Abstract: A process for producing a Donepezil derivative represented by the formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 each independently represents H, F, an alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R5 represents a phenyl or a substituted phenyl; and n is an integer from 0 to 2, characterized in that the process comprises: (a) a reaction of 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde with a compound of formula (II) in the presence of a strong acid HX to form a compound of formula (III); (b) a catalytic hydrogenation of a compound of formula (III) or a compound of formula (V) to yield a compound of formula (IV); and (c) an alkylation reaction of a compound of formula (IV) to yield a compound of formula (I).

Abstract: Thalidomide derivative (I) and their bases or salts are new: where R represents CHR1NR2R3, CHR1NR4C(O)CHR5NR2R3, W or CHR5NR4C(O)W, where R1, R4 and R5 represent independently each other H, C1-4 alkyl, R2 is a C1-4 alkyl, R3 is a C1-4 alkyl, or R2 and R3 together represents 1,3-propylene, 1,4-butylene, 1,5-pentylene, 1,6-hexylene, W represents 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-mumbered, saturated or unsaturated heterocycle. The invention also relates to processes of production thereof and the use of thereof as an active pharmaceutical ingredient.