NZ700642B2 - Method for preparation of medetomidine with chloroacetone - Google Patents

Abstract

The technical problem of the invention relates to a method for the preparation of medetomidine starting from 1-bromo-2,3-dimethylbenzene and chloroacetone. Medetomidine is the compound of formula (XX) and is an alpha2 adrenergic agonist, which is currently being used as a veterinary sedative and analgesic and is evaluated as anesthetic. The solution to the problem involves a method for the preparation of a compound of formula (XX); the method comprises four steps, the four steps are a step (Q1), a step (Q2), a step (N) and a step (M1); compound of formula (XX) is prepared in step (M1); step (M1) comprises a reaction (M1-reac); reaction (M1-reac) is a reaction between a compound of formula (XXI); a reagent (M-reag) and a reagent (M-A) in a solvent (M-solv); reagent (M-reag) is selected from the group consisting of p-toluenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide, trifluoromethanesulfonylmethyl isocyanide, methanesulfonylmethyl isocyanide, benzenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide, and 4-acetamidobenzenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide, or mixtures thereof; reagent (M-A) is selected from the group consisting of ammonia, sulfamic acid, p-toluenesulfonamide, benzenesulfonamide, 4-acetamidobenzenesulfonamide, tritylamine, formamide, urea, urotropine, ethyl carbamate, and acetamide, or mixtures thereof; solvent (M-solv) is selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethylformamide, C1-6 alkanol, formamide, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, NMP, toluene, acetonitrile, propionitrile, ethyl carbamate, N,N-dimethylacetamide, water, and acetamide, or mixtures thereof; compound of formula (XXI) is prepared in step (N); step (N) comprises a reaction (N-reac); reaction (N-reac) is a reaction of a compound of formula (XXII) with a catalyst (N-cat); catalyst (N-cat) is selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, formic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, methanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, HCl, HBr, H2SO4, HNO3, H3PO4, HClO4, BCl3, BBr3, BF3OEt2, BF3SMe2, BF3THF, MgCl2, MgBr2, MgI2, AlCl3, Al(O-C1-4 alkyl)3, SnCl4, TiCl4, Ti(O-C1-4 alkyl)4, ZrCl4, Bi2O3, BiCl3, ZnCl2, PbCl2, FeCl3, ScCl3, NiCl2, Yb(OTf)3, Yb(Cl)3, GaCl3, AlBr3, Ce(OTf)3, LiCl, Cu(BF4)2, Cu(OTf)2, NiBr2(PPh3)2, NiBr2, NiCl2, Pd(OAc)2, PdCl2, PtCl2, InCl3, acidic inorganic solid substance, acidic ion exchange resin, and carbon treated with inorganic acid, or mixtures thereof; step (Q1) comprises a reaction (Q1-reac); reaction (Q1-reac) is a reaction of a compound of formula (XXV) with a reagent (Q1-reag) to provide a reaction product of reaction (Q1-reac); R1 is Br, Cl, or I; reagent (Q1-reag) is selected from the group consisting of lithium, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, calcium, propylmagnesium chloride, propylmagnesium bromide, and butyllithium, or mixtures thereof; step (Q2) comprises a reaction (Q2-reac); reaction (Q2-reac) is a reaction of the reaction product of reaction (Q1-reac) with chloroacetone; compound of formula (XXII) is prepared by the reaction (Q2-reac). lgesic and is evaluated as anesthetic. The solution to the problem involves a method for the preparation of a compound of formula (XX); the method comprises four steps, the four steps are a step (Q1), a step (Q2), a step (N) and a step (M1); compound of formula (XX) is prepared in step (M1); step (M1) comprises a reaction (M1-reac); reaction (M1-reac) is a reaction between a compound of formula (XXI); a reagent (M-reag) and a reagent (M-A) in a solvent (M-solv); reagent (M-reag) is selected from the group consisting of p-toluenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide, trifluoromethanesulfonylmethyl isocyanide, methanesulfonylmethyl isocyanide, benzenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide, and 4-acetamidobenzenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide, or mixtures thereof; reagent (M-A) is selected from the group consisting of ammonia, sulfamic acid, p-toluenesulfonamide, benzenesulfonamide, 4-acetamidobenzenesulfonamide, tritylamine, formamide, urea, urotropine, ethyl carbamate, and acetamide, or mixtures thereof; solvent (M-solv) is selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethylformamide, C1-6 alkanol, formamide, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, NMP, toluene, acetonitrile, propionitrile, ethyl carbamate, N,N-dimethylacetamide, water, and acetamide, or mixtures thereof; compound of formula (XXI) is prepared in step (N); step (N) comprises a reaction (N-reac); reaction (N-reac) is a reaction of a compound of formula (XXII) with a catalyst (N-cat); catalyst (N-cat) is selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, formic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, methanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, HCl, HBr, H2SO4, HNO3, H3PO4, HClO4, BCl3, BBr3, BF3OEt2, BF3SMe2, BF3THF, MgCl2, MgBr2, MgI2, AlCl3, Al(O-C1-4 alkyl)3, SnCl4, TiCl4, Ti(O-C1-4 alkyl)4, ZrCl4, Bi2O3, BiCl3, ZnCl2, PbCl2, FeCl3, ScCl3, NiCl2, Yb(OTf)3, Yb(Cl)3, GaCl3, AlBr3, Ce(OTf)3, LiCl, Cu(BF4)2, Cu(OTf)2, NiBr2(PPh3)2, NiBr2, NiCl2, Pd(OAc)2, PdCl2, PtCl2, InCl3, acidic inorganic solid substance, acidic ion exchange resin, and carbon treated with inorganic acid, or mixtures thereof; step (Q1) comprises a reaction (Q1-reac); reaction (Q1-reac) is a reaction of a compound of formula (XXV) with a reagent (Q1-reag) to provide a reaction product of reaction (Q1-reac); R1 is Br, Cl, or I; reagent (Q1-reag) is selected from the group consisting of lithium, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, calcium, propylmagnesium chloride, propylmagnesium bromide, and butyllithium, or mixtures thereof; step (Q2) comprises a reaction (Q2-reac); reaction (Q2-reac) is a reaction of the reaction product of reaction (Q1-reac) with chloroacetone; compound of formula (XXII) is prepared by the reaction (Q2-reac).

Description

/072798 METHOD FOR PREPARATION OF MEDETOMIDINE WITH CHLOROACETONE The invention discloses a method for the preparation of medetomidine starting from l-bromo 2,3-dimethylbenzene and chloroacetone.

Medetomidine is the compound of formula (XX) and is an alpha2 adrenergic agonist, which is currently being used as veterinary sedative and sic and is evaluated as etic.

Medetomidine is a 4-alkylimidazole. 4-Alkylimidazoles without onal substituents at the nitrogen moiety are usually mixtures of two tautomers. For instance, in the case of midine, two tautomeric forms, represented by compound of formula (XX) and compound of formula (XX-T), <\ I (XX-T) will usually interconvert if medetomidine is ved or in a ystalline state. If one of the tautomeric forms prevails or if they are present in equal amounts is dependent on various factors, such as pH, solvent or temperature.

In the text, formula (XX) is used for medetomidine, and is meant to comprise both tautomeric forms as well as their mixture.

