Title of Invention

"CATALYST FOR THE PREPARATION OF HETEROCYCLIC HYDROXYAMINES"

Abstract

A process for the preparation of a compound of Formula (1) : Formula (1) wherein: X is S, O or NR1, wherein R5 is II or an organic group; R is II or an organic group; R1 and R2 each independently are II, optionally substituted alkyl or optionally substituted aryl; G is a substituent; and n is 0 to 3: which comprises the steps: (a) reacting a compound of Formula (2) with a compound of Formula NHR1 R2 to give a compound of Formula (3): Formula (2) Formula (3) wherein X, R, G and n are as defined above and R4 is optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl or a combination thereof; and (b) reducing the compound of Formula (3) to give a compound of Formula (I) is provided. Processes for the preparation of a compounds of Formula (2), novel compounds of Formula (3) and certain preferred catalysts of formula: Formula (A) wherein: R6 represents a neutral optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, a neutral optionally substituted perhalogenated hydrocarbyl, or an optionally substituted cyclopentadienyl ligand; A represents an optionally substituted nitrogen; B represents an optionally substituted nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur or phosphorous; 1! represents a linking group; M represents a metal capable of catalysing transfer hydrogenation; and Y represents an anionic group, a basic ligand or a vacant site; provided that at least one of A or B comprises a substituted nitrogen and the substituent has at least one chiral centre; and provided that when Y is not a vacant site that at least one of A or B carries a hydrogen atom, are also provided.

