Patent ID: 6339158
Filing Date: 2002-01-15
Classification: C07D

Abstract:
A process for the preparation of a chiral compound of formula I whereinX is N; and Y and Z are each independently H, C1-C4alkyl optionally substituted with one C1-C4alkoxy group or Y and may be taken together to form a group â€”CH&boxH;CHâ€”CH&boxH;CHâ€”which process comprises the following steps:a) reacting a compound of formula II wherein X, Y and Z are as described hereinabove with at least one molar equivalent of chiral 2-amino-2,3-dimethylbutyronitrile in the presence of a non-polar, essentially water-free solvent, optionally in the presence of a tertiary amine, to form a first reaction mixture;b) hydrolyzing said reaction mixture in aqueous acid to form an acidic second reaction mixture; c) reacting said second reaction mixture with an excess of an aqueous base at a temperature of about 15Â° C. to 90Â° C. to form a basic third reaction mixture; d) separating said third reaction mixture to obtain an aqueous phase; and e) acidifying said aqueous phase to obtain the desired chiral formula I imidazolinone compound.