US 2010/0048915 A discloses a method for the preparation of medetomidine by on of halogenated imidazoles with 2,3-dimethylbenzaldehyde using Grignard reagents.

Cordi et al., Synth. Commun. 1996, 26, 1585-1593, discloses the preparation of medetomidine by reaction of 4-imidazolcarboxaldehyde with 2,3-dimethylphenylmagnesium bromide.

WO 00/42851 A discloses the use of medetomidine for inhibition of marine bio fouling on surfaces.

Previously disclosed methods of preparation of compound of formula (XX) often use protecting groups, for example triphenylmethyl (trityl) residues, which entails high al consumption and the need for protection/deprotection steps. Consequently, these syntheses are long and expensive. Furthermore rather expensive and non-readily available starting materials are used.

There was a need for a synthetic route, which does not need protecting groups, starts with less ive substrates, avoids large amounts of waste and has satisfying yields.

In the following text, halogen means F, Cl, Br or I, preferably Cl, Br or I; "alkyl" means linear, branched, cyclic or cyclo alkyl, preferably it means the commonly accepted meaning linear or branched alkyl; if not otherwise stated. Examples of "alkyl" include , ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, , cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, exyl, eptyl, norbornyl, adamantyl, and the like; "cyclic alkyl" or "cyclo alkyl" are intended to include cyclo aliphatic, bicyclo aliphatic and tricycle aliphatic residues; "alkane" means a linear, branched or cyclic alkane, preferably linear or branched ; "alkanol" means a hydroxyalkane, with alkane having the meaning as defined above also with its preferred embodiments; Ac acetyl; tBu ry butyl; DBU 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undecene; DABCO 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane; DMF N,N-dimethylformamide; hexanes mixture of isomeric hexanes; NMP N-methylpyrrolidone; OTf trifluoromethanesulfonate, also known as triflate; sulfamic acid HO-SO2-NH2; THF tetrahydrofuran; xylene l,2-dimethylbenzene, l,3-dimethylbenzene, l,4-dimethylbenzene or a mixture thereof; if not otherwise stated.

Subject of the invention is a method for preparation of compound of formula (XX); H3 CH3 N CH3 </ l (XX) the method comprises four steps, the four steps are a step (Q1), a step (Q2), a step (N) and a step (Ml); compound of formula (XX) is prepared in step (Ml); step (Ml) comprises a reaction (Ml-reac); reaction (Ml-reac) is a reaction n a compound of formula (XXI), CH3 CH3 0 CH3 H (XXI) a reagent (M-reag) and a reagent (M-A) in a solvent V); reagent (M-reag) is selected from the group consisting of p-toluenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide, trifluoromethanesulfonylmethyl isocyanide, esulfonylmethyl isocyanide, benzenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide, 4-acetamidobenzenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide and es thereof; reagent (M-A) is selected from the group consisting of ammonia, sulfamic acid, p- esulfonamide, benzenesulfonamide, 4-acetamidobenzenesulfonamide, tritylamine, formamide, urea, urotropine, ethyl carbamate, acetamide and mixtures thereof; solvent V) is selected from the group consisting ofN,N—dimethylformamide, C1_6 l, formamide, methoxyethane, NMP, toluene, acetonitrile, propionitrile, ethyl carbamate, N,N-dimethylacetamide, water, acetamide and mixtures thereof; nd of formula (XXI) is prepared in step (N); step (N) comprises a reaction (N-reac); reaction (N-reac) is a reaction of a compound of a (XXII) with a catalyst ); CH3 CH3 (XXII) catalyst (N-cat) is selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, formic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, methanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, HCl, HBr, H2804, HNOg, H3PO4, HClO4, BClg, BBI‘g, BFgoEtz, BngMez, BFgTHF, MgClz, MgBrz, MgIz, AlClg, Al(O-C1_4 alkyl)3, SnCl4, TiCl4, Ti(O-C1_4 alkyl)4, ZrCl4, Bi203, BlClg, ZnClz, PbClz, FeClg, SCClg, NiClz, Yb(OTf)3, Yb(Cl)3, GaClg, AlBrg, Ce(OTf)3, LiCl, Cu(BF4)2, Cu(OTf)2, NiBr2(PPh3)2, NiBrz, NiClz, Pd(OAc)2, PdClz, PtClz, InClg, acidic inorganic solid substance, acidic ion exchange resin, carbon treated with inorganic acid and mixtures thereof; step (Ql) ses a reaction (Ql-reac); reaction (Ql-reac) is a reaction of compound of formula (XXV) with a reagent (Ql-reag); Rl CH3 (XXV) R1 is Br, Cl, or I; 2012/072798 reagent (Ql-reag) is selected from the group consisting of lithium, magnesium, um, zinc, calcium, propylmagnesium chloride, propylmagnesium bromide, butyllithium and mixtures thereof; step (Q2) comprises a on (Q2-reac); reaction (Q2-reac) is a reaction of the reaction product of reaction (Ql-reac) with chloroacetone; compound of formula (XXII) is prepared by the reaction (Q2-reac). ably, reagent (M-reag) is selected from the group consisting of p-toluenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide, esulfonylmethyl nide and mixtures f; more ably, reagent (M-reag) is p-toluenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide.

Preferably, reagent (M-A) is selected from the group consisting of ammonia, sulfamic acid, p- toluenesulfonamide, benzenesulfonamide, 4-acetamidobenzenesulfonamide, amine, formamide and mixtures thereof; more preferably, reagent (M-A) is selected from the group consisting of a, p- toluenesulfonamide, benzenesulfonamide, formamide, 4- acetamidobenzenesulfonamide, tritylamine and mixtures thereof; even more preferably, reagent (M-A) is selected from the group consisting of ammonia, p- toluenesulfonamide, formamide, and mixtures thereof; especially, reagent (M-A) is ammonia or formamide.

Preferably, on (Ml-reac) is done in the presence of a compound (M-comp), compound (M-comp) is selected from the group consisting of ammonia, amine, NaCN, KCN, piperidine, DBU, DABCO, triethylamine, tributylamine, 4- dimethylaminopyridine, pyridine, tBuOK, tBuONa, NaHCOg, N32C03, (NH4)HC03, (NH4)2C03, KHCOg, K2C03, NaOAc, KOAc, NaOH, KOH, Ca(OH)2, KF and mixtures thereof; preferably, compound (M-comp) is selected from the group consisting of ammonia, tritylamine, NaCN, KCN, piperidine, tBuOK, tBuONa, KOH, K2C03, N32C03, KF and mixtures thereof; more preferably, compound (M-comp) is selected from the group consisting of ammonia, NaCN, KCN, piperidine, tBuOK, tBuONa, K2C03, N32C03, KF and mixtures thereof; even more preferably, nd (M-comp) is selected from the group consisting of ammonia, NaCN, K2C03, tBuOK, tBuONa, N32C03 and mixtures thereof; especially, nd (M-comp) is selected from the group consisting of ammonia, NaCN, tBuOK, tBuONa, K2C03, N32C03 and mixtures thereof; more especially, compound (M-comp) is K2C03, Na2C03,NaCN or ammonia; even more especially, compound (M-comp) is N32C03’ NaCN or ammonia.