Full Text

PROCESSES FOR THE PREPARATION OF HETEROCYCLIC HYDROXYAMINES. AND INTERMEDIATES AND CATALYSTS FOR USE THEREIN This invention relates to processes for the preparation of heterocyclic hydroxyamines and to novel substituted heterocycles and catalysts. Heterocyclic hydroxyamines are important intermediates in the synthesis of many Pharmaceuticals. For example Duloxetine ((+)-N-methyl-3-(1-naphthalenyloxy)-2-thiophenepropanamine), a 5-HT and norepinephrine uptake inhibitor, is showing considerable promise as a potential treatment for depression and urinary incontinenance (US 5,023,269, US 4,956,388 and for a review see Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs (PharmaPress Ltd.) (2000), 1(1), 116-121). Processes for the manufacture of Duloxetine have been described in Deeter, et al., Tetrahedron Letters, 31(49), 7101-04 (1990); EP654264; US5,023,269; Liu et al., Chirality, 12(1), 26-29 (2000); EP457559; and Wheeler et al., J.Labelled Compd. Radiopharm, 36(3), 213-223 (1995). According to the present invention there is provided a process for the preparation of a compound of Formula (1): wherein: X is S, O or NR3, wherein R3 is H or an organic group; R is H or an organic group; R1 and R2 each independently are H, optionally substituted alkyl or optionally substituted aryl; G is a substituent; and n is 0 to 3: which comprises the steps: (a) reacting a compound of Formula (2) with a compound of Formula NHR1R2 to give a compound of Formula (3): (Figure Remove) wherein X, R, G and n are as defined above and R4 is optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl or a combination thereof; and (b) reducing the compound of Formula (3) to give a compound of Formula (1). A second aspect of the invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of Formula (3) whereby a compound of Formula (2) is reacted with a compound of Formula NHR1R2 to give a compound of Formula (3). A third aspect of the invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of Formula (1) in which a compound of Formula (3) is reduced to give a compound of Formula (1). When X is NR3, then R3 is preferably H, optionally substituted alkyl or optionally substituted aryl, more preferably H or optionally substituted C^alkyl. It is especially preferred that when X is NR3 then R3 is H. Preferably X is S. Preferably n is 0. Preferably R is H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl or a combination thereof or a hydroxy protecting group such as benzyl, benzoyl or tetrahydropyranyl. When R is optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkene or optionally substituted alkyne it may be a linear, branched or cyclic molecule. It is particularly preferred that R is H; optionally substituted alkyl, especially optionally substituted d.4alkyl; or optionally substituted aryl, especially optionally substituted phenyl or optionally substituted napthyl. It is especially preferred that R is H or napthyl. Optional substituents for R are preferably selected from: alkyl (preferably Ci^-alkyl), optionally substituted alkoxy (preferably C^-alkoxy), optionally substituted aryl (preferably phenyl), optionally substituted aryloxy (preferably phenoxy), polyalkylene oxide (preferably polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide), carboxy, phosphato, sulpho, nitro, cyano, halo, ureido, -SO2F, hydroxy, ester, -NRaRb, -CORa, -CONRaRb, -NHCOR3, carboxyester, sulphone, and -SO2NRaRb wherein Ra and Rb are each independently H or optionally substituted alkyl (especially C^-alkyl) or, in the case of -NRaRb, -CONRaRb and -SO2NRaRb, Ra and Rb together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached represent an aliphatic or aromatic ring system; or a combination thereof. The substituent G is preferably selected from the optional substituents as for R. Preferably R1 and R2 are H or optionally substituted d^alkyl. In a preferred embodiment one of R1 and R2 is H and the other is optionally substituted Chalky!. In an especially preferred embodiment one of R1 and R2 is H and the other is methyl. Optional substituents for R1 and R2 are preferably selected from: optionally substituted alkoxy (preferably C^-alkoxy), optionally substituted aryl (preferably phenyl), optionally substituted aryloxy (preferably phenoxy), polyalkylene oxide (preferably polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide), carboxy, phosphate, sulpho, nitro, cyano, halo, ureido, -SO2F, hydroxy, ester, -NRaRb, -CORa, -CONRaRb, -NHCOR3, carboxyester, sulphone, and -SO2NRaRb wherein Ra and Rb are each independently H or optionally substituted alkyl (especially C^-alkyl) or, in the case of -NRaRb, -CONRaRb and -SO2NRaRb, Ra and Rb together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached represent an aliphatic or aromatic ring system; or a combination thereof. Preferably compounds of Formula (1) prepared by a process according to the invention are of Formula (4): wherein X, G, n, R, R1 and R2are as defined above. In a compound of Formula (2) R4 preferably is optionally substituted alkyl or optionally substituted aryl, more preferably optionally substituted d.i2 alkyl or optionally substituted benzyl. It is especially preferred that R4 is optionally substituted CM alkyl, particularly ethyl. Preferred optional substituents for R4 are as for R1 and R2. Compounds of Formula (2) are preferably formed by acylating a compound of Formula (5): (Figure Remove) and n are as defined above, to give a compound of: where X, G, n, and R4 are as defined above, followed by reduction of the Bete-keto group so formed and optionally alkylating the hydroxyl group so formed. The compound of Formula (5) is preferably acylated by a dialkyl carbonate. Reduction of the Bete-keto group in compounds of Formula (6) may be carried out by any means known in the art to be able to reduce Bete-keto groups in compounds such as those of Formula (6). Preferably the reduction of the Bete-keto group in compounds of Formula (6) is achieved by reaction with a hydrogen source other than hydrogen gas. The hydrogen source is preferably formic acid; iso-propanol; cyclohexadiene; an organic formate salt, especially triethylamine or ammonia; an inorganic formate salt, especially potassium, sodium or lithium. More preferrably reduction of the Befa-keto group in compounds of Formula (6) to give a compound of Formula (2) may be by reaction with a mixture a of formic acid and triethylamine, preferably in a molar ratio of formic acid to triethylamine of from 10:1 to 1:1 and especially in a molar ratio of 5:2. The reduction of the Befa-keto group in compounds of Formula (6) is preferably a stereospecific reduction. The product of this reduction