| abstract |
The present invention relates to a novel process for the synthesis of 5methoxy-2- ¢¢(4-methoxy-3, 5-dimethyl-2- pyridinyl)methyl! sulfinyl!-1H- benzimidazole, known under the generic name omeprazole. Moreover, the present invention also relates to manufacture of a pharmaceutical preparation thereof and its use in medicine. The novel process for the preparation of omeprazole, comprises the step of oxidizing 5-methoxy-2- ¢¢(4-methoxy-3, 5-dimethyl-2-pyridinyl) methyl!thio!-1H- benzimidazole in an organic solvent with an oxidizing agent in the presence of a titanium complex and optionally in the presence of a base. |