Preferably, solvent (M-solv) is selected from the group consisting ofN,N— dimethylformamide, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, water, formamide, l,2-dimethoxyethane, NMP, toluene, acetonitrile, propionitrile, ethyl carbamate, N,N-dimethylacetamide, acetamide and mixtures thereof; more preferably, solvent (M-solv) is selected from the group ting ofN,N— ylformamide, methanol, l, ethyl carbamate, formamide, acetamide and mixture thereof.

The reagent (M-A) can be used as such or in form of a solution in a solvent (M-A). Solvent (M-A) is identical or different from solvent (M-solv), preferably cal, and comprises the same group of solvents as solvent (M-solv), also with respect to all of the preferred embodiments of solvent (M-solv).

When reagent (M-A) is ammonia, then reagent (M-A) is preferably used in form of a solution, preferably in form of a solution in methanol or ethanol.

In case of ethyl carbamate, formamide and acetamide, reagent (M-A) can be identical with t (M-solv) and can be used as solvent (M-solv).

Preferably, the reaction temperature of reaction ac) is from -lO to 250 CC, more preferably from 0 to 200 OC, even more preferably from 10 to 180 oC.

The reaction (Ml-reac) can be done in a system, that is closed or open to the atmosphere; preferably the reaction (Ml-reac) is done in a closed system.

In a closed system, the re depends mainly on the boiling point of the solvent v), on the amount of ammonia used, and on the reaction temperature of reaction (Ml- reac); ably, the reaction (Ml-reac) is done at a pressure of from atmospheric pressure to 20 bar, more preferably of from atmospheric pressure to 10 bar, even more preferably of from atmospheric re to 5 bar.

Preferably, the reaction time of on (Ml-reac) is from 30 min to 72 h, more preferably from 30 min to 48 h, even more preferably from 30 min to 24 h. on (Ml-reac) may be conducted at a constant temperature, or the temperature may be d during the progress ofthe reaction. For instance, the reaction may be run for a certain time at first temperature, and then for a given time at second ature different from the first temperature; atively, the temperature may be modified continuously during the reaction.

Preferably, from 0.5 to 10 mol equivalents, more preferably from 0.5 to 5 mol equivalents, even more preferably from 0.5 to 3 mol lents of reagent (M-reag) are used, the mol equivalents being based on the mol of compound of formula (XXI).

When one or more reagents (M-A) different from ammonia, formamide and ethyl carbamate are used, the total amount of substances ent from ammonia, formamide and ethyl carbamate used as reagent (M-A) is preferably from 1.0 to 10 mol equivalents, more preferably from 1.1 to 5 mol equivalents, even more preferably from 1.1 to 3 mol equivalents, the mol equivalents being based on the mol of compound of formula (XXI).

When ammonia, formamide, ethyl carbamate or mixtures thereof are used as reagent (M-A), preferably from 1.0 to 100 mol equivalents, more preferably from 1.1 to 50 mol equivalents, even more preferably from 1.1 to 30 mol equivalents of ammonia, formamide, ethyl carbamate or mixtures f are used, the mol equivalents being based on the mol of compound of formula (XXI).

When one or more substances selected from the group ammonia, formamide and ethyl carbamate, and one or more nces different from ammonia, formamide and ethyl carbamate are used as reagent (M-A), the given amounts for ammonia, formamide and ethyl carbamate, and the given amounts for the one or more substances different from ammonia, formamide and ethyl carbamate, add up to the total amount of reagent (M-A); the total amount of reagent (M-A) is preferably from 1.0 to 100 mol equivalents, more ably from 1.1 to 50 mol equivalents, even more preferably from 1.1 to 30 mol equivalents, the mol equivalents being based on the mol of compound of formula (XXI).

Preferably from 0.01 to 15 mol equivalents, more preferably from 0.02 to 10 mol equivalents, even more preferably from 0.02 to 5 mol equivalents of compound (M-comp) are used, the mol equivalents being based on the mol of compound of formula (XXI).

When t (M-A) is not one or more substances selected from the group ammonia, formamide and ethyl carbamate, then preferably from 1 to 15 mol equivalents, more preferably from 1 to 10 mol equivalents, even more preferably from 1 to 5 mol equivalents of compound (M-comp) are used, the mol equivalents being based on the mol of compound of formula (XXI).

Preferably, the amount of solvent v) is from 0.5 to 20 fold, more preferably from 1 to fold, even more preferably of from 2 to 20 fold, of the weight of compound of formula (XXI).

Preferably, the reaction (Ml-reac) is done under inert atmosphere.

When amine is used as reagent (M-A), the product of reaction (Ml-reac) may be N-trityl medetomidine and the trityl residue would have to be removed.

Preferably in this case, the method for preparation of compound of formula (XX) comprises a further step (M2); step (M2) is done after step (Ml); step (M2) comprises a reaction (M2- reac); reaction (M2-reac) is the treatment of the t of reaction (Ml-reac) with an acid (M-acid detrit). Acid (M-acid detrit) is preferably selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, propionic acid, formic acid, HCl or mixtures thereof.

Acid d ) can be used as an aqueous solution.

Any sequence of the on of reagent (M-reag) and of reagent (M-A) with the nd of formula (XXI) in reaction (Ml-reac) can be used: nd of formula (XXI) can first be reacted with reagent (M-reag) and then reagent (M- A) added; 2012/072798 compound of formula (XXI) can first be reacted with reagent (M-A) and then reagent (M- reag) added; compound of formula (XXI) can simultaneously be reacted with reagent (M-reag) and with reagent (M-A), this embodiment is preferably suited for the case that reagent (M-A) and solvent (M-solv) are identical and are formamide, ethyl carbamate or acetamide; preferably formamide.

Preferably, compound of formula (XXI) is first reacted with reagent (M-reag) and then reagent (M-A) added; nd of formula (XXI) is simultaneously reacted with reagent (M-reag) and with reagent (M-A).

Step (Ml) can therefore be done in three alternatives, the three alternatives are alternative (M l -A l ), alternative (M 1 -A2) and ative (M 1 -A3).

Alternative (Ml-Al) comprises two consecutive steps, a first step (Ml-Al-l) and a second step (M 1 -Al -2); step (Ml-Al-l) comprises a on (Ml-Al-l); reaction (Ml-Al-l) is a reaction of compound of formula (XXI) with reagent (M-reag) in the presence of compound (M-comp) in solvent (M-solv); step (Ml-Al-2) comprises a reaction (Ml-Al-2); reaction (Ml-Al-2) is a on of the reaction product of reaction (Ml-Al-l) with reagent (M-A) in solvent (M-solv). ably, the on temperature of reaction (Ml-Al-l) is from -10 to 250 CC, more ably from 0 to 200 OC, even more preferably from 10 to 180 oC.

Preferably, the reaction temperature of reaction (Ml-Al-2) is from 20 to 250 CC, more ably from 50 to 200 oC, even more preferably from 80 to 180 oC.

Preferably from 0.01 to 1 mol equivalents, more preferably from 0.02 to 1 mol equivalents, even more preferably from 0.02 to 1 mol equivalents of compound (M-comp) are used in reaction (Ml-Al-l), the mol equivalents being based on the mol of nd of formula (XXI). on (Ml-Al-2) can be done in the presence of compound (M-comp).

