Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the preparation of firocoxib, i.e. 3-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-5,5-dimethyl-4-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)-furan-2-one, comprising steps (a)-(g), wherein the process provides for step (d) of the reaction of a new intermediate, i.e. 2-methyl-1-[4-(methylsulfanyl)phenyl]-1-oxopropan-2-yl (acetyloxy)acetate (compound VII) in the same organic solvent of step (a) in the presence of a catalyst and a phase transfer catalyst solution in the same organic solvent with hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the preparation of firocoxib, i.e. 3-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-5,5-dimethyl-4-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)-furan-2-one, comprising steps (a)-(g), wherein the process provides for step (d) of the reaction of a new intermediate, i.e. 2-methyl-1-[4-(methylsulfanyl)phenyl]-1-oxopropan-2-yl (acetyloxy)acetate (compound VII) in the same organic solvent of step (a) in the presence of a catalyst and a phase transfer catalyst solution in the same organic solvent with hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to one-pot process for preparing (1S,2R)-1-phenyl-1-(N,N-diethylaminocarbonyl)-2-aminomethylcyclopropane of formula (I) comprising the step of reacting (1S,2R)-N,N-diethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1-phenylcyclopropanecarboxamide successively with the following reactants 1) triethyl orthoformate and methanesulfonic acid or triethylamine and methanesulfonyl chloride, 2) a phthalimidating agent, 3) aqueous EtNH2, wherein the reaction is carried out in toluene. In another aspect the invention concerns a process for preparing (1S,2R)-N,N-diethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1-phenylcyclopropanecarboxamide trough a step of crystallization of (1S,5R)-1-phenyl-3-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-one.

Abstract: Indole and azaindole compounds useful for the treatment of solid tumours and tumours of the blood are described, they being particularly effective in the treatment of drug resistant tumours; these compounds are also able to synergistically enhance the activity of known antitumour drugs. They can hence be used either alone as antitumour agents or in association with known antitumour drugs. Processes for preparing the aforesaid compounds, which are partly new, and pharmaceutical compositions useful for the aforesaid treatments are also described.