IMPROVED SYNTHESIS OF RACEMIC SERTRALINE

摘要

The present invention describes an improved process for synthesis of sertraline, cis-(1S), (4S)-N-methyl-4-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-naphthaleneamine. The new compound N-R-4-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3,4-dihydro-1(2H)-naphthaleneimine is hydrogenated to form N-R-4-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-naphthaleneamine which next is N-methylated to form N-R-N-methyl-4(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-naphthaleneamine. This latter compound is finally converted into sertraline by removal of the group R. The starting compound N-R-4-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3,4-dihydro-1(2H)-napthaleneimine can be obtained in high yield from 4-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3,4-dihydro-1(2H)-naphthalenone, tetralone, by reaction with R-amine. Further, new valuable intermediates for the synthesis of sertraline are provided.