When reagent (M-A) is not one or more substances selected from the group ammonia, formamide and ethyl carbamate, then reaction -2) is preferably done in the ce of compound (M-comp); preferably from 1 to 15 mol equivalents, more preferably from 1 to 10 mol equivalents, even more preferably from 1 to 5 mol equivalents of compound (M-comp) are used, the mol equivalents being based on the mol of compound of formula (XXI).

After reaction (M 1 -Al -l), the reaction product of reaction (Ml-Al -l) can be isolated by standard methods such as hydrolysis, filtration, evaporation of the volatile components, extraction, washing, drying, concentration, crystallization, distillation, chromatography and any combination thereof, which are known per se to the person skilled in the art.

The on t of reaction -l) is the compound of formula (XXIII); CH3 CH3 0 CH3 ( XXIII I? < > N S\ wherein R2 is 4-tolyl, phenyl, 4-acetamidophenyl, methyl or trifluoromethyl; preferably, R2 is 4-tolyl, which is compound of formula (23).

CH3 CH3 <3 CH3 /? (23) N S§O Compound of formula (XXIII) can be isolated after reaction (Ml-Al-l) by addition of water to the reaction mixture as obtained from reaction (Ml-Al-l). The addition of water precipitates compound of formula (XXIII). Compound of formula (XXIII) can then be isolated by filtration, followed preferably by washing and drying. nd of formula (XXIII) can be fiarther purified by crystallization.

The volume of water used for this itation is preferably from 0.01 to 5 fold, more preferably from 0.05 to 2 fold, of the volume of solvent (M-solv).

Alternative (Ml-A2) comprises two utive steps, a first step (Ml-AZ-l) and second a step (Ml-A2-2); step (Ml-AZ-l) comprises a on (Ml-AZ-l); reaction (Ml-AZ-l) is a reaction of compound of formula (XXI) with reagent (M-A) in solvent (M-solv); step -2) ses a reaction (Ml-A2-2). reaction (Ml-A2-2) is a reaction of the reaction product of reaction (Ml-AZ-l) with reagent (M-reag) in the presence of compound (M-comp) in solvent (M-solv).

Preferably, the reaction temperature of on (Ml-AZ-l) is from 0 to 250 CC, more preferably from 10 to 200 OC, even more preferably from 20 to 180 oC.

Preferably, the reaction temperature of reaction (Ml-A2-2) is from -10 to 250 CC, more preferably from 0 to 200 OC, even more preferably from 20 to 180 0C.

In case of reagent (M-A) not being ammonia and tritylamine, reaction (Ml-AZ-l) can be done in the presence of an acid (Ml-AZ-l); acid (Ml-AZ-l) is selected from the group consisting of p-toluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid and esulfonic acid; preferably from 0.01 to 1 mol equivalents, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.5 mol equivalents, even more preferably from 0.1 to 0.3 mol equivalents of acid (Ml-AZ-l) are used in reaction (Ml-AZ-l), the mol lents being based on the mol of nd of formula (XXI).

Reaction -l) can be done in the presence of compound (M-comp).

When reagent (M-A) is not one or more substances selected from the group ammonia, formamide and ethyl carbamate, then reaction (Ml-AZ-l) is ably done in the presence of compound (M-comp); preferably from 1 to 15 mol equivalents, more preferably from 1 to 10 mol equivalents, even more preferably from 1 to 5 mol equivalents of compound (M-comp) are used, the mol equivalents being based on the mol of compound of formula (XXI).

Preferably from 0.01 to 1 mol equivalents, more preferably from 0.02 to 1 mol equivalents, even more preferably from 0.02 to 1 mol equivalents of compound (M-comp) are used in reaction (Ml-A2-2), the mol equivalents being based on the mol of nd of formula (XXI).

Alternative ) comprises a step (Ml-A3-l) step (Ml-A3-l) comprises a reaction (Ml-A3-l); reaction -l) is a on of compound of formula (XXI) with reagent (M-reag) and with reagent (M-A) in t (M-solV).

Preferably, the reaction temperature of reaction (Ml-A3-l) is from 0 to 250 CC, more preferably from 20 to 200 OC, even more preferably from 50 to 180 oC. on (Ml-A3-l) can be done in the presence of compound (M-comp); preferably from 1 to 15 mol equivalents, more preferably from 1 to 10 mol equivalents, even more preferably from 1 to 5 mol equivalents of compound (M-comp) are used in reaction (Ml- A3-l), the mol equivalents being based on the mol of nd of formula (XXI).

In case of all these three alternatives, reagent (M-reag), reagent (M-A), compound (M-comp) and solvent (M-solV) are as defined , also with all their preferred embodiments.

When the reaction (Ml-reac) is completed, the compound of formula (XX) can be isolated by standard methods such as evaporation of volatile components, extraction, washing, drying, tration, filtration, crystallization, distillation, chromatography and any combination thereof, which are known per se to the person skilled in the art. ably, the le components of the reaction mixture are removed by evaporation under reduced pressure.

Preferably, the reaction mixture resulting from reaction (Ml-reac) or the reaction e resulting from reaction (M2-reac) can be extracted with a solvent (M-extract), solvent (M-extract) is preferably selected from the group consisting of water, toluene, benzene, xylene, chlorobenzene, dichloromethane, chloroform, acetic acid C1_g alkyl ester and combinations f; the acetic acid C1_g alkyl ester is preferably an acetic acid C1_4 alkyl ester, more preferably selected from the group consisting of ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate and butyl acetate; preferably solvent (M-extract) is selected from the group consisting of toluene, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate and mixtures thereof.

The extraction can be followed by filtration and concentration of the extract.

Preferably, after an extraction with a solvent (M-extract), the extract resulting from the extraction with solvent (M-extract) can be extracted with an aqueous solution of an acid (M- acid). Acid d) is preferably selected from the group consisting of oxalic acid, citric acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, NH4Cl, HCl, HBr, H2804, H3PO4 and es thereof.

The extract resulting from the tion with an aqueous solution of acid d) can be washed with a solvent (M-wash). ably, solvent (M-wash) is selected from the group consisting of toluene, benzene, xylene, chlorobenzene, dichloromethane, chloroform, acetic acid C1_g alkyl ester and es f; the acetic acid C1_g alkyl ester is preferably an acetic acid C1_4 alkyl ester, more preferably selected from the group consisting of ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate and, butyl acetate.

The product can be isolated by concentration of the extract that was washed with solvent (M- wash).

In another preferred embodiment, the reaction e resulting from reaction (Ml-reac) or the reaction mixture resulting from reaction (M2-reac) can be, without above mentioned extraction with solvent (M-extract), acidified by mixing with an aqueous solution of acid (M- acid). The mixture, that is thereby obtained, can be washed with solvent (M-wash), and the product can be isolated by concentration.

If the deprotonated medetomidine is to be isolated, a suspension or solution of the salt of medetomidine, preferably an s suspension or solution of the salt of medetomidine, can be basified by addition of a base (M-basify) or of an aqueous solution of base (M-basify); preferably base ify) is selected from the group ting ofNaHCOg, N32C03, NaOH and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, base (M-basify) is added in such an amount, that the pH of the ing mixture is from 7 to 12, more preferably from 8 to 10, even more preferably from 8 to 9.

