Method for the preparation of citalopram

摘要

Preparation of citalopram (I) or its salt comprises reacting a isobenzofuran compound (IV) with (i) a cyanide source in the presence of a palladium catalyst and a catalytic amount of copper I or zinc II ions; or (ii) with zinc cyanide in the presence of a palladium catalyst; and isolating (I). - Preparation of citalopram of formula (I) comprises reacting an isobenzofuran compound of formula (IV) with (i) a cyanide source in the presence of a palladium catalyst and a catalytic amount of copper I or zinc II ions; or (ii) with zinc cyanide in the presence of a palladium catalyst; and isolating (I). - R = halo or CF3(CF2)nSO2; - n = 0-8. - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for (IV; R = CF3(CF2)nSO2 or iodo).