may be either the (S) or the (R) isomer. Preferably the product is produced in at least 80% e.e., more preferably in at least 90% e.e., and especially in at least 95% e.e. Preferably the product of the reduction is a compound of Formula (7): Where X, G, n and R4 are as defined above. When reduction of the Bete-keto group in a compound of Formula (6) is a stereospecific reduction it may be carried out by any means known in the art for the stereospecific reduction of Bete-keto groups. These include the use of chemical catalysts (for examples see Genet, J. P.; Ratovelomanana-Vidal, V.; Cano de Andrade, M. C.; Pfister, X.; Guerreiro, P.; Lenoir, J. Y. Tetrahedron Lett. 1995, 36, 4801; Guerreiro, P.; Cano de Andrade, M. C.; Henry, J. C.; Tranchier, J. P.; Phansavath, P.; Ratvelomanana-Vidal, V.; Genet, J. P.; Homri, T.; Touati, A. R.; Ben Hassine, B. C.R. Acad. Sci. Paris 1999, 2, 175; which are incorporated herein by reference; also reactions as described in "Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis" by Ojima, published by Wiley-VGH (ISBN 0-471-40027-0) and "Principle and Applications of Asymmetric Synthesis by Lin, Li and Chan published by Wiley inter-science (ISBN 0-471-29805-0)) or a biological catalyst such as a whole cell, an enzyme, a cell preparation or a cell free extract. Preferred catalysts are those asymmetric transfer hydrogenation catalysts which are described in WO97/20789, WO98/42643, and WO02/44111 which are herein incorporated by reference. Particularly preferred transfer hydrogenation catalysts are those Ru, Rh or Ir catalysts of the type described in WO97/20789, WO98/42643, and WO02/44111 which comprise an optionally substituted diamine ligand, for example optionally substituted ethylene diamine ligands, and a ligand which is selected from the group comprising optionally substituted neutral aromatic ligands, for example p-cymene, and optionally substituted cyclopentadiene ligands. Examples include: a\ Ir N'H Especially preferred are Ru, Rh or Ir catalysts of the type described in WO97/20789, WO98/42643, and WO02/441 1 1 which comprise an optionally substituted diamine ligand wherein at least one nitrogen atom of the optionally substituted diamine ligand is substituted with a group containing a chiral centre, particularly a sulphonyl group containing a chiral centre. Most preferred transfer hydrogenation catalysts for use in the process of the present invention have the general formula: wherein: R6 represents a neutral optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, a neutral optionally substituted perhalogenated hydrocarbyl, or an optionally substituted cyclopentadienyl ligand; A represents an optionally substituted nitrogen; B represents an optionally substituted nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur or phosphorous; E represents a linking group; M represents a metal capable of catalysing transfer hydrogenation; and Y represents an anionic group, a basic ligand or a vacant site; provided that at least one of A or B comprises a substituted nitrogen and the substituent has at least one chiral centre; and provided that when Y is not a vacant site that at least one of A or B carries a hydrogen atom. Preferably, A represents -NR7-, -NR8-, -NHR7, -NR7R8 or -NR8R9 where R7 is H, C(O)R9, SO2R9, C(O)NR9R13, C(S)NR9R13, C(=NR13)SR14 or C(=NR13)OR14, R8 and R9 each independently represents an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, perhalogenated hydrocarbyl or an optionally substituted heterocyclyl group, and R13 and R14 are each independently hydrogen or a group as defined for R9; and B represents -O-, -OH, OR10, -S-, -SH, SR10, -NR10-, -NR11-, -NHR11, -NR10R11, -NR10R12, -PR10- or-PR10R12 where R11 is H, C(0)R12, S02R12, C(0)NR12R15, C(S)NR12R15, C(=NR15)SR16 or C(=NR15)OR16, R10 and R12 each independently represents an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, perhalogenated hydrocarbyl or an optionally substituted heterocyclyl group, and R15 and R16 are each independently hydrogen or a group as defined for R12; provided that at least one of A or B comprises a substituted nitrogen and the substituent, represented by R7, R8, R9, R10, R11 or R12, has at least one chiral center. More preferably, A represents -NR7-, -NR8-, -NHR7, -NR7R8 or -NR8R9 where R7 is H, C(O)R9, SO2R9, C(O)NR9R13, C(S)NR9R13, C(=NR13)SR14 or C(=NR13)OR14, R8 and R9 each independently represents an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, perhalogenated hydrocarbyl or an optionally substituted heterocyclyl group, and R13 and R14 are each independently hydrogen or a group as defined for R9; and B represents -NR10-, -NR11-, -NHR11, -NR10R11, or -NR10R12 where R11 is H, C(O)R12, SO2R12, C(O)NR12R15, C(S)NR12R15, C(=NR15)SR16 or C(=NR15)OR16, R10and R12 each independently represents an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, perhalogenated hydrocarbyl or an optionally substituted heterocyclyl group, and R15 and R16 are each independently hydrogen or a group as defined for R12; provided that at least one of A or B comprises a substituted nitrogen and the substituent, represented by R7, R8, R9, R10, R11 or R12, has at least one chiral center. Preferably, when either of A or B is present as a group represented by -NR7-, -NHR7, NR7R8, -NR11-, -NHR11 or NR10R11 wherein R8 and R10 are as hereinbefore defined, and where R7 or R11 is a group represented by C(O)NR9R13, C(S)NR9R13, C(=NR13)SR14, C(=NR13)OR14, C(O)NR12R15, C(S)NR12R15, C(=NR15)SR16 or C(=NR15)OR16, that at least one of R9, R12, R14, R15 or R16 is an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, perhalogenated hydrocarbyl or an optionally substituted heterocyclyl group having at least one chiral center. More preferably, when either A or B is an amide group represented by -NR7-, -NHR7, NR7R8, -NR11-, -NHR11 or NR10R11 wherein R8 and R10 are as hereinbefore defined, and where R7 or R11 is an acyl group represented by -C(O)R9 or -C(O)R12, that R9 and R12 is an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, perhalogenated hydrocarbyl or an optionally substituted heterocyclyl group having at least one chiral center. Examples of acyl groups which may be represented by R7 or R11 include (R)-2-methyl-2-(4-methylphenyl)ethanoyl; (R)-2-methyl-2-(4-isobutylphenyl)ethanoyl; (R)-2-methyl-2-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)ethanoyl; (S)-2-hydroxy-2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethanoyl; and (R)-2-methyl-2-(3-pyridyl)ethanoyl. Most preferably, when either A or B is present as a sulphonamide group represented by -NR7-, -NHR7, NR7R8, -NR11-, -NHR11 or NR10R11 wherein R8 and R10 are as hereinbefore