After the addition of base (M-basify), an aqueous phase can be extracted with solvent (M- extract), ed by isolation of the product by concentration of the extract.

Preferably, any washing of any organic phase after reaction (Ml-reac) or after reaction (M2- reac) can be done with water, with base (M-basify), with an aqueous solution of base (M- basify) or with brine.

Preferably, any extraction of any aqueous phase after reaction (Ml-reac) or after reaction (M2-reac) is done with solvent (M-extract).

Preferably, the reaction mixture after reaction (Ml-reac) or after on (M2-reac) is first concentrated under reduced pressure, then diluted with water and acidified with acid (M-acid) as described above, washed with solvent (M-wash), preferably solvent (M-wash) is toluene, basified with base (M-basify), preferably base (M-basify) is an aqueous on ofNaHCOg, and then ted with solvent (M-extract), ably solvent (M-extract) is selected from the group consisting of toluene, dichloromethane, pyl e and ethyl acetate; followed by isolation of the product by concentration of the extract.

In another preferred embodiment, compound of a (XX) is ed after reaction (Ml- reac) or after reaction (M2-reac) by chromatography.

Any organic phase can be dried, preferably over MgSO4 or NaZSO4.

Any concentration is preferably done by distillation, preferably under reduced pressure.

The compound of a (XX) can be purified, preferably by crystallization or distillation under reduced pressure, more preferably by crystallization from a mixture of cyclohexane and toluene, even more preferably from cyclohexane : toluene 99 : 1 v/v .

The compound of formula (XX) may also be converted into a salt by mixing with an acid (M- acid salt), acid (M-acid salt) is preferably used as s solution, acid (M-acid salt) is preferably selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, oxalic acid, HCl and H2804; then it can be isolated by filtration and purified by tallization in a solvent (M-cryst), solvent (M-cryst) is preferably selected from the group consisting of water, ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, acetonitrile, hexane, cyclohexane, heptane, toluene, ethyl acetate and mixtures thereof; recrystallization can be repeated using a different t (M-cryst). ably, the acidic inorganic solid substance in the list of possible compounds for catalyst (N-cat) is aluminosilicate.

Preferably, the acidic ion exchange resin in the list of possible compounds for catalyst (N-cat) is selected from the group consisting of copolymers of styrene and divinylbenzene and of perfluorinated branched or linear polyethylenes, these polymers being functionalized with SOgH groups; more ably, the acidic ion exchange resin is selected from the group consisting of copolymers of e and divinylbenzene containing more than 5% of divinylbenzene, preferably being macroreticular, and of perfluorinated polyethylenes, these polymers being fianctionalized with SOgH groups.

Preferably, the inorganic acid in the list of possible compounds for catalyst (N-cat), with which the carbon was treated, is selected from the group consisting of HCl, H2804 and HNOg. ably, catalyst (N-cat) is selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, formic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, methanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, HCl, HBr, H2804, H3PO4, BClg, BFgoEtz, MgClz, MgBrz, AlClg, ZnClz, Cu(BF4)2, aluminosilicate, acidic ion exchange resin, carbon treated with HCl, H2804 or HN03,and mixtures thereof; more preferably, catalyst (N-cat) is selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, formic acid, esulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, HCl, H2804, BFgoEtz, Cu(BF4)2, aluminosilicate, acidic ion exchange resin, and mixtures thereof; even more ably st ) is selected from the group ting of methanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, H2804, BFgoEtz, Cu(BF4)2, osilicate, acidic ion exchange resin, and mixtures thereof; especially catalyst (N-cat) is selected from the group ting of methanesulfonic acid, p- toluenesulfonic acid, H2804, BF30Et2 and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, reaction c) is done in a solvent (N-solv).

Solvent (N—solv) is preferably selected from the group consisting of water, tert-butanol, isopropanol, acetonitrile, propionitrile, THF, methyl-THF, NMP, dioxane, 1,2- dimethoxyethane, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, chloroform, toluene, benzene, benzene, hexane, cyclohexane, ethyl acetate, acetic acid, formic acid, trifluoroacetic acid and mixtures thereof; more preferably from water, acetonitrile, propionitrile, THF, 2-methyl-THF, 1,2- dimethoxyethane, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, chloroform, toluene, cyclohexane, ethyl acetate, acetic acid, formic acid and mixtures thereof; even more preferably from water, acetonitrile, propionitrile, THF, 2-methyl-THF, 1,2- dimethoxyethane, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, toluene, ethyl acetate and mixtures thereof; especially from acetonitrile, THF, 2-methyl-THF, romethane, toluene, ethyl acetate and mixtures thereof.

The catalyst (N-cat) can be used in a pure form or as hydrate.

The catalyst (N-cat) can be used as a solution in solvent (N—solv). ably, the molar ratio n catalyst (N-cat) and compound of formula (XXII) is from 1:1000 to 10:1, more ably from 1:100 to 5:1, even more preferably from 1:50 to 1:1, especially from 1:25 to 1:2. ably, the reaction temperature of reaction (N-reac) is from -20 to 200 CC, more preferably from 0 to 150 OC, even more ably from 10 to 100 oC.

The reaction (N-reac) can be done in a system that is closed or open to the here.

In a closed system, the pressure depends mainly on the boiling point of a solvent (N-solv) and on the reaction temperature of reaction (N-reac).

Preferably, the reaction (N-reac) is done at a pressure of from 0.01 bar to 20 bar, more preferably of from 0.1 to 10 bar, even more preferably of from atmospheric pressure to 5 bar.

More preferably, the reaction (N-reac) is done in an open system.

Preferably, the reaction time of reaction (N-reac) is from 30 min to 72 h, more preferably from 1 h to 48 h, even more preferably from 1.5 h to 24 h.

Alternatively, reaction c) can be done as a continuous gas-phase reaction by passing the evaporated nd of formula (XXII) over the catalyst (N-cat). This gas-phase reaction can be done in the presence of an inert gas, the inert gas is preferably ed from the group consisting of nitrogen, a noble gas and carbon dioxide.

After reaction (N-reac), nd of formula (XXI) can be isolated by standard methods such as evaporation of volatile components, extraction, washing, drying, concentration, filtration, crystallization, distillation, chromatography and any ation thereof, which are known per se to the person skilled in the art.

Preferably, any volatile components of the reaction mixture or added or generated during work up can be removed by evaporation under reduced pressure.

Preferably, the reaction e resulting from reaction (N-reac) or any aqueous phase during the work up after reaction c) can be extracted with solvent (M-extract), with solvent (M-extract) as defined above, also with all its preferred embodiments.

Preferably, any g of any organic phase after reaction c) can be done with water, with a base (M-basify), with an aqueous solution of a base (M-basify), with an aqueous solution of an acid (M-acid) or with brine; with base (M-basify) and acid (M-acid) as defined above, also with all their preferred embodiments.

Any extraction or washing can be followed by filtration and concentration of the extract or of the washed mixture.

In another preferred embodiment, compound of formula (XXI) is ed after reaction (N- reac) by chromatography.

Any organic phase can be dried, preferably over MgSO4 or Na2SO4.

Any concentration is preferably done by distillation, preferably under reduced pressure.

