Abstract: The invention provides a new enantioselective process for the preparation of (S)-pregabalin, or a pharmaceutical acceptable addition acid salt comprising: acid hydrolysis of the dioxolan ring of a chiral compound of general formula (I) to obtain compound of general formula (II); oxidation of compound (II) to obtain a compound of general formula (III) and transforming compound (III) into compound of general formula (IV); subjecting compound (IV) to basic hydrolysis to obtain a compound of general formula (V) which is reduced to obtain enantiomerically pure S-pregabalin. The invention also provides new chiral intermediates involved in the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substituted dimethylcyclobutyl compounds of general formula I, a process for their preparation, medicaments comprising said substituted dimethylcyclobutyl compounds as well as the use of said substituted dimethylcyclobutyl compounds for the preparation of medicaments, which are particularly suitable for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of disorders or diseases that are at least partially mediated via sigma receptors.