METHOD FOR THE PREPARATION OF CHIRAL BENZODIAZEPINONE DERIVATIVES

Description

FIELD

[0001] Disclosed, but not claimed, are methods of preparing compounds of Formula (I), as well as other compounds derived therefrom, wherein the compounds are represented by the structure of Formula (I): wherein: R 1< each is independently F, Cl, Br, I, OCH 3 , CN or NO 2 ; R 2< each is independently identical or different C 1 -C 5 alkyl; n 1< is an integer between 1 and 5; and n 2< is an integer between 1 and 4.

[0002] Also disclosed, but not claimed, is a compound represented by the following structure: its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, or a combination thereof.

[0003] Also disclosed, but not claimed, is a compound represented by the following structure: wherein X comprises: chloride, acetate, adipate, alginate, ascorbate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, borate, butyrate, citrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydroiodide, maleate, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oxalate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, salicylate, succinate, sulfate, sulfonate, tartrate, thiocyanate, toluenesulfonate, or undecanoate salt, or any combination thereof.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Benzodiazepinone compounds are useful as pharmaceutically active ingredients in the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries. For example, the gamma-secretase inhibitor (GSI) (2R,3S)-N-[(3S)-5-(3-Fluorophenyl)-9-methyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-3-yl]-2,3-bis(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)succinimide: is showing promising results in current clinical trials for the treatment of various cancers, particularly cancers with defects in Notch regulation (see US Patent 9,273,014).

[0005] Since (2R,3S)-N-[(3S)-5-(3-Fluorophenyl)-9-methyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-3-yl]-2,3-bis(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)succinimide is chiral, an efficient and diastereoselective preparation of the chiral compound in a pure form is needed.

[0006] US Patent 9,273,014 discloses a precursor to (2R,3S)-N-[(3S)-5-(3-Fluorophenyl)-9-methyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-3-yl]-2,3-bis(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)succinimide, which is a compound represented by the following structure: In US Patent 9,273,014, Compound (1) is prepared as described in Scheme 1 below. In brief, Compound (a) is resolved using chiral Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC) to form chiral Compound (b); which is then hydrolyzed to produce Compound (1). However, chiral chromatographic methods, such as SFC and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), are expensive, time-consuming and tedious methods of producing chiral compounds. In addition, these methods have a theoretical yield of only 50 %.

[0007] WO2014 / 047392A1 and WO2014 / 047374A1 disclose fluoroalkyl-1,4-benzodiazepinone compounds and their use as Notch inhibitors.

[0008] WO2014 / 047372A1 discloses bis(fluoroalkyl)-1,4-benzodiazepinone compounds and their use as Notch inhibitors.

[0009] WO2014 / 047397A1 discloses fluoroalkyl and fluorocycloalkyl 1,4-benzodiazepinone compounds and their use as Notch inhibitors.

[0010] CN105439939A discloses a method for synthesizing (S)-N-Boc-3-hydroxypiperidine.

[0011] WO2010 / 073253 discloses methods for preparing optically active frovatriptan.

[0012] Pothiappan et al., Journal of Chemical Sciences, vol. 120, no. 1, 1 January 2008 (2008-01-01), pages 175-179 discloses enantiomerically pure (R,R)-(+)-2,3-diphenylpiperazine with 98% ee and its preparation.

[0013] Blaschke et al., "New Trends in Synthetic Medicinal Chemistry", 28 January 2000 (2000-01-28), Wiley -VCH, XP055847572, ISBN: 9783527613403 pages 139-173 describes various methods in synthetic medicinal chemistry including with compounds that include a free amino group.

[0014] EP3162793A1 discloses a method for chiral resolution of N-[4-(1-aminoethyl)-phenyl]-sulfonamide derivatives.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The invention is defined by the claims. Any subject matter falling outside the scope of the claims is provided for information purposes only.

