Method for preparation of N-acetyl cysteine amide and derivatives thereof

A process for making N-acetylcysteine amide comprising:

• contacting L-cystine with methanol and a chlorinating reagent to form an organic solution containing cystine dimethylester dihydrochloride;
• isolating and drying the cystine dimethylester dihydrochloride;
• combining the dried cystine dimethylester dihydrochloride with triethylamine, acetic anhydride, and acetonitrile to form di-N-acetylcystine dimethylester;
• isolating and drying the di-N-acetylcystine dimethylester;
• mixing the dried di-N-acetylcystine dimethylester with ammonium hydroxide to form di-N-acetylcystine amide;
• and
• reducing the di-N-acetylcystine amide to N-acetylcysteine amide with dithiothreitol, triethylamine, and an alcohol, wherein the reduction is carried out without the presence of a metal.