Abstract
The asymmetric synthesis of both enantiomers of modafinil, a unique CNS stimulant with a reduced abuse liability, is described. This approach effectively prepares modafinil on a multigram scale in several steps from benzhydrol. The described synthetic route has also been used to produce the more water soluble analogue, adrafinil. X-ray crystallographic analysis on (-)-(diphenylmethanesulfinyl)acetic acid has determined the absolute configuration to be R.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1053-1058 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Tetrahedron Asymmetry |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 22 2004 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors thank the College of Pharmacy and the Biological Sciences Funding Program of The University of Iowa for financial support of this work.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Catalysis
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry