Process for the preparation of 2- (2- (4- (bis (4-flourophenyl) methyl) -pipe razin-1-yl) ethoxy acetic acid derivatives or corresponding salt forms thereof and intermediates therefor

A process for the manufacture of 2-(2-(4-(bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethoxy)acetic acids, amides and related derivatives of the general formula (I)

• wherein:
• Y represents hydroxy, or —NR1R2;
• R1 and R2 each independently represent hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl;
• m is 1 or 2, and n is 1 or 2, as well as non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and mixtures thereof which comprises
• a) reacting compound of formula (II)
• wherein L1 represents a leaving group with a compound of formula (III)
• wherein n and m are defined as above, in the presence of a base and an inert solvent, and
• b) reacting the corresponding compound of formula (IV) thus obtained
• with a compound of formula (V)
• wherein L2 represents a leaving group and Y is defined as above, in the presence of an inert solvent and a proton acceptor.