Process for the preparation of 2-[(diphenylmethyl) thio] acetamide

摘要

Process for the preparation of 2-[(diphenylmethyl)thioacetamide, an intermediate for the preparation of Modafinil which is a CNS stimulant and used for the treatment of narcolepsia. The process comprises reacting 2-[(diphenylmethyl)thio]acetic acid with alcohols, in presence of catalytic amount of inorganic acid or organic acid at reflux temperature of alcohol to obtain corresponding ester which is reacted with ammonia to give 2-[(diphenylmethyl)thio]acetamide. If desired 2-[(diphenylmethyl)thioacetamide thus produced is reacted with hydrogen peroxide to produce Modafinil.