[0016] In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preparing Compound (1b), comprising the step of: reacting Compound (1a) with L-pyroglutamic acid (L-PGA), in the presence of solvent; with or without catalyst to obtain Compound (1b); and optionally wherein the yield of Compound (1b) is greater than 50%.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preparing Compound (1d), comprising the steps of: reacting Compound (1a) with D-pyroglutamic acid (D-PGA), in the presence of solvent; with or without catalyst to obtain Compound (1d); and optionally wherein the yield of Compound (1d) is greater than 50%.

[0018] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preparing Compound (1c), comprising the steps of: a) reacting Compound (1b): with a base and solvent to provide Compound (1); and b) reacting compound (1) with S (+) camphor sulfonic acid (CSA): to provide Compound (1c).

[0019] Also disclosed, but not claimed, is a method of preparing the compound of Formula (Ib), wherein: R 1< each is independently Cl, F, Br, I, OCH 3 , CN or NO 2 ; R 2< each is independently identical or different C 1 -C 5 alkyl; n 1< is an integer between 1 and 5; and n 2< is an integer between 1 and 4; comprising the step of reacting the compound of Formula (Ia) with L-pyroglutamic acid (L-PGA), in the presence of solvent with or without catalyst to obtain a compound of Formula (Ib).

[0020] Also disclosed, but not claimed, is a method of preparing the compound of Formula (Id), wherein R 1< each is independently Cl, F, Br, I, OCH 3 , CN or NO 2 ; R 2< each is independently identical or different C 1 -C 5 alkyl; n 1< is an integer between 1 and 5; and n 2< is an integer between 1 and 4; comprising the step of reacting the compound of Formula (Ia) with D-pyroglutamic acid (D-PGA), in the presence of solvent and with or without catalyst to obtain a compound of Formula (Ib).

[0021] Also disclosed, but not claimed, is a method of preparing the compound of Formula (Ic), comprising the steps of: a) reacting the compound of Formula (Ib): with a base and solvent to provide a compound of Formula (I); and b) reacting the compound of Formula (I) with S (+) camphor sulfonic acid (CSA): to provide a compound of Formula (Ic), wherein R 1< each is independently Cl, F, Br, I, OCH 3 , CN or NO 2 ; R 2< each is independently identical or different C 1 -C 5 alkyl; n 1< is an integer between 1 and 5; and n 2< is an integer between 1 and 4.

[0022] Also disclosed, but not claimed, is a compound represented by the following structure: its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, or a combination thereof wherein the salt comprises chloride, acetate, adipate, alginate, ascorbate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, borate, butyrate, citrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydroiodide, maleate, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oxalate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, salicylate, succinate, sulfate, sulfonate, tartrate, thiocyanate, toluenesulfonate or undecanoate salt or any combination thereof.

[0023] Also disclosed, but not claimed, is a compound represented by the following structure: wherein X comprises: chloride, acetate, adipate, alginate, ascorbate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, borate, butyrate, citrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydroiodide, maleate, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oxalate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, salicylate, succinate, sulfate, sulfonate, tartrate, thiocyanate, toluenesulfonate, or undecanoate salt, or any combination thereof.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 depicts an HPLC chromatogram, showing the chiral purity of Compound (1b). Figure 2 depicts an HPLC chromatogram, showing the chiral purity of Compound (1c). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0025] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.Method of Preparing Compounds of Formula (I) and Salts thereof

[0026] Disclosed herein, but not claimed, is a method of preparing a compound of Formula (Iz), comprising the step of reacting a compound of Formula (Ia): with X 1< to provide a compound of Formula (Iz): wherein X 1< is a chiral salt; R 1< each is independently F, Cl, Br, I, OCH 3 , CN or NO 2 ; R 2< each is independently identical or different C 1 -C 5 alkyl; n 1< is an integer between 1 and 5; and n 2< is an integer between 1 and 4.

