Title of Invention

A PROCESS FOR THE KINETIC RESOLUTION OF RACEMATES OF COMPOUNDS

Abstract ABSTRACT IN/PCT/2000/352/CHE " A process for the Kinetic resolution of racemates of compounds" The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of optically pure compounds of 3(R)-and 3(S)-hydroxy-l-methyl-4-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine or of the carboxylic acid esters by stereodifferentiating reaction of the mixtures of enantiomers with the aid of an enzyme is described.
Full Text

Process for the enzymatic separation of enantiomers of 3(R)- and 3{S)-
hydroxy-1-methyl-4-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine or of the carboxylic acid esters
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of optically pure compounds of the formula (I) by stereodifferentiating reaction of the mixtures of enantiomers with the aid of an enzyme.
3(S)- and 3(R)-hydroxy-1-methyl-4-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (compounds of the formula (I) where R = H) or their ester derivatives (compounds of the formula (I) where R = COR ) are central units or precursors of the synthesis of flavopiridol
W099/37165 described in the patent application ("Process for
the preparation of (-)cis-3-hydroxy-1-methyl-4(R)-(2,4,6-trimethoxy-phenyl)piperidine"), of the first potent inhibitor of cyclin-dependent protein kinase (see, for example, Sedlacek, Hans Harald; Czech, Joerg; Naik, Ramachandra; Kaur, Gurmeet; Worland, Peter; Losiewicz, Michael; Parker, Bernard; Carlson, Bradley; Smith, Adaline; et al. Flavopiridol (L 86 8275; NSC 649890), a new kinase inhibitor for tumor therapy, Int. J. Oncol. (1996), 9(6), 1143-1168 or Czech, Joerg; Hoffmann, Dieter; Naik, Ramachandra; Sedlacek, Hans-Harald; Antitumoral activity of flavone L 86 8275. Int. J. Oncol. (1995), 6(1), 31-36).
A resolution of racemptes or separation of enantiomers of the compounds of the formula (I) is not known.
It has now been found that compounds of the formula (I) can be obtained in optically pure form from the mixtures of enantiomers by enzymatic ester cleavage (hydrolysis or alcoholysis).
The present invention thus relates to a process for the kinetic resolution of racemates of compounds of the formula (I),


which comprises subjecting enantiomer mixtures or racemic mixtures of compounds of the formula (I), in which
R is COR1 where R1 = (C1-C16)-alkyl, (C2-C16)-aikenyl or (C3-C16)-alkynyl, CnH2n-cycloalkyl where n = 1-16, which can be branched or unbranched and which can be substituted by 1-3 substituents from the group F, CI, Br, I, CF3, CN, NO2, hydroxyl, methoxy, ethoxy and COOR , where R1 = (C1-C4)-alkyl and (C2-C4)-alkenyl, which can be branched or unbranched and which can be substituted by 1-3 substituents from the group consisting of F, CI, Br, CF3,
in homogeneous or heterogeneous, aqueous, aqueous/organic or organic media in the presence of an enzyme, e.g. of a lipase or esterase, e.g. from mammalian livers or pancreases or microbial origin, such as, for example, from Candida, Pseudomonas and Aspergillus, or of a protease, e.g. from Bacillus, to a stereoselective hydrolysis or alcoholysis at a temperature of 10-80 C, if appropriate in the presence of cosolvents and of a buffer, the reaction mixture preferably containing 2-50% by weight of ester
and, after the reaction has taken place, separating the unreacted ester (compound of the formula (I) where R = COR ) and the alcohol formed (compound of the formula (I) where R = H) - and thus the two enantiomers.

