Process for preparing 2-(2-pyridylmethyl)-sulfinyl-1H-benzimidazoles and the intermediate compounds used therein

摘要

The present invention relates to a process for preparing 2-(2-pyridylmethyl)sulphinyl-1H-benzimidazoles that are proton pump inhibitors, using as intermediates 2-benzimidazolylsulphinic acid derivatives. The present invention also relates to said intermediate compounds, their use and a process for the preparation thereof. These novel intermediate compounds are 2-benzimidazolylsulphinic acid esters that are obtained from their corresponding alkaline salts, which are in turn obtained by oxidation of substituted 2-mercaptobenzimidazoles. The intermediate compounds of the invention are converted into 2-(2-pyridylmethyl)sulphinyl-1H-benzimidazoles by reaction with substituted 2-methylpyridines.