Abstract
A new and efficient process through a new intermediate, (2E)-2-cyano-3-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-nirtrophenyl)prop-2-enoic acid 15, has been described for preparing substantially pure entacapone 1. This new intermediate 15 was prepared by Knoevenagel condensation of 3,4-dihydroxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde 2 with 2-cyanoacetic acid 14 and was further condensed with diethylamine to get pure entacapone 1. Some of the important process-related impurities of entacapone (17, 18, 19, and 20) were also prepared easily from this intermediate 15.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors thank the management of Aurobindo Pharma Ltd., Research and Development Centre, for supporting this work. The authors also thank the Analytical Research Department for their valuable contribution.