Patent ID: 7176332

Claim:
A method for the preparation of a compound of formula (VIa): in which R 2 is an optionally substituted C1–C6 alkyl; R 5 is an optionally substituted aryl, an optionally substituted aralkyl, or an optionally substituted alkyl; and R 6 is H or an optionally substituted C1–C6 alkyl; the method including: (i) subjecting an aldehyde of formula R 5 —CHO to acyloin condensation mediated by yeast with a compound of formula (VIII): in which R 2 is as defined above and R 7 is H or alkyl; to yield the ketone of formula (Va): in which R 5 and R 2 are as defined above; and (ii) subjecting the ketone of formula Va to reductive amination with an amine of formula R 3 NH 2 in which R 3 is an optionally substituted alkyl, and a reductant, to form the compound of formula (VIa), wherein reactions (i) and (ii) are conducted in the presence of a supercritical fluid or a liquefied gas.