Compound of formula (XXI) can be obtained in step (N) as the aldehyde as depicted in formula (XXI), but also in form of its hydrate or hemiacetal. The etal of compound of formula (XXI), which can result as product from step (N), can be the product of an on reaction between the aldehyde as depicted in formula (XXI) and an alcohol selected from the group consisting of tert-butanol and panol, or between the aldehyde as depicted in formula (XXI) and any alcohol which is used during the isolation after reaction (N-reac).

Also this e and this hemiacetal can be directly used in step (M1).

When compound of formula (XXI) is ed from reaction (N-reac) in form of its hydrate or of a hemiacetal, the hydrate or the hemiacetal can be converted into the aldehyde by standard reactions previously disclosed in the art.

In another red embodiment, compound (XXI) is not isolated after reaction (N-reac).

Preferably, reaction (N-reac) and reaction ac) are done in the same pot. More preferably, after reaction (N-reac) solvent (N-solv) is d by evaporation, and reaction (M1-reac) is done after evaporation of solvent (N-solv) and in the same pot as reaction (N- reac).

Preferably, R1 is Br.

Preferably, t (Q1-reag) is selected from the group consisting of lithium, magnesium, aluminum, isopropylmagnesium chloride, isopropylmagnesium e, n-butyllithium, sec-butyllithium, utyllithium, and mixtures thereof; more preferably, reagent (Q1-reag) is selected from the group consisting of lithium, magnesium, pylmagnesium chloride, isopropylmagnesium bromide, n-butyllithium and mixtures thereof.

Reaction (Q1-reac) can be done in the presence of a catalyst (Q1-cat); catalyst (Ql-cat) is selected from the group ting of iodine, l,2-dibromoethane, TiCl4, AlClg, PbClz, BlClg, LiCl and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, reaction (Ql-reac) is performed in a solvent (Ql-solv).

Preferably, reaction (Q2-reac) is performed in a solvent (Q2-solv).

Preferably, solvent (Ql-solv) and solvent lv) are identical or different and independently from each other selected from the group consisting of THF, toluene, heptane, methylcyclohexane, ethylcyclohexane, hexane, 2-methyl-THF, NMP, diethylether, -tert-butylether, methoxycyclopentane, diisopropylether, 5- tetramethyl-THF, l,2-dimethoxyethane, N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-l,2-ethylenediamine, 1,4- diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, tri C1_4 alkyl amine and mixtures thereof; more preferably from the group consisting of THF, toluene, heptane, hexane, 2-methyl-THF, l,2-dimethoxyethane, methyl-tert-butylether, methoxycyclopentane, tri C1_4 alkyl amine and mixtures thereof; even more preferably from the group consisting of THF, toluene, heptane, hexane, 2-methyl- THF, l,2-dimethoxyethane, ylamine and mixtures f.

When e is used as solvent, it is often used as a mixture of isomeric heptanes.

In one particular embodiment, t (Ql-solv) is THF, hexane or a mixture thereof, and solvent (Q2-solv) is THF, , toluene or a mixture f.

In another particular embodiment, solvent (Ql-solv) and solvent (Q2-solv) are identical.

The reaction temperatures of reaction (Ql-reac) and of reaction (Q2-reac) are identical or different and independently from each other preferably from -lOO to 150 CC, more preferably from -90 to 100 oC, and even more preferably from -80 to 80 oC.

Reaction (Ql-reac) and reaction (Q2-reac) can be done at a constant temperature, or the temperature may be modified during the progress of the reactions. For instance, the reactions can run for a certain time at first ature, and then for a subsequent time at a second temperature different from the first temperature. Alternatively, the temperature may be modified continuously during the reaction.

The reaction times of reaction (Ql-reac) and of reaction (Q2-reac) are identical or different and independently from each other preferably from 30 min to 48 h, more preferably from 1 to 24 h, even more preferably from 2 to 12 h.

The amounts of solvent (Ql-solv) and of solvent (Q2-solv) are identical or different and independently from each other preferably from 2 to 40 fold, more preferably from 3 to 20 fold, even more preferably from 5 to 10 fold, of the weight of compound of formula (XXV) in case of solvent (Ql-solv), and of the weight of the reaction product of reaction (Ql-reac) in case of solvent (Q2-solv).

Preferably, from 1.0 to 10 mol equivalents, more preferably from 1.1 to 5 mol equivalents, even more ably from 1.1 to 3 mol equivalents of reagent (Ql-reag) are used, the mol equivalents being based on the mol of nd of formula (XXV).

Preferably, from 1.0 to 10 mol equivalents, more preferably from 1.1 to 5 mol equivalents, even more preferably from 1.1 to 3 mol equivalents of chloroacetone are used, the mol lents being based on the mol of compound of formula (XXV).

Preferably, reaction (Ql-reac) and reaction (Q2-reac) are done at atmospheric pressure. ably, reaction ac) and reaction (Q2-reac) are done under inert atmosphere.

Preferably, the inert atmosphere is achieved by the use if an inert gas preferably selected from the group consisting of argon, another noble gas, lower boiling alkane, nitrogen and mixtures thereof.

The lower boiling alkane is preferably a C1_3 alkane, i.e. e, ethane or e.

After reaction (Q2-reac), nd of formula (XXII) can be isolated by standard methods such as evaporation of volatile ents, tion, washing, drying, concentration, crystallization, distillation, chromatography and any combination thereof, which are known per se to the person skilled in the art.

Preferably, the reaction product of reaction ac) is not isolated.

Preferably, reaction (Ql-reac) and reaction (Q2-reac) are done consecutively.

Preferably, reaction (Ql-reac) and reaction (Q2-reac) are done in one pot.

In another preferred embodiment, on (Ql-reac) and reaction (Q2-reac) can be done in one pot by adding reagent (Ql-reag) to a mixture of compound of formula (XXV) and chloroacetone in a solvent (Ql-solv).

Preferably, for the isolation of compound of formula (XXII) after reaction (Q2-reac), a reagent (Q3) is combined with the reaction mixture derived from reaction (Q2-reac); reagent (Q3) is selected from the group consisting of water, methanol, ethanol, oxalic acid, citric acid, NH4Cl, HCl, HBr, HNOg, H2804, H3PO4, acetic acid, propionic acid, formic acid and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, reagent (Q3) is water or aqueous NH4Cl; more preferably, reagent (Q3) is water.

Preferably, from 0.01 to 1000 mol equivalents, more ably from 0.02 to 1000 mol equivalents, of reagent (Q3) are used, the mol equivalents being based on the mol of nd of formula (XXV). Reagent (Q3) is used to neutralize any excess of reagent (Q1- reag), therefore the amount of reagent (Q3) is adjusted with respect to the excess of reagent (Q l -reag) used in reaction (Q l -reac).

Compound of formula (XXII) is preferably isolated using conventional methods, such as evaporation of volatile components, hydrolysis and optional acidification of the higherboiling e, extraction, and distillation.

The compound of a (XXII) can be ed, preferably by crystallization or distillation under reduced pressure.

Any extraction of an aqueous phase is done preferably with a solvent ract), solvent (Q- t) is benzene, toluene, ethyl acetate or isopropyl acetate.

Any c phase can be dried, ably with magnesium sulphate.

Any concentration is preferably done by lation, preferably under reduced pressure.