[0027] It may be that, the chiral salt comprises L-pyroglutamic acid (L-PGA), L-Aspartic acid, L-Leucine, S-Mandelic acid, N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, N-Acetyl-L-Valine, S(+)CSA (camphor sulfonic acid) and L-Glutamic acid.

[0028] Also disclosed herein, but not claimed, is a method of preparing a compound of Formula (Ib), comprising the step of reacting a compound of Formula (Ia): with to provide a compound of Formula (Ib): wherein R 1< each is independently F, Cl, Br, I, OCH 3 , CN or NO 2 ; R 2< each is independently identical or different C 1 -C 5 alkyl; n 1< is an integer between 1 and 5; and n 2< is an integer between 1 and 4.

[0029] It may be that the compounds of Formulas (Iz), (Ia) and (Ib) are represented by the compounds of Formulas (Iz-1), (Ia-1) and (Ib-1), respectively:

[0030] It may be that the compounds of Formulas (Iz), (Ia) and (Ib) are represented by Compounds (1z), (1a) and (1b), respectively, having the following structures:

[0031] Also disclosed, but not claimed, is a method of preparing a compound of Formula (I), (I-1) or Compound (1), comprising the step of reacting said compound of Formula (Iz), (Iz-1) or (1z): with a base to provide a compound of Formula (I), (I-1) or Compound (1), respectively: wherein X 1< is selected from L-pyroglutamic acid (L-PGA ), L-Aspartic acid, L-Leucine, S-Mandelic acid, N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, N-Acetyl-L-Valine, S(+)CSA (camphor sulfonic acid) and L-Glutamic acid; R 1< each is independently F, Cl, Br, I, OCH 3 , CN or NO 2 ; R 2< each is independently identical or different C 1 -C 5 alkyl; n 1< is an integer between 1 and 5; and n 2< is an integer between 1 and 4.

[0032] Also disclosed herein, but not claimed, is a method of preparing a compound of Formula (I), (I-1) or Compound (1), comprising the step of reacting said compound of Formula (Ib), (Ib-1) or (1b): with a base to provide a compound of Formula (I), (I-1) or Compound (1), respectively: wherein R 1< each is independently F, Cl, Br, I, OCH 3 , CN or NO 2 ; R 2< each is independently identical or different C 1 -C 5 alkyl; n 1< is an integer between 1 and 5; and n 2< is an integer between 1 and 4.

[0033] The method may further comprise the step of converting the free-base compound of Formula (I), (I-1) or Compound (1) to its pharmaceutically acceptable salt via e.g. addition of the respective acid, for example hydrochloric acid to this compound to get the chloride salt. In another embodiment, the salt is chloride, acetate, adipate, alginate, ascorbate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, borate, butyrate, citrate, camphorate, pyroglutamate, camphorsulfonate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, maleate, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oxalate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, salicylate, succinate, sulfate, sulfonate, tartrate, thiocyanate, toluenesulfonate, or undecanoate salt, or any combination thereof.

[0034] Surprisingly, L-PGA was the most successful of the chiral acids of X 1< in the resolution of racemic Compound (1a) and provision of a pure Compound (1). In another embodiment, the CSA (camphor sulfonic acid) salt of the S(+) enantiomer of Formula (Ia),(Ia-1) or Compound (1a) (represented by Formula (Ic), (Ic-1a) or Compound (1c); see below) was formed upon reacting the compound represented by Formula (Ib),(Ib-1) or Compound (1b) (structures as provided hereinabove) with base, followed by reaction with S(+)CSA. The formed S(+) CSA salt (represented by the structures of Formula (Ic), (Ic-1) or Compound (1c)) was obtained in high chiral purities, of above 99%, above 99.1%, above 99.2%, above 99.3%, above 99.4%, above 99.5%, above 99.6% or above 99.7%. In one embodiment, the chiral purity of the CSA salts (represented by e.g. Formula (Ic)) is higher than the chiral purity of the PGA salts (represented by e.g. Formula (Ib)). In another embodiment, the chiral purity of the CSA salts is lower, similar or equal to the chiral purity of the PGA salts. or

