sodium l(S)-phenyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline.

53. A process for the preparation of 1 -phenyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (II), in particular optically enriched or optically pure l(S) -phenyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (II), characterized in that l-phenyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline (IV) is reduced with a hydrogenating agent in the presence of a catalyst, in particular an asymmetric organometallic molecular catalyst comprising a metal atom or ion having one or more chiral ligands coupled thereto.

54. A process for the preparation of potassium or sodium 1 -phenyl- 1,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinoline, in particular optically enriched or pure potassium or sodium l(S) - phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, characterized in that the product of the process of item 53 is transformed into the potassium or sodium salt.

55. Use of l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (II), in particular optically enriched or optically pure l(S) -phenyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (II), obtainable according to the process of item 53 for the preparation of solifenacin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

56. Use of potassium or sodium l-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (III), in particular optically enriched or optically pure potassium or sodium l(S) -phenyl- 1,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinoline (III) for the preparation of solifenacin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Claims

What we claim is:

2. A pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more salts of claim 1, in particular as active ingredient.

3. Amorphous solifenacin hydrogen maleate according to claim 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 3.

4. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen maleate according to claim 1, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 14.7, 17.5, 18.3 and 23.2 ±0.2 (Form I)

5. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen maleate according to claims 1 and 4, further characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 3.7, 7.3, 13.4, 14.7, 17.5, 17.8, 18.3, 20.2, 23.2, 26.0 ±0.2 (Form I)

6. Solifenacin adipiate according to claim 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 6.

7. Solifenacin hydrogen adipiate according to claim 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 8.

8. Solifenacin potassium adipiate according to claim 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 9.

9. Crystalline solifenacin potassium adipiate according to claims 1 or 8, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 8.5, and 20.7 ±0.2

10. Crystalline solifenacin potassium adipiate according to claims 1, 8 or 9, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 8.5, 17.0, 20.7, 22.4, 26.9, 29.2, 29.6 ± 0.2.

1 1. Amorphous solifenacin pimelate according to claim 1 , characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 10.

12. Solifenacin potassium pimelate according to claim 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 1 1.

13. Solifenacin potassium pimelate according to claims 1 or 11, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 7.5, 17.6, 24.1, 29.9 ±0.2.

14. Solifenacin potassium tartrate according to claim 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 12.

15. Solifenacin potassium tartrate according to claims 1 or 14, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 7.6, 11.2, 23.8, 29.6 ± 0.2.

17. Form K solifenacin HBr according to claim 16, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 18.3, 19.6, 20.3 and 23.3 ± 0.2.

18. Form K solifenacin HBr according to claim 16, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 4.1, 8.1, 14.3, 18.3, 19.6, 19.9, 20.3, 21.6, 23.3, 24.2, 30.4 ±0.2.

20. Form R solifenacin HBr according to claim 19, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 18.8, 20.4 and 23.4 ± 0.2.

21. Form R solifenacin HBr according to claims 19 or 20, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 4.1, 14.0, 18.2, 18.8, 19.9, 20.4, 23.4, 28.2 ± 0.2.

22. Crystalline solifenacin citrate according to claim 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 18.

23. Crystalline solifenacin citrate according to claims 1 or 22, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 3.9, 15.4, 18.1, and 19.4 ± 0.2.

24. Crystalline solifenacin citrate according to claims 1, 22 or 23, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 3.9, 11.6, 13.9, 14.4, 15.4, 18.1, 18.8, 19.4, 21.5, 23.5 and ± 0.2.

25. Amorphous solifenacin hydrogen citrate according to claim 1, characterized by the X- ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 17.

26. Crystalline solifenacin malate according to claim 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 21 (Form I).

27. Crystalline solifenacin malate Form I according to claims 1 or 26, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 9.1, 17.3, 19.9, and 20.9 ± 0.2.

28. Crystalline solifenacin malate Form I according to claims 1, 26 or 27, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 9.1, 11.6, 16.9, 17.3, 18.2, 18.6, 18.8, 19.9, 20.9, and 23.4 ± 0.2.

