Process for the synthesis of ivabradine and addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid

A process for the synthesis of the compound of formula (VII), in racemic or optically active form:

• wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group,
• wherein a compound of formula (VIII):
• is reacted with a compound of formula (IX), in racemic or optically active form, in the form of the free base or a salt:
• wherein R is as defined hereinbefore,
• in the presence of a salt of a transition metal or of a lanthanide,
• in a solvent,
• to yield a compound of formula (X), in racemic or optically active form:
• which is converted into a compound of formula (VII) by the action of a hydride donor agent.