Abstract: The invention discloses a improved process for the preparation of 3,5-disubstituted-2,4,6-triiodo aromatic amines of formula (II), wherein R1 and R2 are defined as herein. The compounds of formula (II) are the key intermediates for the synthesis of a series of non-ionic contrast agents such as Iopamidol, Iohexol and Iodixanol. The process comprises reacting chlorine-free iodinating reagents with 3,5-disubstituted-2,4,6-triiodo aromatic amines to obtain 3,5-disubstituted-2,4,6-triiodo aromatic amines of formula (II), wherein the molar yield of the iodination reaction can reach to 89%.

Abstract: The invention discloses a improved process for the preparation of 3,5-disubstituted-2,4,6-triiodo aromatic amines of formula (II), wherein R1 and R2 are defined as herein. The compounds of formula (II) are the key intermediates for the synthesis of a series of non-ionic contrast agents such as Iopamidol, Iohexol and Iodixanol. The process comprises reacting chlorine-free iodinating reagents with 3,5-disubstituted-2,4,6-triiodo aromatic amines to obtain 3,5-disubstituted-2,4,6-triiodo aromatic amines of formula (II), wherein the molar yield of the iodination reaction can reach to 89%.

Abstract: An improved synthesis method for preparation of iodixanol, and a purification process through macroporous adsorption resin chromatographic column and recrystallization are provided. The synthesis method relates to dimerization of 5-acetamido-N,N?-bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-2,4,6-triiodo-isophthalamide (compound A) to prepare iodixanol, wherein excessive side reactions such as alkylation are effectively inhibited by controlling the pH of the reaction mixture with a boron-containing acidic substance or salts thereof such as boric acid. In this way, the conversion rate of compound A to iodixanol is 85-90%. The iodixanol crude product is purified by a macroporous adsorption resin chromatographic column, obtaining iodixanol product with recovery of 90-95% and purity of 96-98%. The iodixanol crude product is recrystallized in mixed solvent containing 2-methoxyethanol, obtaining iodixanol product with recovery of 90-95% and purity of greater than 99%.