29. Crystalline solifenacin malate according to claim 1 , characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 22 (Form II).

30. Crystalline solifenacin malate Form II according to claims 1 or 29, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees 13.8, 14.8, and 18.5 ± 0.2.

31. Crystalline solifenacin malate Form II according to claims 1, 29 or 30, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 3.6, 10.8, 13.8, 14.8, 17.8, 18.5, 19.7, 21.3, 21.6, and

22.7 ± 0.2.

32. Crystalline solifenacin malate according to claim 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 23 (Form III).

33. Crystalline solifenacin malate Form III according to claims 1 or 32, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees 14.3, 17.9, and 18.9 ± 0.2.

34. Crystalline solifenacin malate Form III according to claims 1, 32 or 33, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 3.7, 11.9, 13.8, 14.3, 16.4, 17.9, 18.9, and 22.0 ± 0.2.

35. Crystalline solifenacin malate according to claim 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 24 (Form IV).

36. Crystalline solifenacin malate Form IV according to claims 1 or 35, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees 18.5, 18.9, and 21.6 ± 0.2.

37. Crystalline solifenacin malate Form IV according to claims 1, 35 or 36, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 3.3, 13.2, 13.8, 14.3, 15.0, 17.7, 18.5, 18.9, 21.6, and

27.8 ± 0.2.

38. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen malonate according to claim 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 20.

39. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen malonate according to claims 1 or 38, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 15.3, 19.0, and 22.0 ± 0.2.

40. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen malonate according to claims 1, 38 or 39, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 7.5, 13.5, 14.3, 15.3, 18.1, 19.0, 22.0, 22.9, and 25.4 ± 0.2.

41. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI) according to claim 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 25 (Form I).

42. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI) Form I according to claims 1 or 41, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 3.9, 14.3, 18.0, and 19.6 ± 0.2.

43. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI) Form I according to claims 1, 41 or 42, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 3.9, 14.3, 15.1, 18.0, 18.3, 18.9, 19.6, 24.6, and 26.8 ± 0.2.

44. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI) according to claim 1, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 26 (Form II).

45. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI) Form II according to claims 1 or 44, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 4.1 , 17.6, and 19.4 ± 0.2.

46. Crystalline solifenacin hydrogen sulphate (VI) Form II according to claims 1, 44 or 45, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 4.1, 14.0, 15.1, 17.6, 18.2, 18.9, 19.4, and 23.4 ± 0.2.

47. Potassium 1 -phenyl- 1, 2, 3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline.

48. Potassium 1 (S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline.

49. Potassium 1 -phenyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline according to claim 47, characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern as shown in Figure 1.

50. Potassium 1 -phenyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline according to claims 47 and 49, characterized by the following 2-theta degrees: 10.2, 15.3, 17.7, 18.0, 20.6, 22.4, 24.6, 25.8 ±0.2.

51. Sodium 1 -phenyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline.

52. Sodium l(S)-phenyl-l, 2, 3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline.

53. A process for the preparation of 1 -phenyl- 1,2, 3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (II), in particular optically enriched or optically pure l(S) -phenyl- 1,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinoline (II), characterized in that l-phenyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline (IV) is reduced with a hydrogenating agent in the presence of a catalyst, in particular an asymmetric organometallic molecular catalyst comprising a metal atom or ion having one or more chiral ligands coupled thereto.

54. A process for the preparation of potassium or sodium 1 -phenyl- 1,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinoline, in particular optically enriched or pure potassium or sodium l(S) -phenyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, characterized in that the product of the process of claim 53 is transformed into the potassium or sodium salt.

55. Use of l(S)-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (II), in particular optically enriched or optically pure l(S) -phenyl- 1 ,2, 3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (II), obtainable according to the process of claim 53 for the preparation of solifenacin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

56. Use of potassium or sodium l-phenyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (III), in particular optically enriched or optically pure potassium or sodium l(S) -phenyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (III), for the preparation of solifenacin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.