[0035] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of preparing a compound of Formula (Ic), (Ic-1) or Compound (1c), comprising the steps of: a) reacting said compound of Formula (Ib), (Ib-1) or (1b): with a base to provide a compound of Formula (I), (I-1) or Compound (1), respectively: b) reacting S (+) CSA: with the compound of Formula (I), (I-1) or Compound (1), to provide a compound of Formula (Ic), (Ic-1) or Compound (1c), respectively: or wherein R 1< each is independently F, Cl, Br, I, OCH 3 , CN or NO 2 ; R 2< each is independently identical or different C 1 -C 5 alkyl; n 1< is an integer between 1 and 5; and n 2< is an integer between 1 and 4.

[0036] Also disclosed, but not claimed is a method of preparing a compound of Formula (I), (I-1) or Compound (1), comprising the step of reacting said compound of Formula (Ic), (Ic-1) or Compound (1c) with a base as described hereinabove for the method with Formula (Ib), (Ib-1) or Compound (1b).

[0037] In this regard, it should be noted that reaction of the racemic compound (represented by the structure of Formula (Ia), Formula (Ia-1) or Compound (1a)) with the chiral CSA does not lead to resolution of the racemic compound. Instead, chiral CSA is replacing the chiral PGA within the chiral salt (the compound represented by Formula (Ib), (Ib-1) or Compound (1b)), via in-situ formation of chiral amine free-base.

[0038] It may be that, reacting the compound represented by Formula (Ia), (Ia-1) or Compound (1a) with the acid with the inverse chirality (e.g. D-PGA instead of L-PGA) in the method as described hereinabove leads to the formation of the enantiomeric salt of the compound represented by Formula (Ib), (Ib-1) or Compound (1b). This compound is represented by the structure of Formula (Izi), (Izi-1a) or Compound (1zi): or wherein X 1i< is selected from D-pyroglutamic acid (D-PGA), D-Aspartic acid, D-Leucine, R-Mandelic acid, N-Acetyl-D-Tyrosine, N-Acetyl-D-Valine, R(-)CSA (camphor sulfonic acid) and D-Glutamic acid; R 1< each is independently F, Cl, Br, I, OCH 3 , CN or NO 2 ; R 2< each is independently identical or different C 1 -C 5 alkyl; n 1< is an integer between 1 and 5; and n 2< is an integer between 1 and 4.

[0039] It may be that reacting the compound represented by Formula (Ia), (Ia-1) or Compound (1a) with D-PGA instead of L-PGA in the method as described hereinabove leads to the formation of the enantiomeric salt of the compound represented by Formula (Ib), (Ib-1) or Compound (1b). This compound is represented by the structure of Formula (Id), (Id-1a) or Compound (1d): or

[0040] In non-claimed embodiments, the methods of preparing the compound of Formula (Iz), (Izi), (Iz-1), (Izi-1) or Compound (1z) or (1zi) further comprise a step of adding an anti-solvent to the reaction mixture, following quenching of the reaction; and reacting this mixture with the anti-solvent, where Formula (Iz), (Izi), (Iz-1), (Izi-1) or Compound (1z) or (1zi) are as defined hereinabove. In one embodiment, the methods comprise the steps of: a. reacting a compound of Formula (Ia), (Ia-1) or Compound (1a) with X 1< or X 1i< to provide a compound of Formula (Iz), (Izi), (Iz-1), (Izi-1) or Compound (1z) or (1zi); b. quenching the reaction of step (a); c. adding an anti-solvent to the reaction mixture of step (b); and d. reacting the mixture of step (b) with the anti-solvent, wherein Formulas (Ia), (Ia-1), (Iz), (Izi), (Iz-1), (Izi-1) and Compounds (1a), (1z) and (1zi) are as defined hereinabove.

