Abstract: A process for preparing the S or R enantiomer of a compound of formula A, the process comprising subjecting a compound of formula B to asymmetric hydrogenation in the presence of a chiral catalyst and a source of hydrogen, wherein: X is CH2, oxygen or sulphur; R1, R2 and R3 are the same or different and signify hydrogens, halogens, alkyl, alkyloxy, hydroxy, nitro, alkylcarbonylamino, alkylamino or dialkylamino group; and R4 is alkyl or aryl, wherein: the term alkyl means hydrocarbon chains, straight or branched, containing from one to six carbon atoms, optionally substituted by aryl, alkoxy, halogen, alkoxycarbonyl or hydroxycarbonyl groups; the term aryl means a phenyl or naphthyl group, optionally substituted by alkyloxy, halogen or nitro group; and the term halogen means fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.

Abstract: A diamine of formula (I) is described in which A is hydrogen or a saturated or unsaturated C1-C20 alkyl group or an aryl group; B is a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkaryl, alkaryl or aryl group or an alkylamino group and at least one of X1, X2, Y1, Y2 or Z is a C1-C10 alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkaryl, aralkyl or alkoxy substituting group. The chiral diamine may be used to prepare catalysts suitable for use in transfer hydrogenation reactions.

Abstract: A diamine of formula (I) is described, in which A is hydrogen or a saturated or unsaturated C1-C20 alkyl group or an aryl group; B is a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkaryl, alkaryl or aryl group or an alkylamino group and at least one of X1, X2, Y1, Y2 or Z is a C1-C10 alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkaryl, aralkyl or alkoxy substituting group. The chiral diamine may be used to prepare catalysts suitable for use in transfer hydrogenation reactions.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising licarbazepine acetate, especially eslicarbazepine acetate, in combination with suitable excipients, in particular a binder, and a disintegrant. Also disclosed is a granulation process, especially a wet granulation process, for making the pharmaceutical composition.