defined, and where R7 or R11 is a sulphonyl group represented by -S(0)2R9 or -S(0)2R12, that R9 and R12 is an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, perhalogenated hydrocarbyl or an optionally substituted heterocyclyl group having at least one chiral center. Preferred sulphonyl groups include (1R) 1-(7,7-dimethyl-2- oxobicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl)methanesulfonyl, (1S) 1-(7,7-dimethyl-2-oxobicyclo[2.2.1]hept- 1-yl)methanesulfonyl, (1R.2S) 1-(7,7-dimethyl-2-hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1- yl)methanesulfonyl, (1R.2R) 1-(7,7-dimethyl-2-hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1- yl)methanesulfonyl, (1S.2R) 1-(7,7-dimethyl-2-hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1- yl)methanesulfonyl, (1S.2S) 1-(7,7-dimethyl-2-hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1- yl)methanesulfonyl, (2S) 1-(6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene)-2-ethansulfonyl, (2R) 1- (6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene)-2-ethansulfonyl, (2S) 1-(6,6- dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene)-2-methansulfonyl, (2R) 1-(6,6- dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene)-2-methansulfonyl, (1R,2R,5R) 5-isopropyl-2- methylcyclohexansulfonyl, and (1S,2S,5R) 5-isopropyl-2-methylcyclohexansulfonyl, (1 S,2S,5R) 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexansulfonyl. It will be recognised that the precise nature of A and B will be determined by whether A and/or B are formally bonded to the metal or are coordinated to the metal via a lone pair of electrons. Hydrocarbyl groups which may be represented by one or more of R8"10 and R12"16, include alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and aryl groups, and any combination thereof, such as aralkyl and alkaryl, for example benzyl, alpha-methylbenzyl and trityl groups. Alkyl groups which may be represented by one or more of R8"10 and R12"16 include linear and branched alkyl groups comprising up to 20 carbon atoms, particularly from 1 to 7 carbon atoms and preferably from 1 to 5 carbon atoms. When the alkyl groups are branched, the groups often comprise up to 10 branched chain carbon atoms, preferably up to 4 branched chain atoms. In certain embodiments, the alkyl group may be cyclic, commonly comprising from 3 to 10 carbon atoms in the largest ring and optionally featuring one or more bridging rings. Examples of alkyl groups which may be represented by R8'10 and R12'16 include methyl, ethyl, propyl, 2-propyl, butyl, 2-butyl, t-butyl and cyclohexyl groups. Alkenyl groups which may be represented by one or more of R8"10 and R12'16 include C2.2o, and preferably C2.6 alkenyl groups. One or more carbon - carbon double bonds may be present. The alkenyl group may carry one or more substituents, particularly phenyl substituents. Examples of alkenyl groups include vinyl, styryl, cyclohexenyl, cyclopentenyl and indenyl groups. Alkynyl groups which may be represented by one or more of R8"10 and R12"16 include C2.2o, and preferably C2.io alkynyl groups. One or more carbon - carbon triple bonds may be present. The alkynyl group may carry one or more substituents, particularly phenyl substituents. Examples of alkynyl groups include ethynyl, propyl and phenylethynyl groups. Aryl groups which may be represented by one or more of R8"10 and R12"16may contain 1 ring or 2 or more fused rings which may include cycloalkyl, aryl or heterocyclic rings. Examples of aryl groups which may be represented by R8"10 and R12'16 include phenyl, tolyl, fluorophenyl, chlorophenyl, bromophenyl, trifluoromethylphenyl, anisyl, naphthyl and ferrocenyl groups. Perhalogenated hydrocarbyl groups which may be represented by one or more of R8"10 and R12"16 independently include perhalogenated alkyl and aryl groups, and any combination thereof, such as aralkyl and alkaryl groups. Examples of perhalogenated alkyl groups which may be represented by R8"10 and R12"16 include -CF3l -C2F5 and C8H3F15. Heterocyclic groups which may be represented by one or more of R8"10 and R12-16 independently include aromatic, saturated and partially unsaturated ring systems and may comprise 1 ring or 2 or more fused rings which may include cycloalkyl, aryl or heterocyclic rings. The heterocyclic group will contain at least one heterocyclic ring, the largest of which will commonly comprise from 3 to 7 ring atoms in which at least one atom is carbon and at least one atom is any of N, O, S or P. Examples of heterocyclic groups which may be represented by R8"10 and R12"16 include pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrrolyl, thiophenyl, furanyl, indolyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, imidazoyl, oxazolyl, piperidinyl, morpholinyl and triazoyl groups. When any of R8"10 and R12"16 is a substituted hydrocarbyl or heterocyclic group, the substituent(s) should be such so as not to adversely affect the rate or stereoselectivety of the reaction. Optional substituents include halogen, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, amino, imino, thiol, acyl, hydrocarbyl, perhalogenated hydrocarbyl, heterocyclyl, hydrocarbyloxy, mono or di-hydrocarbylamino, hydrocarbylthio, esters, carboxy, carbonates, amides, sulphonyl and sulphonamido groups wherein the hydrocarbyl groups are as defined for R8 above. One or more substituents may be present. R8"10 and R12"16 may each contain one or more chiral centres. The neutral optionally substituted hydrocarbyl or perhalogenated hydrocarbyl ligand which may be represented by R6 includes optionally substituted aryl and alkenyl ligands. Optionally substituted aryl ligands which may be represented by R6 may contain 1 ring or 2 or more fused rings which include cycloalkyl, aryl or heterocyclic rings. Preferably, the ligand comprises a 6 membered aromatic ring. The ring or rings of the aryl ligand are often substituted with hydrocarbyl groups. The substitution pattern and the number of substituents will vary and may be influenced by the number of rings present, but often from 1 to 6 hydrocarbyl substituent groups are present, preferably 2, 3 or 6 hydrocarbyl groups and more preferably 6 hydrocarbyl groups. Preferred hydrocarbyl substituents include methyl, ethyl, iso-propyl, menthyl, neomenthyl and phenyl. Particularly when the aryl ligand is a single ring, the ligand is preferably benzene or a substituted benzene. When the ligand is a perhalogenated hydrocarbyl, preferably it is a polyhalogenated benzene such as hexachlorobenzene or hexafluorobenzne. When the hydrocarbyl substitutents contain enantiomeric and/or diastereomeric centres, it is preferred that the enantiomerically