Novel intermediate and processes for its preparation and conversion into a pharmacologically-active agent

Abstract

Processes for the preparation of Venlafaxine (IX) via the novel epoxy-nitrile intermediate (I), which when subjected to hydrogenation forms compound (X), and may subsequently be reduced to yield the desired product (IX). The epoxy-nitrile intermediate (I) itself may be synthesised via various alternative reaction strategies, from a range of starting materials. E.g. 4-methoxy-benzaldehyde (VI), upon treatment with cyclohexyl magnesium bromide yields compound (V). This in turn may be oxidised to yield compound (III), which forms compound (II) on treatment with an (x-keto-halogenation agent. Cyanation of compound (II), then yields the desired epoxy nitrile intermediate (I), from which Venlafaxine (IX) may be synthesised.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.