| 摘要 |
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation and purification of citalopram (FORMULA I) in which a compound of Formula II (FORMULA II) wherein Z is iodo, bromo, chloro or CF3-(CF2)n-SO2-O-, n being 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7 or 8, is subjected to a cyanide exchange reaction with a cyanide source; the resultant crude citalopram product is optionally subjected to some initial purification and subsequently treated with an amide or an amide-like group forming agent; the reaction mixture is then subjected to an acid/base wash and/or crystallisation and recrystallisation of citalopram in order to remove the amides formed from the crude citalopram mixture; and the resulting citalopram product is optionally further purified, worked up and isolated as the base or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Particular attention is paid to the removal of desmethyl citalopram. |