and/or diastereomerically purified forms of these are used. Benzene, p-cymyl, mesitylene and hexamethylbenzene are especially preferred ligands. Optionally substituted alkenyl ligands which may be represented by R6 include C2-3o, and preferably C6-12, alkenes or cycloalkenes with preferably two or more carbon-carbon double bonds, preferably only two carbon-carbon double bonds. The carbon-carbon double bonds may optionally be conjugated to other unsaturated systems which may be present, but are preferably conjugated to each other. The alkenes or cycloalkenes may be substituted preferably with hydrocarbyl substituents. When the alkene has only one double bond, the optionally substituted alkenyl ligand may comprise two separate alkenes. Preferred hydrocarbyl substituents include methyl, ethyl, iso-propyl and phenyl. Examples of optionally substituted alkenyl ligands include cyclo-octa-1,5-diene and 2,5-norbornadiene. Cyclo-octa-1,5-diene is especially preferred. Optionally substituted cyclopentadienyl groups which may be represented by R6 includes cyclopentadienyl groups capable of eta-5 bonding. The cyclopentadienyl group is often substituted with from 1 to 5 hydrocarbyl groups, preferably with 3 to 5 hydrocarbyl groups and more preferably with 5 hydrocarbyl groups. Preferred hydrocarbyl substituents include methyl, ethyl and phenyl. When the hydrocarbyl substitutents contain enantiomeric and/or diastereomeric centres, it is preferred that the enantiomerically and/or diastereomerically purified forms of these are used. Examples of optionally substituted cyclopentadienyl groups include cyclopentadienyl, pentamethyl-cyclopentadienyl, pentaphenylcyclopentadienyl, tetraphenylcyclopentadienyl, ethyltetramethylpentadienyl, menthyltetraphenylcyclopentadienyl, neomenthyl-tetraphenylcyclopentadienyl, menthylcyclopentadienyl, neomenthylcyclopentadienyl, tetrahydroindenyl, menthyltetrahydroindenyl and neomenthyltetrahydroindenyl groups. Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl is especially preferred. Metals which may be represented by M include metals which are capable of catalysing transfer hydrogenation. Preferred metals include transition metals, more preferably the metals in Group VIII of the Periodic Table, especially ruthenium, rhodium or iridium. When the metal is ruthenium it is preferably present in valence state II. When the metal is rhodium or iridium it is preferably present in valence state I when R6 is a neutral optionally substituted hydrocarbyl or a neutral optionally substituted perhalogenated hydrocarbyl ligand, and preferably present in valence state III when R6 is an optionally substituted cyclopentadienyl ligand Anionic groups which may be represented by Y include hydride, hydroxy, hydrocarbyloxy, hydrocarbylamino and halogen groups. Preferably when a halogen is represented by Y, the halogen is chloride. When a hydrocarbyloxy or hydrocarbylamino group is represented by Y, the group may be derived from the deprotonation of the hydrogen donor utilised in the reaction. Basic ligands which may be represented by Y include water, C-M alcohols, C^g primary or secondary amines, or the hydrogen donor which is present in the reaction system. A preferred basic ligand represented by Y is water. The groups A and B are connected by a linking group E. The linking group E achieves a suitable conformation of A and B so as to allow both A and B to bond or coordinate to the metal, M. A and B are commonly linked through 2, 3 or 4 atoms. The atoms in E linking A and B may carry one or more substituents. The atoms in E, especially the atoms alpha to A or B, may be linked to A and B, in such a way as to form a heterocyclic ring, preferably a saturated ring, and particularly a 5, 6 or 7-membered ring. Such a ring may be fused to one or more other rings. Often the atoms linking A and B will be carbon atoms. Preferably, one or more of the carbon atoms linking A and B will carry substituents in addition to A or B. Substituent groups include those which may substitute R8, as defined above. Advantageously, any such substituent groups are selected to be groups which do not coordinate with the metal, M. Preferred substituents include halogen, cyano, nitro, sulphonyl, hydrocarbyl, perhalogenated hydrocarbyl and heterocyclyl groups as defined above. Most preferred substituents are Ci_6 alkyl groups, and phenyl groups. Most preferably, A and B are linked by two carbon atoms, and especially an optionally substituted ethyl moiety. When A and B are linked by two carbon atoms, preferably one or both of the carbon atoms are substituted or the two carbon atoms linking A and B may comprise part of an aromatic or aliphatic cyclic group, particularly a 5, 6 or 7-membered ring. Such a ring may be fused to one or more other such rings. Particularly preferred are embodiments in which E represents a 2 carbon atom separation and one or both of the carbon atoms carries an optionally substituted aryl group as defined above or E represents a 2 carbon atom separation which comprises a cyclopentane or cyclohexane ring, optionally fused to a phenyl ring. E preferably comprises part of a compound having at least one stereospecific centre. Where any or all of the 2, 3 or 4 atoms linking A and B are substituted so as to define at least one stereospecific centre on one or more of these atoms, it is preferred that at least one of the stereospecific centres be located at the atom adjacent to either group A or B. When at least one such stereospecific centre is present, it is advantageously present in an enantiomerically purified state. When B represents -O- or -OH, and the adjacent atom in E is carbon, it is preferred that B does not form part of a carboxylic group. Compounds which may be represented by A-E-B, or from which A-E-B may be derived by deprotonation, are often substituted aminoalcohols, including substituted 4-aminoalkan-1-ols, substituted 1-aminoalkan-4-ols, substituted 3-aminoalkan-1-ols, substituted 1-aminoalkan-3-ols, and especially substituted 2-aminoalkan-1-ols, substituted 1-aminoalkan-2-ols, substituted 3-aminoalkan-2-ols and substituted 2-aminoalkan-3-ols, and particularly substituted 2-aminoethanols or substituted 3-aminopropanols, or are substituted diamines, including substituted 1,4-diaminoalkanes, substituted 1,3-diaminoalkanes, especially substituted 1,2- or 2,3- diaminoalkanes and particularly substituted ethylenediamines. Further substituted aminoalcohols that may be represented by A-E-B are substituted 2-aminocyclopentanols and substituted 2-aminocyclohexanols, preferably fused to a phenyl ring. Further diamines that may be represented by A-E-B are substituted 1,2-diaminocyclopentanes