The process according to the invention is economical, simple and rapid. The reaction does not require any equimolar amounts of optically pure auxiliaries, any expensive reagents, any disproportionately large amounts of solvent and any cost-intensive working steps. After the completion of the reaction, the separation of the products or of the enantiomers can be carried out by simple measures, e.g. by extraction.
Preferably, in the compounds of the formula (I)
1 1
R is COR where R = (Ci-Ci2)-alkyl, (C2-Ci2)-alkenyl or (C3-C12)-
alkynyl, CnH2n-cycloalkyl where n = 1-12, which can be branched or
unbranched and which can be substituted by 1-3 substituents from
the group consisting of F, CI, Br, CF3, CN, NO2, hydroxyl, methoxy,
2 2
ethoxy and COOR , where R = methyl, ethyl and vinyl, which can
be substituted by 1-3 substituents from the group consisting of F, CI,
CF3.
Particularly preferably, in the compounds of the formula (I)
R is COR^ where R^ = (Ci-Cio)-alkyl, (C2-Cio)-alkenyl or (C3-C10)-alkynyl, CnH2n-cycloalkyl where n = 1-10, which can be branched or unbranched and which can be substituted by 1-3 substituents from
the group consisting of F, CI, Br, CF3, CN, NO2, methoxy, and
2 2
COOR , where R = methyl, ethyl and vinyl, which can be
substituted by 1-3 substituents from the group consisting of F, CI,
CF3.
Very particularly preferably, in the compounds of the formula (I)
R is COR1 where R1 = (C1-C1o)-alkyl, (C2-Cio)-alkenyl or (C3-C10)-
alkynyl, which can be branched or unbranched and which can be substituted by 1-3 substituents from the group consisting of F, CI, Br, CF3, and methoxy.
A procedure is preferably used in the process in which an ester of the formula (I), for example R = COR^ where R = C3H7 or CsHiy, is treated with a lipase, esterase or protease in a water- or alcohol-containing solution and stirred. It may be advantageous to buffer the solution

mentioned, e.g. with phosphate or TRIS [= tris(hydroxymethyl)-methylamine] buffer. The addition can be, for example, 0.01-1.0 molar. A suitable buffer range is pH 5-9.
It may furthermore be advantageous to add cosolvents. Suitable cosolvents are, for example, dimethoxyethane, acetone, THF, dioxane, hexane, tert-butyl methyl ether and tert-butanol. The proportion of cosolvents in the solution is preferably 10-80%.
The enzymes employed are preferably lipases and esterases, such as, for example, cholesterol esterase (EC 3.1.1.13) from bovine pancreas (Sigma Chemical Co.), porcine liver esterase (PLE, Sigma Chemical Co.), pancreatin (Fluka and Sigma Chemical Co.), pancreas acetone powder from cattle (Sigma Chemical Co.), liver acetone powder from horses (Sigma Chemical Co.) and lipase from porcine pancreas (PPL, Sigma Chemical Co.), lipase OF from Candida rugosa (Meito Sangyo) and lipase AP-6 from Aspergillus niger (Amano Pharmaceuticals).
Each of the enzymes mentioned can be employed in free or in immobilized form (Immobilized Biocatalysts, W. Hartmeier, Springer Verlag Berlin, 1988). The amount of enzyme is freely selected depending on the reaction rate or on the reaction time desired and on the nature of the enzyme (e.g. free or immobilized) and is easy to determine by simple preliminary experiments.
The reaction mixture preferably contains 2-50% by weight of ester, particularly preferably 5-20%. The reaction temperature is 10-80 C, preferably 20-60°C, particularly preferably 20-40°C.
The preparation of the esters (compounds of the formula (I) where R = COR ) is expediently carried out from the alcohol (compound of the formula I where R = H) according to known methods of esterification (Haslam, Tetrahedron 1980, 36, 2409; Hofle, Steglich, Vorbrijggen, Angew. Chem. 1978, 90, 602) or as described in the patent application HMR 98/L 001 ("Process for the preparation of (-)cis-3-hydroxy-1-methyl-4(R )-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)piperidine").

