Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing 2-(2-pyridylmethyl)sulphinyl-1H-benzimidazoles that are proton pump inhibitors, using as intermediates 2-benzimidazolyl-sulphinic acid derivatives. The present invention also relates to the intermediate compounds, their use and a process for the preparation thereof. These novel intermediate compounds are 2-benzimidazolylsulphinicacid esters that are obtained from their corresponding alkaline salts, which are in turn obtained by oxidation of substituted 2-mercaptobenzimidazoles. The intermediate compounds of the invention are converted into 2-(2-pyridylmethyl)sulphinyl-1H-benzimidazoles by reaction with substituted 2-methylpyridines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method for obtaining Entacapone substantially free of Z-isomer from 3,4-dihydroxy-5-Nitrobenzaldehyde and N,N-Dimethylcyanoacetamide, or directly from a mixture of (E)- and (Z)-isomers of Entacapone, by formation of organic or inorganic salts, specially piperidine and sodium ones. A new crystalline form G of Entacapone can be obtained from this method in a fast, efficient, and simple way and substantially free of Z-isomer. Another object of the invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising it.