Abstract: The present invention provides, according to an aspect thereof, a novel process for the preparation of dronedarone [1] and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. According to a preferred embodiment, the process comprises N-acetylating of p-anisidine or p-phenetidine with acetic anhydride, reacting of the obtained N-(4-alkoxyphenyl)acetamide with 2-bromohexanoyl chloride or bromide in the presence of aluminum chloride or bromide to obtain N-[3-(2-bromohexanoyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]acetamide [6a], converting the compound [6a] into 2-butyl-5-benzofuranamine hydrochloride [12a] and subsequently converting [12a] into [1] or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In accordance with another aspect of this invention, there are provided novel intermediates, inter alia the novel compounds [6a] and [12a]. The novel intermediates of the present invention are stable, solid compounds, obtainable in high yields, which can be easily purified by crystallization and stored for long periods of time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and effective process for the synthesis of 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2? and its derivatives, including the anti-glaucoma drugs Bimatoprost and Latanoprost. The benefit of the present invention rises inter alia from the fact that a major intermediate involved in the synthesis of the above compounds may be isolated from a mixture containing also an undesired isomer, by crystallization. In addition, the undesired isomer may be oxidized to give the starting compound, which is then recycled.

Abstract: The present invention provides, according to an aspect thereof, a novel process for the preparation of dronedarone [1] and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. According to a preferred embodiment, the process comprises N-acetylating of p-anisidine or p-phenetidine with acetic anhydride, reacting of the obtained N-(4-alkoxyphenyl)acetamide with 2-bromohexanoyl chloride or bromide in the presence of aluminum chloride or bromide to obtain N-[3-(2-bromohexanoyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]acetamide [6a], converting the compound [6a] into 2-butyl-5-benzofuranamine hydrochloride [12a] and subsequently converting [12a] into [1] or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In accordance with another aspect of this invention, there are provided novel intermediates, inter alia the novel compounds [6a] and [12a]. The novel intermediates of the present invention are stable, solid compounds, obtainable in high yields, which can be easily purified by crystallization and stored for long periods of time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and effective process for the synthesis of 17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-PGF2&agr; and its derivatives, including the anti-glaucoma drugs Bimatoprost and Latanoprost. The benefit of the present invention rises inter alia from the fact that a major intermediate involved in the synthesis of the above compounds may be isolated from a mixture containing also an undesired isomer, by crystallization. In addition, the undesired isomer may be oxidized to give the starting compound, which is then recycled.

Abstract: Conjugation of 4,5-Epoxymorphinan-6-ols with Bromoglucuronides in the presence of Zinc containing compounds as activator under conditions capable of forming 4,5-Epoxymorphinan-6-oxyglucuronides is disclosed. This novel approach provides an efficient method for preparation of both anomers of 4,5-Epoxymorphinan-6-oxyglucuronides. The deprotected end products are useful as analgesic agents.

Abstract: Conjugation of 4,5-Epoxymorphinan-6-ols with Bromoglucuronides in the presence of Zinc containing compounds as activator under conditions capable of forming 4,5-Epoxymorphinan-6-oxyglucuronides is disclosed. This novel approach provides an efficient method for preparation of both anomers of 4,5-Epoxymorphinan-6-oxyglucuronides. The deprotected end products are useful as analgesic agents.

Abstract: Glycosidation of 4,5-Epoxymorphinan-6-ols with a Thioglycoside as a glycoside donor is disclosed. The process comprises reacting a 4,5-Epoxymorphinan-6-ol and a Thioglycoside in the presence of a thiophilic promoter under conditions capable of forming 4,5-Epoxymorphinan-6-glycosides. This novel approach was used for preparation of pharmaceutically important 4,5-Epoxymorphinan-6-&bgr;-D-glucuronides. The process provides both high stereo-selectivity and high yields.