The products resulting from or remaining In the process can be separated in a simple manner, e.g. by extraction or chromatographic methods. The remaining ester is obtained, for example, by partitioning the reaction solution between water and n-heptane and concentrating the organic phase. The resulting alcohol can then be extracted from the aqueous phase with ethyl acetate. The enzyme can be recovered by freeze-drying. The separation (and, if appropriate, later reuse) of the enzyme can be facilitated by immobilization.
By means of suitable conduct of the reaction, it is always possible to obtain at least one enantiomer optically pure. If optically pure ester is desired, the conversion should be over (or equal to) 50%, if optically pure alcohol is desired, the conversion should be smaller (or equal to) 50%. The conversion of the enzymatic hydrolysis or alcoholysis was determined using HPLC (RP 18 LiChrosorb®) and the determination of the optical purity was carried out by HPLC (Chiralpak AD). The esters resulting from or remaining in the racemate resolution process can be converted into the corresponding alcohol without inversion or racemization by known methods of ester cleavage (S.J. Salomon, E.G. Mata, O.A. Mascaretti, Tetrahedron 1993, 49, 3691-3748). Conversely, the resulting alcohol can be converted into the corresponding ester without inversion or racemization by known methods of esterification (Haslam, Tetrahedron 1980, 36, 2409).
The products resulting from or remaining in the process can be racemized and employed again in the racemate resolution according to known methods, e.g. by metal-catalyzed rearrangements (L. E. Overman, Angew. Chem. 1984, 96, 565-573 and literature already cited). This increases the yield to over 50%. For example, the compounds of the formula (I) where R = COR can be racemized directly and those of the formula (I) where R = H can be racemized, for example, after conversion into suitable derivatives, such as described in L.E. Overman, Angew. Chem. 1994, 96, 565-573. Metal catalysts which can be used are, for example, Hg(ll), Pd(0) or Pd(ll) compounds or salts.
The present invention is intended to be illustrated in greater detail by means of the following examples.

Examples:
All isolated products or crude product mixtures were identified by ^H-NMR and mass spectra or by HPLC.
The optical purity of the products was determined by HPLC, e.g. on Chiralpak AD 250 X 4.6 (Daicel).
Example 1:
"I 10 mg of the acetic acid ester [compound of the formula I where R =
2 2
COR and R = COCH3] were introduced into 1 ml of potassium
phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH = 7.0)/dimethoxyethane (5:1). 5 mg of
pancreatin were added. The mixture was stirred at 20-25 C until the
conversion had reached about 40% (HPLC). It was then filtered,
concentrated to dryness and the resulting mixture was investigated by
HPLC (Chiralpak AD 250 x 4.6, n-hexane + EtOH 5 + 1, flow 1 ml/min,
25°C, 220/240 nm):
ee of the remaining (R)-acetic acid ester: 63%; ee of the (S)-alcohol: 85%.
Example 2:
10 mg of the butyric acid ester [compound of the formula I where R =
2 2
COR and R = CO(CH2)2CH3] were introduced into 1 ml of potassium
phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH = 7.0)/dimethoxyethane (5:1). 5 mg of PPL
(lipase from porcine pancreas, Sigma Chemical Co.) were added. The
mixture was stirred at 30 C until the conversion had reached about 48%
(HPLC). It was then filtered, concentrated to dryness and the resulting
mixture was investigated by HPLC (Chiralpak AD 250 x 4.6, n-hexane +
EtOH 6 + 1, flow 1 ml/min, 25°C, 220/240 nm):
ee of the (R)-butyric acid ester: 90%; ee of the (S)-alcohol: 97%.
Example 3:
1.0 g (2.86 mmol) of the butyric acid ester [compound of the formula I where R^ = COR and R^ = CO(CH2)2CH3] were introduced into 8 ml of dimethoxyethane and 40 ml of potassium phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH = 7.0). 90 mg of pancreatin were added. The mixture was stirred at 22-25 C until the conversion had exceeded 50%. It was then concentrated in vacuo, mixed with water and extracted six times with about 50 ml of n-heptane. After drying (Na2S04), it was concentrated in vacuo. 450 mg (45%) of the (R)-butyric acid ester were obtained; ee (HPLC): > 99%. After extraction of

