摘要 |
The invention relates to a method for the preparation of citalopram comprising, in either order, subjecting a compound of formula (III) wherein Y is a cyano group or a group which may be converted to a cyano group, R is hydrogen, -O-R<1>, NH2, NHCH3 or -N(CH3)2 wherein R<1> is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and optionally alkyl substituted aryl or aralkyl; to i) reduction of the double bond in the side chain of formula -CH=CH-COR: ii) conversion of the group -COR or a reduced form thereof to a dimethylaminomethyl group; and iii) if Y is not cyano, conversion of the group Y to a cyano group; followed by isolation of citalopram base or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof.
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