| abstract |
A process for producing citalopram comprising the steps of: a) reacting a compound of formula IV wherein R.sup.1.n. is hydrogen or C.sub.1-6.n. alkylcarbonyl, with Grignard reagent 4-halofluorophenyl; b) reacting the obtained compound with 3-halo-N, N-dimethylpropylamine Grignard reagent; c) ring closure of the obtained compound of formula VI, wherein R.sup.1.n. is as defined above and the compound obtained is converted by diazotization followed by reaction with CN ions. to the corresponding 5-cyano derivative, i.e. citalopram. Intermediates for the preparation of citalopram |