| abstract |
Compounds of structure (1) are obtained by reduction of compounds of the structures (2a), (2b), (4a), (4b). Compounds of structure (1) in which R is hydrogen or an alkyl, aralkyl, aryl, acyl, alkoxycarbonyl, arylalkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl group and especially where Z is a hydrogen atom or a 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl group, are important intermediates for inter alia paroxetine. Disadvantages in the existing processes for preparation of such compounds are overcome, and so an alternative processes for their manufacture is provided. Paroxetine is the (-) trans isomer of 4-(4'fluorophenyl)-3-(3',4'-methylenedioxy-phenoxymethyl)-piperidine. This compound is used in therapy as the hydrochloride salt to treat inter alia depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Parkinson's disease and panic. |