Abstract: Imidazopyridine compounds of the formula 1 are can be made in high purity, e.g. greater than 95% pure, by a process that use a novel intermediate of formula 5: wherein R1 and R2 each independently represent hydrogen or a lower alkyl group and Y and Z each independently represent a lower alkyl group. By this process, zolpidem, a commercial pharmaceutical of the formula 1 can be effectively made.

Abstract: A process for the production of simvastatin and its analogues that is efficient, economical and convenient involves the use of hydroxyl protected intermediates of formula (III) or (VII). These intermediates allow for direct alkylation of the butyrate side chain followed by deprotection and reformation of the lactone ring. R1 is hydrogen or methyl; R2 represents a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 7 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain; R3 and R4 each independently represent an alkyl group, an ether group, a thioether group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, an alkenyl group, a cyclic ether group, or a cyclic thioether group; and R5 and R6 each independently represent hydrogen, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, an alkoxy group, or an ether group.

Abstract: Zolpidem salts having improved physical stability do not exhibit a melting endotherm corresponding to zolpidem free base when heated at 5° C./minute from about 25° C. to 250° C. The salts are generally easy to reproduce, even on an industrial scale and are easier to handle due to the increased stability than the known zolpidem tartrate. The zolpidem salts are typically pharmaceutically acceptable salts and can be used in formulating pharmaceutical compositions and in pharmaceutical uses; e.g. as a hypnotic.