the remaining aqueous phase with ethyl acetate, drying (Na2S04) and concentrating in vacuo, 190 mg (23.8%) of the (S)-alcohol were obtained; ee (HPLC): 97%.
Example 4:
10 mg of the butyric acid ester [compound of the formula I where R =
2 2
COR and R = CO(CH2)2CH3] were introduced into 1 ml of potassium
phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH = 7.0)/dimethoxyethane (5:1). 5 mg of PPL
were added. The mixture was stirred at 30 C until a conversion of about
48% (HPLC) was reached. It was then filtered, concentrated to dryness
and the resulting mixture was investigated by HPLC (Chiralpak AD 250 x
4.6, n-hexane + EtOH 6 + 1, flow 1 ml/min, 25°C, 220/240 nm):
ee of the (R)-butyric acid ester: 90%; ee of the (S)-alcohol: 97%.
Example 5:
10 mg of the butyric acid ester [compound of the formula I where R =
2 2
COR and R = CO(CH2)2CH3] were introduced into 1 ml of potassium
phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH = 7.0)/dimethoxyethane (5:1). 5 mg of PLE
(porcine liver esterase, Sigma Chemical Co.) were added. The mixture was
stirred at 30°C until a conversion of about 47% (HPLC) was reached. It
was then filtered, concentrated to dryness and the resulting mixture was
investigated by HPLC (Chiralpak AD 250 x 4.6, n-hexane + EtOH 6 + 1,
flow 1 ml/min, 25°C, 220/240 nm):
ee of the (R)-butyric acid ester: 88%; ee of the (S)-alcohol: 97%.
Example 6:
10 mg of the caproic acid ester [compound of the formula I where R =
2 2
COR and R = CO(CH2)4CH3] were introduced into 1 ml of potassium
phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH = 7.0)/dimethoxyethane (5:1). 5 mg of PLE
were added. The mixture was stirred at 30 C until a conversion of about
40% (HPLC) was reached. It was then filtered, concentrated to dryness
and the resulting mixture was investigated by HPLC (Chiralpak AD 250 x
4.6, n-hexane + EtOH 6 + 1, flow 1 ml/min, 25°C, 220/240 nm):
ee of the (R)-caproic acid ester: 66%; ee of the (S)-alcohol: 96%.
Example 7:
10 mg of the caproic acid ester [compound of the formula I where R =
2 2
COR and R = CO(CH2)4CH3] were introduced into 1 ml of potassium

phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH = 7.0)/dimethoxyethane (5:1). 5 mg of cholesterol esterase from bovine pancreas were added. The mixture was stirred at 30 C until a conversion of about 50% (HPLC) was reached. It was then filtered, concentrated to dryness and the resulting mixture was investigated by HPLC (Chiralpak AD 250 x 4.6, n-hexane + EtOH 6 + 1, flow 1 ml/min, 25°C, 220/240 nm): ee of the (R)-caproic acid ester: > 99.8%; ee of the (S)-alcohol: > 99.8%.
Example 8:
10 mg of the capric acid ester [compound of the formula I where R =
2 2
COR and R = CO(CH2)8CH3] were introduced into 1 ml of potassium
phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH = 7.0)/dimethoxyethane (5:1). 5 mg of PPL
were added. The mixture was stirred at 30 C until a conversion of about
10% (HPLC) was reached. It was then filtered, concentrated to dryness
and the resulting mixture was investigated by HPLC (Chiralpak AD 250 x
4.6, n-hexane + EtOH 6 + 1, flow 1 ml/min, 25°C, 220/240 nm):
ee of the (R)-capric acid ester: > 11%; ee of the (S)-alcohol: 95%.
Example 9:
10 mg of the butyric acid ester [compound of the formula I where R =
2 2
COR and R = CO(CH2)2CH3] were introduced into 1 ml of potassium
phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH = 7.0)/dimethoxyethane (5:1). 5 mg of horse
liver acetone powder were added. The mixture was stirred at 30 C until a
conversion of about 46% (HPLC) was reached. It was then filtered,
concentrated to dryness and the resulting mixture was investigated by
HPLC (Chiralpak AD 250 x 4.6, n-hexane + EtOH 6 + 1, flow 1 ml/min,
25°C, 220/240 nm):
ee of the (R)-butyric acid ester: 82%; ee of the (S)-alcohol: 96%.