and substituted 1,2-diaminocyclohexanes, preferably fused to a phenyl ring. When a diamine is represented by A-E-B, preferably at least one amino group is N-sulphonated with a chiral sulphonyl group, preferably camphor sulphonyl. The aminoalcohols or diamines are substituted on nitrogen with a substituted containing a chiral centre, advantageously the aminoalcohols or diamines are also substituted on the linking group, E, by at least one alkyl group, such as a C^-alkyl, and particularly a methyl, group or at least one aryl group, particularly a phenyl group. Specific examples of compounds which can be represented by A-E-B and the protonated equivalents from which they may be derived are: (Figure Remove) Preferably, the enantiomerically and/or diastereomerically purified forms of these are used. Examples include (1R) 1-(7,7-dimethyl-2-oxobicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1- yl)methanesulfonyl, (1S) 1 -(7,7-dimethyl-2-oxobicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1 -yl)methanesulfonyl, (1R.2S) 1-(7,7-dimethyl-2-hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl)methanesulfonyl, (1R.2R) 1-(7,7- dimethyl-2-hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1 ]hept-1 -yl)methanesulfonyl, (1 S,2R) 1 -(7,7-dimethyl-2- hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl)methanesulfonyl, (1S.2S) 1-(7,7-dimethyl-2- hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1 ]hept-1 -yl)methanesulfonyl(2S) 1 -(6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2- ene)-2-ethansulfonyl, (2R) 1-(6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene)-2-ethansulfonyl, (2S) 1 -(6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1 ]hept-2-ene)-2-methansulfonyl, (2R) 1 -(6,6- dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene)-2-methansulfonyl, (1R.2R.5R) 5-isopropyl-2- methylcyclohexansulfonyl, (1S,2S,5R) 5-isopropyl-2-methylcyclohexansulfonyl, and (1 S,2S,5R) 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexansulfonyl. Most preferably, the nature of A-E-B, R6 and Y are chosen such that the catalyst is chiral. When such is the case, an enantiomerically and/or diastereomerically purified form is preferably employed. Examples of these preferred catalysts which may be employed in the process of the present invention include: One example of these especially preferred catalysts can be prepared by reacting rhodium pentamethylcyclopentadiene dichloride dimer with (S)-N-camphorsulphonyl-(S,S)-diphenylethylenediamine under the conditions described in Example 6 of WO98/42643 to give a catalyst of Formula: (Figure Remove) Other examples of these especially preferred catalysts include chlororhodium-eta- 5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl N-[(1 S,2S)-2-amino-1,2-diphenylethyl]-1 -[(1 R)-7,7- dimethyl-2-oxobicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl]methanesulfonamide, chlororhodium-eta-5- pentamethylcyclopentadienyl N-[(1R,2R)-2-amino-1,2-diphenylethyl]-1-[(1R)-7,7-dimethyl- 2-oxobicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl]methanesulfonamide, chlororhodium-eta-5- pentamethylcyclopentadienyl N-[(1S,2S)-2-amino-1,2-diphenylethyl]-1-[(1S)-7,7-dimethyl- 2-oxobicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl]methanesulfonamide, chlororhodium-eta-5- pentamethylcyclopentadienyl N-[(1R,2R)-2-amino-1,2-diphenylethyl]-1-[(1S)-7,7-dimethyl- 2-oxobicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl]methanesulfonamide, chlororhodium-eta-5- pentamethylcyclopentadienyl N-[(1 S,2S)-2-amino-1,2-diphenylethyl]-1-[(1 R,2R)-7,7- dimethyl-2-hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl]methanesulfonamide, chlororhodium-eta-5- pentamethylcyclopentadienyl N-[(1S,2S)-2-amino-1,2-diphenylethyl]-1-[(1R,2S)-7,7- dimethyl-2-hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl]methanesulfonamide, chlororhodium-eta-5- pentamethylcyclopentadienyl N-[(1S,2S)-2-amino-1,2-diphenylethyl]-1-[(1S,2R)-7,7- dimethyl-2-hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl]methanesulfonamide, chlororhodium-eta-5- pentamethylcyclopentadienyl N-[(1S,2S)-2-amino-1,2-diphenylethyl]-1-[(1S,2S)-7,7- dimethyl-2-hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl]methanesulfonamide, chlororhodium-eta-5- pentamethylcyclopentadienyl N-[(1 R,2R)-2-amino-1,2-diphenylethyl]-1 -[(1 R,2R)-7,7- dimethyl-2-hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl]methanesulfonamide, chlororhodium-eta-5- pentamethylcyclopentadienyl N-[(1R,2R)-2-amino-1,2-diphenylethyl]-1-[(1R,2S)-7,7- dimethyl-2-hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl]methanesulfonamide, chlororhodium-eta-5- pentamethylcyclopentadienyl N-[(1R,2R)-2-amino-1,2-diphenylethyl]-1-[(1S,2R)-7,7- dimethyl-2-hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl]methanesulfonamide, and chlororhodium-eta-5- pentamethylcyclopentadienyl N-[(1 R,2R)-2-amino-1,2-diphenylethyl]-1 -[(1 S,2S)-7,7- dimethyl-2-hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl]methanesulfonamide. The reduction reaction may optionally be carried out under biphasic conditions and is preferably carried out in the absence of oxygen, for example under a nitrogen atmosphere. The preferred temperature range for this reaction is -30 to 90°C, especially 0 to 50°C. When X is S, preferred compounds of Formula (2), including compounds of Formula (8): where R5 is optionally substituted Chalky!. may be prepared by reacting 2-acetyl thiophene with a dialkyl carbonate, more preferably diethyl carbonate, in the presence of a base preferably an alkali salt of the alkyl salt corresponding to the dialkylcarbonate (eg sodium ethoxide if the dialkyl carbonate is diethyl carbonate), a non-nucleophilic base such as NaOtBu, KOtBu, LiOtBu, lithium diisopropylamide, Na, K or Li hexamethyldisylazide, Na in liquid ammonia, sodamide or an amine base with an activating Lewis acid (eg triethylamine with a Mg salt). Especially preferred bases are hydride salts, particularly sodium hydride and non-nucleophilic bases, particularly NaOtBu. R5 is preferably optionally substituted Chalky! and especially ethyl. The compound of Formula (8) is then preferably reduced by a stereospecific reduction, as described above, to give a compound of Formula (9): where R5 is as described above. The amidation of the compound of Formula (2) in step (a) may be carried out by any means known in the art. Preferably Step (a) of the process is performed in the presence of any organic solvent or mixture of organic solvents which is unreactive towards the reagents employed. Polar aprotic solvents are especially favoured. Examples of suitable solvents include toluene, tetrahydrofuran, acetonitrile, DMF and