Compounds of formula (XX), (XX-T), (XXI), , (XXIII) and (23) are chiral compounds, and the formulae comprise any omer as well as any mixture of enantiomers of the compounds of formula (XX), of a (XX-T), of formula (XXI), of formula (XXII), of formula (XXIII) or of formula (23) respectively.

Enantiomers can be separated by a conventional procedure usly disclosed in organic chemistry, such as repeated crystallizations of the (+) tartaric acid salt in alcoholic media, as disclosed for compound of formula (XX) in Cordi et al., Synth. . 1996, 26, 1585- 1593.

Compounds of formula (XXV) are known nds and can be prepared according to known methods.

The progress of any of the reactions on (M1-reac), reaction (N-reac), reaction (Q1-reac) and reaction (Q2-reac) can be monitored by standard techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), infrared spectroscopy (IR), High performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS), or Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), and p of the reaction mixture can start, when the conversion of the starting material exceeds 95%, or when no more starting al can be ed. The time required for this to occur will depend on the precise reaction temperature and the precise concentrations of all reagents, and may vary from batch to batch.

In general, any organic phase can be dried, preferably over MgSO4 or , if not stated otherwise.

Further subject of the invention is a compound of formula ).

Further subject of the invention is a compound of formula (23).

Further subject of the invention is the use of compound of formula (XXIII) for the preparation of compound of formula (XX).

Further subject of the invention is the use of compound of formula (XXI) for the preparation of compound of formula (XXIII) or for the preparation of compound of formula (XX).

Further subject of the invention is the use of compound of formula (XXII) for the preparation of compound of formula (XXI).

Further subject of the invention is the use of compound of formula (XXV) for the preparation of compound of a (XXII).

Compared to prior art, the method of the present invention offers several advantages: Importantly, the whole carbon framework of compound of formula (XX) is built in few chemical steps, using cheap reagents only. The few al steps obviously provide for a cost effective procedure. No ting groups are needed and the overall amount of material used is ore reduced, the batch size based on molar amounts is sed.

In particular no trityl or acetale protection groups are used and no protection of the imidazoles is necessary. Thereby the number and amount of reagents needed is reduced, and no protecting or deprotecting steps being needed the waste is reduced, contrary to when for example a trityl or acetale protecting group is used. The method has good yields. 2012/072798 Examples Methods 1H and 13C NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian VNMRS 500 (500 MHz for 1H and 125 MHz for 13C) instruments in CDClg. Chemical shifts are expressed in parts per million referred to TMS and coupling constants (J) in Hertz.

EI means Electron ionization mass spectra (70 eV), they were ed on an 4 spectrometer.

ESI means Electron spray ionization mass spectra In example 1 the THF was not dried with sodium. In e 2 NaH was used for this purpose.

Example 1: -Dimethylphenyl)methyloxirane, compound of formula (XXII), metallation with butyllithium in THF To a solution of 1-brom0-2,3-dimethylbenzene (0.27 ml, 2.0 mmol) in THF (4.0 ml) at -78 CC was added n-butyllithium (2.0 ml of a 1.6 M solution in hexane, 3.2 mmol). The mixture was stirred at -78 CC for 30 min, and then a solution of chloroacetone (0.24 ml, 3.0 mmol) in toluene (0.42 ml) was added drop wise within 20 min. The mixture was stirred at -78 0C for 1 h, and then allowed to warm to room temperature. Analysis of a sample after 3 h at room temperature indicated that the title epoxide was the main reaction product. After stirring at room temperature for 3 days the mixture was poured into water (20 ml), and the product was extracted with ethyl acetate (1 x 10 ml, 2 x 5 ml). The combined extracts were dried with MgSO4, and concentrated under d pressure to yield the title epoxide as an oil in quantitative yield. 1H NMR: 1.59 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.83 (br d, J = 5.4, 1H), 2.98 (d, J = 5.4 Hz, 1H), 7.08 (m, 2H), 7.21 (m, 1H).

MS (E1): 162, 147, 133, 117 (100).

Example 2: 2-(2,3-Dimethylphenyl)methyloxirane, compound of formula (XXII), metallation with magnesium in THF 2012/072798 To a sion of magnesium (89 mg, 3.66 mmol) in THF (4.0 ml) were added NaH (81 mg, 60% in oil, 2.0 mmol), and after stirring at room temperature for 10 min, 1-bromo-2,3- dimethylbenzene (0.40 ml, 2.96 mmol). An exothermic reaction ensues, and the ing mixture is stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The mixture is then cooled to -20 CC, and a solution of chloroacetone (0.26 ml, 3.3 mmol) in toluene (0.63 ml) is drop wise added within min. The mixture is then stirred at room temperature for 2 h. A sample was worked up by mixing with water, extraction with ethyl acetate, and evaporation of the ethyl acetate with a stream of nitrogen. Analysis of the residue by 1H NMR indicated it to be a e of xylene and the title oxirane.

Example 3: 2-(2,3-Dimethylphenyl)pr0panal, compound of formula (XXI) 2-(2,3-Dimethylphenyl)methyloxirane, nd of formula (XXII), prepared according to example 1 (158 mg, 0.97 mmol), was dissolved in toluene (1.57 mL) and BF30Et2 (0.006 ml, 0.05 mmol) was added at room temperature. After 2 h at room temperature, a sample was mixed with solid NaHC03, filtered, concentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue was analyzed by 1H NMR. The crude product consisted essentially of pure 2-(2,3- dimethylphenyl)propanal. 1H NMR: 1.40 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 2.32 (s, 3H), 3.89 (qd, J = 7.1, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 6.89 to 6.92 (m, 1H), 7.12 (m, 2H), 9.67 (d, J = 1.0 Hz, 1H).

Example 4: 5-(1-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)ethyl)tosyl-4,5-dihydrooxazole, compound of a (23) To a solution of compound of formula XXII (2.07 g, 12.8 mmol) in dichloromethane (10 ml) was added BF30Et2 (0.1 molar in EtzO, 4 ml, 0.4 mmol) within 4 h at room temperature. The e was stirred at room temperature for 1 h, and the solvent (dichloromethane) was then evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in methanol (10 ml), and TosMIC (toluenesulfonylmethylisocyanide; 2.24 g, 11.5 mmol) and then N32C03 (102 mg, 0.96 mmol) were added. The e was d at room temperature for 1 h, and then diluted with water (5 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for further 30 min, and then kept at 4 OC overnight. Filtration and drying yielded 3.1 g (75%) of compound of formula (23). 1H NMR(CDC13, 500 MHz): 1.28 (d, J = 7 Hz, 3H), 2.23 (s, 3H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.44 (s, 3H), 3.28 (m, 1H), 4.79 (m, 1H), 5.20 (m, 1H), 7.04 (s, 1H), 7.10 (m, 3H), 7.33 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H), 7.73 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H).