WE CLAIM:

which comprises subjecting enantiomer mixtures or racemic mixtures of compounds of the formula (I), in which
R is COR1 where R1 = (C1-C16)-alkyl, (C2-C16)-alkenyl or (C3-C16)-alkynyl, CnH2n-cycloalkyl where n = 1-16, which can be branched or unbranched and which can be substituted by 1-3 substituents from the group F, CI, Br, I, CF3, CN, NO2, hydroxyl, methoxy, ethoxy and COOR^, where R2 = (C1-C4)-alkyl and (C2-C4)-aikenyl, which can be branched or unbranched and which can be substituted by 1-3 substituents from the group consisting of F, CI, Br, CF3,
in homogeneous or heterogeneous, aqueous, aqueous/organic or organic media in the presence of an enzyme,selected from lipase, estrase or protease
to a stereoselective hydrolysis or alcoholysis at a temperature of 10-80 C, if appropriate in the presence of cosolvents and of a buffer, the reaction mixture preferably containing 2- 50% by weight of ester

add, after the reaction has taken place, separating the unreacted ester (compound of the formula (I) where R = COR ) and the alcohol formed (compound of the formula (I) where R = H) - and thus the two enantiomers.
2. The process for the kinetic resolution of racemates of compounds of
the formula (I), as claimed in claim 1, wherein
R is COR1 where R = (C1-C12)-aikyl, (C2-C12)-alkenyl or (C3-C12)-alkynyl, CnH2n-cycloalkyl where n = 1-12, which can be branched or unbranched and which can be substituted by 1-3 substituents from
the group consisting of F, CI, Br, CF3, CN, NO2, hydroxy!, methoxy,
2 2
ethoxy and COOR , where R = methyl, ethyl and vinyl, which can
be substituted by 1-3 substituents from the group consisting of F, CI,
CF3.
3. The process for the kinetic resolution of racemates of compounds of
the formula (I), as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein
R is COR^ where R = (Ci-Cio)-alkyl, (C2-Cio)-alkenyl or (C3-C10)-
alkynyl, CnH2n-cycloalkyl where n = 1-10, which can be branched or
unbranched and which can be substituted by 1-3 substituents from
the group consisting of F, CI, Br, CF3, CN, NO2, methoxy, and
2 2
COOR , where R = methyl, ethyl and vinyl, which can be
substituted by 1-3 substituents from the group consisting of F, CI,
CF3.
4. The process for the kinetic resolution of racemates of compounds of
the formula (I) as claimed in claims 1 to 3, wherein
R is COR1 where R1 = (C1-C1o)-alkyl, (C2-C1o)-alkenyl or (C3-C10)-
alkynyl, which can be branched or unbranched and which can be substituted by 1-3 substituents from the group consisting of F, CI, Br, CF3, and methoxy.


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Patent Number 224836
Indian Patent Application Number IN/PCT/2000/352/CHE
PG Journal Number 49/2008
Publication Date 05-Dec-2008
Grant Date 23-Oct-2008
Date of Filing 05-Sep-2000
Name of Patentee SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
Applicant Address BRUNINGSTRASSE 50, D-65929 FRANKFURT AM MAIN,
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 HOLLA WOLFGANG KUCHUCKSWEG 7, 65779 KELKHEM,
PCT International Classification Number C12P41/00
PCT International Application Number PCT/EP99/01113
PCT International Filing date 1999-02-20
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 19809649.6 1998-03-06 Germany