Patent ID: 7579476

Claim:
A process for the direct or catalytic oxidation of the thioether 5-methoxy-2-((4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl)methylthio)-1H-benzimidazole to its sulfoxide: 5-methoxy-2-((4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyridinyl)methyl)methylsulfinyl)-1H-benzimidazole comprising: a) reacting the thioether with: 1) a transition metal compound selected from the group consisting of Cr, W, Ru, Rh, Pd, ft and Pt; and, 2) an oxygen source; wherein the thioether is oxidized to a sulfoxide and wherein one of either the R and S enantiomers is formed to an enantiomeric excess.