Example 5: midine, compound of formula (XX) Compound of formula (23) (3.16 g, 8.84 mmol), prepared according to e 4, was dissolved in ammonia-saturated ethanol (40 ml, containing approximately 160 mmol ammonia) and heated to 110 0C for 3 h. The e was then evaporated to dryness, and the residue was mixed with an aqueous, ted solution ofNaHC03 (20 ml). The mixture was extracted with toluene (2 x 20 ml), and the ed extracts were washed with water (2 x 20 ml). The combined extracts were then extracted with 10% aqueous HCl (3 x 20 ml), and the combined acidic extracts were basified with gaseous ammonia, and extracted with toluene (2 x 20 ml). The combined organic extracts were dried over Na2S04, and concentrated under reduced pressure, to yield compound of formula (XX) (1.57 g, 89%). 1H NMR: 1.56 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H), 2.18 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 4.35 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 6.66 (s, 1H), 6.93 (dd, J = 6.6, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 6.99 to 7.05 (m, 2H), 7.30 (d, J = 1.1 Hz, 1H), 9.84 (broad s, 1H). 13C NMR: 14.65, 20.72, 20.88, 14.12, 117.61, 124.62, 125.53, 127.91, 134.05, 134.60, 136.76,141.11,143.23.

MS (ESI): 201 [M+H]+ This product was redissolved in acetonitrile (10 ml), and converted into a hydrochloride salt with concentrated aqueous hydrochloric acid (0.8 ml). The mixture was trated to dryness, and the residue was suspended in diethylether (30 ml), and d at room temperature overnight. tion and drying under reduced pressure yielded 1.55 g (74%) of compound of formula (XX) as hydrochloride salt.

Claims (15)

Claims

1. Method for preparation of compound of formula (XX); CH CH 3 3 N CH (XX) 5 H the method comprises four steps, the four steps are a step (Q1), a step (Q2), a step (N) and a step (M1); 10 compound of formula (XX) is prepared in step (M1); step (M1) comprises a reaction (M1-reac); reaction (M1-reac) is a on between a compound of formula (XXI), a reagent (M-reag) and a reagent (M-A) in a solvent (M-solv); reagent (M-reag) is selected from the group consisting of p-toluenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide, trifluoromethanesulfonylmethyl isocyanide, methanesulfonylmethyl nide, 20 benzenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide, 4-acetamidobenzenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide and mixtures f; t (M-A) is selected from the group consisting of ammonia, sulfamic acid, ptoluenesulfonamide , esulfonamide, 4-acetamidobenzenesulfonamide, 25 tritylamine, formamide, urea, urotropine, ethyl carbamate, acetamide and mixtures thereof; solvent v) is ed from the group consisting of N,N-dimethylformamide, C1-6 alkanol, ide, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, NMP, toluene, acetonitrile, propionitrile, ethyl carbamate, N,N-dimethylacetamide, water, acetamide and mixtures thereof; 5 compound of formula (XXI) is ed in step (N); step (N) comprises a reaction (N-reac); reaction c) is a reaction of a compound of formula (XXII) with a catalyst (N-cat); catalyst (N-cat) is selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, formic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, esulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, HCl, HBr, H2SO4, HNO3, H3PO4, HClO4, BCl3, BBr3, BF3OEt2, BF3SMe2, BF3THF, MgCl2, MgBr2, MgI2, AlCl3, Al(O-C1-4 alkyl)3, SnCl4, TiCl4, 15 Ti(O-C1-4 alkyl)4, ZrCl4, Bi2O3, BiCl3, ZnCl2, PbCl2, FeCl3, ScCl3, NiCl2, Yb(OTf)3, Yb(Cl)3, GaCl3, AlBr3, Ce(OTf)3, LiCl, Cu(BF4)2, Cu(OTf)2, NiBr2(PPh3)2, NiBr2, NiCl2, Pd(OAc)2, PdCl2, PtCl2, InCl3, acidic inorganic solid substance, acidic ion exchange resin, carbon treated with nic acid and mixtures thereof; 20 step (Q1) comprises a reaction (Q1-reac); reaction (Q1-reac) is a reaction of compound of formula (XXV) with a reagent (Q1-reag); R1 is Br, Cl, or I; reagent (Q1-reag) is selected from the group consisting of lithium, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, m, propylmagnesium chloride, propylmagnesium bromide, butyllithium and mixtures thereof; step (Q2) comprises a reaction ac); reaction (Q2-reac) is a reaction of the reaction product of reaction (Q1-reac) with chloroacetone; 5 compound of formula (XXII) is prepared by the reaction (Q2-reac).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein step (M1) ses two consecutive steps, a first step -1) and a second step (M1-A1-2); step (M1-A1-1) ses a reaction (M1-A1-1); 10 reaction (M1-A1-1) is a reaction of compound of formula (XXI) with reagent (M-reag) in the presence of compound (M-comp) in solvent (M-solv); step (M1-A1-2) comprises a reaction (M1-A1-2); reaction (M1-A1-2) is a reaction of the reaction product of on (M1-A1-1) with reagent (M-A) in t (M-solv).

3. Method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein reagent (M-reag) is selected from the group consisting of p-toluenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide, benzenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide and mixtures thereof. 20

4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein reagent (M-A) is ed from the group ting of ammonia, sulfamic acid, p-toluenesulfonamide, benzenesulfonamide, 4- acetamidobenzenesulfonamide, amine, formamide and mixtures thereof.

5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein solvent (M-solv) is selected from 25 the group consisting of N,N-dimethylformamide, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, water, formamide, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, NMP, toluene, acetonitrile, propionitrile, ethyl carbamate, N,N-dimethylacetamide, acetamide and mixtures thereof. 30

6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein on ac) is done in the presence of a compound (M-comp), compound (M-comp) is selected from the group consisting of ammonia, tritylamine, NaCN, KCN, piperidine, DBU, DABCO, triethylamine, tributylamine, 4-dimethylaminopyridine, pyridine, tBuOK, , NaHCO3, Na2CO3, CO3, (NH4)2CO3, KHCO3, K2CO3, NaOAc, KOAc, NaOH, KOH, Ca(OH)2, KF and mixtures thereof.

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein compound (M-comp) is selected from the group 5 consisting of ammonia, tritylamine, NaCN, KCN, dine, tBuOK, tBuONa, KOH, K2CO3, , KF and mixtures thereof.

8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, n catalyst (N-cat) is selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, formic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, methanesulfonic acid, p- 10 toluenesulfonic acid, HCl, HBr, H2SO4, H3PO4, BCl3, BF3OEt2, MgCl2, MgBr2, AlCl3, ZnCl2, Cu(BF4)2, aluminosilicate, acidic ion exchange resin, carbon treated with HCl, H2SO4 or HNO3,and es thereof.

9. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein R1 is Br.

10. Method ing to claim 1 or claim 9, wherein reagent (Q1-reag) is selected from the group consisting of lithium, magnesium, aluminum, isopropylmagnesium chloride, isopropylmagnesium bromide, n-butyllithium, sec-butyllithium, tert-butyllithium, and mixtures thereof.

11. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein reaction (Q1-reac) is done in the presence of a catalyst (Q1-cat); catalyst (Q1-cat) is selected from the group consisting of iodine, 1,2-dibromoethane, TiCl4, AlCl3, PbCl2, BiCl3, LiCl and mixtures thereof.

12. Compound of a (XXIII), 30 wherein R2 is 4-tolyl, phenyl, 4-acetamidophenyl, methyl or trifluoromethyl.

13. Compound according to claim 12, wherein R2 is 4-tolyl. 5

14. A method ing to claim 1, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to any one of the es.

15. A compound according to claim 12, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to any one of the Examples.