Process for preparing nateglinide and intermediates thereof

摘要

Provided is a process for preparation of an intermediate in the synthesis of nateglinide. Trans-4-isopropylcyclohexane acid chloride is formed by reacting 4-isopropylcyclohexanecarboxyl acid with thionyl chloride in the presence of an effective amount of an organic amide. Also provided are processes for preparation of nateglinide by acylation of a suitable salt of D-phenylalanine with trans-4-isopropylcyclohexane acid chloride in both a single and a two phase system, and in water free of a co-solvent.