Patent ID: 7915449
Filing Date: 2011-03-29
Classification: C07B,C07C

Abstract:
1. A method for preparing (R) modafinil either as a single enantiomer or in an enantiomerically enriched form comprising the steps of: a) contacting the diphenylmethylthioacetamide of formula I: with a metal chiral ligand complex, a base and an oxidizing agent in an organic solvent, said metal chiral ligand complex being selected from the group consisting of C 2 -symmetric diol titanium (IV) complexes, C 3 -symmetric trialkanolamine titanium (IV) complexes, C 3 -symmetric trialkanolamine zirconium (IV) complexes, chiral (salen) manganese (III) complexes, and chiral (salen) vanadium (IV) complexes, said base being present in an amount of from 0.01 to 2 equivalents with respect to the diphenylmethylthioacetamide of formula I; and b) isolating the obtained (R) modafinil.