ethers. Step (a) of the invention is preferably carried out in the temperature range of from -20°C to 150°C. More preferably in the temperature range of from -10°C to 100°C. Step (a) of the process is advantageously allowed to proceed to at least 90% and more advantageously at least 95% conversion to a compound of Formula (3). The reaction time of step (a) of the process of the second aspect of the invention will depend on a number of factors, for example the reagent concentrations, the relative amounts of reagents, the presence of a catalyst, the nature of the solvent and particularly the reaction temperature. Typical reaction times, in addition to the reagent addition times, range from 1 minute to 200h hours, with reaction times of 5 minutes to 6 hours being common. When, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, one of R1 and R2 is H and the other is methyl, then step (a) preferably comprises reacting a compound of Formula (2) with methylamine. It is particularly preferred that the compound of Formula (2) and methylamine are both in solution in either a single or multiphase system. A preferred solvent system for step (a) comprises water and a water immiscible solvent, especially toluene. The reduction of the compound of Formula (3) in step (b) may be carried out using any suitable method known in the art. These methods include reduction by: lithium aluminium hydride, di-/so-butylaluminium hydride, lithium borohydride, lithium borohydride with methanol, catecholborane or borane or sodium borohydride preferably with an activating agent such as ethanol, CH3SO2H, H2SO4, pyridine, methanol, TiCI4 or CoCI2. Preferably reduction of the compound of Formula (3) in step (b) is by lithium aluminium hydride. Step (b) of the process can be performed without any solvent but is preferably performed in the presence of any organic solvent or mixture of organic solvents which is unreactive towards the reagents employed. Examples of suitable solvents include toluene, methanol, hexane, tetrahydrofuran, ethylacetate, octanol, acetonitrile and dimethylformamide. Tetrahydrofuran is especially favoured. Step (b) of the process is preferably performed in the absence of oxygen. Oxygen may be excluded by, for example, passing an inert gas, especially nitrogen, through the reaction mixture. Step (b) of the process may be carried out under reduced pressure. Step (b) of the second aspect of the invention is preferably carried out in the temperature range of from -20°C to 150°C and more preferably in the temperature range offrom10°Cto70°C. Step (b) of the process of the second aspect of the invention is advantageously allowed to proceed to at least 90% conversion and more preferably to at least 95% conversion, to a compound of Formula (1). The reaction time of step (b) of the process of the second aspect of the invention will depend on a number of factors, for example the reagent concentrations, the relative amounts of reagents and particularly the reaction temperature. Typical reaction times, in addition to the reagent addition times, range from 1 minute to 200 hours, with reaction times of 2 hours to 48 hours being common. A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of Formula (10): Formula (10) which comprises the steps: (a) reacting a compound of Formula (9): (Figure Remove)where R5 is optionally substituted Chalky!, with methylamine to give a compound of Formula (11): Formula (11) and (b) reducing the compound of Formula (11) to give the compound of Formula (10). The preferred reductant in step (b) is lithium aluminium hydride. A more preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of Formula (10): which comprises the steps: (i) acetylating 2-acetyl thiophene to give the compound of Formula (8): where R5 is optionally substituted Chalky!; (ii) reducing the compound of Formula (8) to give the compound of Formula (9): (Figure Remove)where R5 is optionally substituted Chalky!; (iii) reacting a compound of Formula (9) with methylamine to give a compound of Formula (11): Formula (11) and (iv) reducing the compound of Formula (11) to give the compound of Formula (10). Conditions for steps (i) to (iv) are as described and as preferred above. According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a compound of Formula (3) as defined above. In preferred compounds of Formula (3) R and X are as preferred in the first aspect of the invention. A preferred compound of Formula (3) is of Formula (12): A more preferred compound of Formula (3) is of Formula (11). Many of the compounds of Formulae (1) to (12) may exist in the form of a salt. These salts are included within the scope of the present inventions. The compounds of Formulae (1) to (12) may be converted to the salt form using known techniques. The compounds of Formulae (1) to (12) may exist in tautomeric forms other than those shown in this specification. These tautomers are also included within the scope of the present inventions. The invention will now be illustrated, without limitation, by the following examples. Example 1 Stage 1 Preparation of ethvl-3-oxo 3-(2-thiophenvl) propanoate Sodium hydride (60% dispersion in mineral oil, 100g, 2.5 mol) was washed with anhydrous hexane (2 x 250 ml) under a nitrogen atmosphere at room temperature. Anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (THF) (340 ml) was then added with stirring followed by 2-acetyl thiophene (136 ml, 1.25 mol) in anhydrous THF (340 ml) over period of 20 minutes. The reaction mixture was then warmed to 35°C. After 30 minutes diethyl carbonate (305.5 ml, 2.5 mol) in anhydrous THF (660 ml) was added over a period of 1 hour. After an additional hour the reaction mixture was cooled to -10°C, quenched with water (475 ml) and glacial acetic acid (145 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred for 20 minutes and then warmed to room temperature. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 200 ml). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (2 x 200 ml), dried with Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound as a crude dark orange oil in 98% yield (242.8g). Stage 2 Preparation of ethyl-3-(S)-hydroxv 3-(2-thiophenvl) propanoate QH o oet Rhodium pentamethylcyclopentadiene dichloride dimer (1.8705 g, 0.0030 mol) and (S)-N-camphorsulphonyl-(S,S)-diphenylethylenediamine (2.582 g, 0.0061 mol) were stirred in THF (378.5 ml) at 0°C under nitrogen to form a catalytic solution. Ethyl-3-oxo 3-(2-thiophenyl) propanoate (300 g, 1.513 mol, from stage 1) was stirred in THF (378.5 ml) at 10°C and sparged with nitrogen at a rate of 1.2 Lmin"1. A portion of the catalytic solution (78.5 ml) was added, and a mixture of formic acid and triethylamine in a molar ratio of 5:2 (327.1 g) was charged at a rate of 52.1 mlhr"1. Further portions of the catalytic solution (75 ml) were added every 1.5 hr. After the reaction had been shown to have gone to completion by GC, after about 24 hours, saturated aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (1 L) was added at room temperature to quench the reaction. The aqueous layer was extracted with toluene (400 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (400 ml, 10 % w/w solution) and dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate. The organic solution was concentrated under reduced pressure to give a dark brown oil in 97.5% yield (295.4 g). Stage 3 Preparation of 3-(S)-hvdroxv-N-methvl 3-(2-thiophenvl) propanamide Ethyl-3-(S)-hydroxy 3-(2-thiophenyl) propanoate (270 g, from stage 2) was dissolved in toluene (675 ml). To this, an aqueous methylamine solution (675 ml, 40 % w/w) was added with stirring over a period of 15 minutes at room temperature. Once the reaction had gone to completion after 1 hour, agitation was ceased and the organic layer was separated from the aqueous layer. Salt (100 g) was added to the aqueous layer which was then extracted with isopropyl acetate (2x500 ml). The organic extracts and the original organic layer were combined. Silica (250 g) was added and the resulting suspension was stirred for 20 minutes. The mixture was filtered and silica (250 g) was again added and the mixture was stirred for 20 minutes before being filtered. The resulting solution was concentrated under reduced pressure to give orange crystals (90.5 g, 36 %) as the product. Stage 4 Preparation of (S)-3-(N-methyl) amino 1-(2-thiophenvl) propan-1-ol 3-(S)-Hydroxy-N-methyl 3-(2-thiophenyl) propanamide (80g) was dissolved in anhydrous THF (320ml) under nitrogen with stirring. A solution of lithium aluminium hydride (648ml, 1 M) in THF was added at rate that kept the temperature constant at 50°C. When all the lithium aluminium hydride solution had been added the reaction mixture was held at 50°C for 50 minutes. The mixture was then cooled to -10°C and isopropanol (100 ml) was slowly added. A saturated sodium sulphate solution (310 ml) was then added and the mixture was filtered. The filter residues were washed with ethyl acetate (2x100 ml) and the aqueous layer was separated. The organic layer was washed with saturated brine (2x100 ml) and then dried over sodium sulphate. The organic solution was then concentrated under reduced pressure to give a dark orange oil (65 g, 88 %). Solvating the oil in toluene and stirring at 0°C overnight gave crystals as the final product that were filtered and dried on the filter. Example 2 Preparation of ethvl-3-(S)-hvdroxv 3-(2-thiophenyl) propanoate by biological reduction of ethyl-3-oxo 3-(2-thiophenyl) propanoate WE CLAIM: 1 .A catalyst of formula: (Formula Removed) wherein: R6 represents a neutral optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, a neutral optionally substituted perhalogenated hydrocarbyl, or optionally substituted cyclopentadienyl ligand: wherein either A or B is present as a sulphonamide group represented by -NR7-, -NHR7, NR7R8, -NR11-, -NHR11 or NR10R11 wherein R8 and R10 are as herein defined, and where R7 or R11 is an sulphonyl group represented by -S(0)2R9 or -S(0)2R12, that R9 and R12 is an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group which is a cyclic alkyl group comprising from 3 to 10 carbon atoms in the largest ring and optionally featuring one or more binding rings. R8 represents an optionally substituted heterocyclyl group, R10 represents an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, perhalogenated hydrocarbyl or an optionally substituted heterocyclyl group, E represents a linking group; M represents a metal capable of catalysing transfer hydrogenation; and Y represents an anionic group, a basic ligand or a vacant site; provided that at least one of A or B comprises a substituted nitrogen and the substituent has at least one chiral centre; and provided that when Y is not a vacant site that at least one of A or B carries a hydrogen atom. 2. A catalyst as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of R7 or R11 is (1R) 1-(7,7-dimethyl- 2-oxobicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-y!)methanesulfonyl, (1S) 1-(7,7-dimethyl-2- oxobicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl)methanesulfonyl, (1 R,2S) 1-(7,7-dimethyl-2- hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl)methanesulfonyl, (1R.2R) 1-(7.7-dimethyl-2- hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl)methanesulfonyl, (1S.2R) 1-(7,7-dimethyl-2- hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl)methanesulfonyl, (1S.2S) 1-(7,7-dimethyl-2- hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl)methanesulfonyl, (2S) 1-(6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2- ene)-2-ethansulfonyl, (2R) 1-(6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene)-2-ethansulfonyl. (2S) l-(6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3..l.l]hept-2-ene)-2-methansulfonyl, (2R) 1-(6,6- dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene)-2-methansu!fonyl, (1 R.2R.5R) 5-isopropyl-2- methylcyclohexansulfonyl, or (1S.2S.5R) 5-isopropyl-2-methylcyclohexansulfonyl, (1 S.2S.5R) 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexansulfonyl. 3. A catalyst as claimed in any of claims 1 or 2, wherein E is a linking group such that A and B are linked through 2, 3 or 4 atoms which are optionally substituted. 4. A catalyst as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the said catalyst is prepared by using a ligand of formula: (Formula Removed) and diastereomers or resolved forms thereof.

Documents:

982-DELNP-2005-Abstract (29-11-2007).pdf

982-delnp-2005-abstract.pdf

982-DELNP-2005-Claims (29-11-2007).pdf

982-delnp-2005-claims-(29-05-2008).pdf

982-delnp-2005-claims.pdf

982-DELNP-2005-Correspondence-others( 29-11-2007).pdf

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982-delnp-2005-correspondence-others-(29-05-2008).pdf

982-delnp-2005-correspondence-others.pdf

982-DELNP-2005-Description (Complete) (29-11-2007).pdf

982-delnp-2005-description (complete).pdf

982-delnp-2005-description (complete)29-05-2008.pdf

982-DELNP-2005-Form-1(29-11-2007).pdf

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982-delnp-2005-form-18.pdf

982-DELNP-2005-Form-2 (29-11-2007).pdf

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982-DELNP-2005-GPA 29-11-2007).pdf

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982-DELNP-2005-Petition -137 (29-11-2007).pdf

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