Process for enantioselective synthesis of single enantiomers of modafinil by asymmetric oxidation

摘要

The invention relates to a method for preparing a sulphoxide compound of formula (I) either as a single enantiomer or in an enantiomerically enriched form, comprising the steps of: a) contacting a pro-chiral sulphide of formula (II) with a metal chiral complex, a base and an oxidizing agent in an organic solvent; and optionally b) isolating the obtained sulphoxide of formula (I). wherein n, Y, R₁, R_1a, R₂ and R_2a are as defined in claim 1.