[0041] It may be that the methods of preparing the compound of Formula (Ib), (Ib-1) or Compound (1b) further comprise a step of adding an anti-solvent to the reaction mixture, following quenching of the reaction; and reacting this mixture with the anti-solvent, where Formulas (Ib), (Ib-1) and Compound (1b) are as defined hereinabove. In one embodiment, the methods comprise the steps of: a. reacting a compound of Formula (Ia), (Ia-1) or Compound (1a) with L-pyroglutamic acid (L-PGA) to provide a compound of Formula (Ib), (Ib-1) or Compound (1b); b. quenching the reaction of step (a); c. adding an anti-solvent to the reaction mixture of step (b); and d. reacting the mixture of step (b) with the anti-solvent, wherein Formulas (Ia), (Ia-1), (Ib), (Ib-1), and Compounds (1a) and (1b) are as defined hereinabove.

[0042] The disclosed, but not claimed, methods of preparing the compound of Formula (Iz), (Izi), (Iz-1), (Izi-1) or Compound (1z) or (1zi) may further comprise the step of adding an anti-solvent and a catalyst to the reaction mixture and reacting the mixture with the anti-solvent and the catalyst, where Formula (Iz), (Izi), (Iz-1), (Izi-1) or Compound (1z) or (1zi) are as defined hereinabove. The methods may comprise the steps of: a. reacting a compound of Formula (Ia), (Ia-1) and Compound (1a) with X 1< or X 1i< for a period of time, to provide a compound of Formula (Iz), (Izi), (Iz-1), (Izi-1) or Compound (1z) or (1zi); b. adding a catalyst to the reaction mixture of step (a) and reacting the reaction mixture of step (a) with the catalyst for additional period of time; c. quenching the reaction of step (b); d. adding an anti-solvent to the reaction mixture of step (c); and e. reacting the mixture of step (c) with the anti-solvent, where Formulas (Ia), (Ia-1), (Iz), (Izi), (Iz-1), (Izi-1) and Compounds (1a), (1z) and (1zi) are as defined hereinabove.

[0043] It may be that the methods of preparing the compound of Formula (Ib), (Ib-1) and Compound (1b) further comprise the step of adding an anti-solvent and a catalyst to the reaction mixture and reacting the mixture with the anti-solvent and the catalyst, where Formulas (Ib), (Ib-1) and Compound (1b) are as defined hereinabove. In one embodiment, the methods comprise the steps of: a. reacting a compound of Formula (Ia), (Ia-1) and Compound (1a) with L-pyroglutamic acid (L-PGA) for a period of time, to provide a compound of Formula (Ib), (Ib-1) and Compound (1b); b. adding a catalyst to the reaction mixture of step (a) and reacting the reaction mixture of step (a) with the catalyst for additional period of time; c. quenching the reaction of step (b); d. adding an anti-solvent to the reaction mixture of step (c); and e. reacting the mixture of step (c) with the anti-solvent, where Formulas (Ia), (Ia-1), (Ib), (Ib-1), and Compounds (1a) and (1b) are as defined hereinabove.

[0044] The anti-solvent may be cyclohexane, heptane, hexane or petroleum ether. In one embodiment, the quenching is done via cooling to 25-35°C.

