Abstract: A process for the preparation of hydroxy(cycloalkane/cyclokene)phenylethyl of the general formula (III) comprising alkylation of its precursor amine of general formula (II) which is in turn produced by an effective reduction process from its precursor cyanide having the general formula (I) using Raney Nickel (CORMIII) as catalyst where, either of R5 and R6 independently could be in meta or para position and R5, R6 are independently hydrogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, alkanoyloxy, cyano nitro, alkylmercapto, amino, alkylamino, alkanamido, halo, trifluoromethyl, or taken together methylenedioxy, n is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4; R7 is hydrogen of alkyl of 1-7 carbon atom, R1 IH or alkyl of 1-3 carbon atom and R2 is alkyl 1-3 carbon atom, the dotted line represents optional unsaturation. Compounds of formulae IV, V and VI are respectively derivatives of compounds I, II and III respectively.

Abstract: A process for producing Gabapentin, (1-(anminomethyl)-1-cyclohexaneacetic acid) from Gabapentin hydrochloride salt. In the process the Gabapentin hydrochloride is converted to Gabapentin using inorganic base such as Barium hydroxide. Gabapentin hydrochloride is converted to Gabapentin sulfate which in turn is converted to free base using Barium hydroxide. The process is directed to improvement in the manufacture of Gabapentin which would be industrially feasible and effective Gabapentin obtained following the process of the invention is suitable as a drug especially in the treatment of cerebral diseases such as epilepsy. The above process involves simple steps and avoid the problems of the known art. In particular the process avoids severe conditions and/or complexities and can be readily adopted for industrial application. The process provides for good yield and does not involve lengthy extended process steps. It is cost-effective and can be carried out involving simple ingredients and steps of manufacture.