METHOD FOR THE PREPARATION OF CITALOPRAM

摘要

The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of citalopram or any of its enantiomers and acid addition salts thereof comprising reaction of a compound of formula (II), with a diene having formula (III), wherein X is O, S, SO2, -N=N-, -CO-O-, -O-CO-, or with a diene having formula (IV) wherein R is alkyl or optionally substituted aryl or arylalkyl. The invention also relates to intermediates used in the new process for the preparation of citalopram, as well as citalopram prepared according to the new process.