[0045] It may be that the yield of the desired chiral salt (e.g. compound of Formula (Iz), (Ib), (Id) or (Izi), Compound (1z), (1b), (1d), or (1zi)) is less than 50%. In one further embodiment, the yield of the desired chiral salt (e.g. compound of Formula (Iz), (Ib), (Id) or (Izi), Compound (1z), (1b), (1d), or (1zi)) is more than 50%. In another embodiment, the yield is more than 55%. In another embodiment, the yield is more than 60%. In another embodiment, the yield is more than 65%. In another embodiment, the yield is more than 70%. In another embodiment, the yield is more than 75%. In another embodiment, the yield is more than 80%. In another embodiment, the yield is more than 85%. In another embodiment, the yield is more than 90%. In another embodiment, the yield is more than 95%. In another embodiment, the yield is more than 99%. In some embodiments, when the yield of the desired chiral salt (e.g. compound of Formula (Iz), (Ib), (Id), or (Izi), Compound (1z), (1b), (1d), or (1zi)) is less than 50%, the reaction is said to proceed by a chiral resolution mechanism. Chiral resolution is found (e.g. Dale, J. A. et al. J. Org. Chem. 1969, 34 (9): 2543-2549) when e.g. a racemic mixture is reacted with a chiral acid / base to provide a chiral salt in a maximum of 50% yield from the initial racemic mixture (one stereisomer of the chiral salt precipitate in the solution and the other one, of the other enantiomer within the racemate, dissolves within or does not form at all). In some embodiments, when the yield of the desired chiral salt (e.g. compound of Formula (Iz), (Ib), (Id) or (Iz), Compound (1z), (1b), (1d), or (1zi)) is more than 50%, the reaction is via dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) (Pellisier et al. Tetrahedron 2003, 59, 8291-8327). With DKR, when a racemic mixture is reacted with a chiral acid / base to provide a chiral salt, and the yield is higher than 50%, at least part of the opposite, non-desired enantiomer (within the racemic mixture), is dynamically converted (i.e. epimerized) into the desired enantiomer during the process. In one embodiment, DKR occurs in the absence of a catalyst. In another embodiment, DKR occurs in the presence of a catalyst. In one embodiment, the catalyst is an aldehyde catalyst. In another embodiment, the catalyst is benzaldehyde, salicylaldehyde, 3,5-dichlorosalicylaldehide or p-nitrobenzaldehyde.

[0046] In another embodiment, the period of time and the additional period of time of steps (a) and (b), respectively, are each independently between 0.5 and 48 hours. In another embodiment, the period or additional period of time is 1-3, 3-5, 5-10, 10-24 or 24-48 hours.

[0047] In a non-claimed embodiment, Example 2 provides one method for preparing Compound (1).

[0048] In some embodiments, the methods as described herein produce a chiral compound or salt of e.g. Formula (I), (Ib), (Iz), (Ic), (Id), or (Izi) with a chiral purity of greater than 99%. In another embodiment, the chiral purity is above 99.4%. In another embodiment, the chiral purity is above 99.5%.

[0049] In some embodiments, the base used within the methods of the present invention comprises an inorganic or organic base or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the inorganic base comprises: an alkali metal hydroxide, an alkali metal hydride, an alkali metal alkoxide, an alkali metal carboxylate, an alkali metal carbonate or bicarbonate or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, non-limiting examples of alkali metal hydroxides comprise: lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide,, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, non-limiting examples of alkali metal hydrides comprise: sodium hydride, potassium hydride, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, non-limiting examples of alkali metal alkoxides comprise: sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, lithium methoxide, lithium ethoxide, sodium tert-butoxide, potassium tert-butoxide, sodium tert-pentoxide, potassium tert-pentoxide, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, non-limiting examples of alkali metal carboxylates comprise: sodium formate, potassium formate, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, non-limiting examples of alkali metal carbonates or bicarbonates comprise: sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the organic base comprises: a primary amine, a secondary amine, an aromatic amine, a tertiary amine or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, non-limiting examples of the amines comprise: triethylamine, tributylamine, diisopropylethylamine, diethylamine, N-methylmorpholine, pyridine, 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine, N,N-dimethylaniline, N,N-diethylaniline, dicyclohexylamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, procaine, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the alkali metal bicarbonate is sodium bicarbonate. In another embodiment, the alkali metal bicarbonate is aqueous or non-aqueous sodium bicarbonate.

[0050] A solvent is used within the methods of the present invention. In one embodiment, the solvent comprises an alcoholic solvent, an ester solvent, an ether solvent, a hydrocarbon solvent, a polar aprotic solvent, a ketone solvent, a chlorinated solvent, a nitrile solvent, a polar solvent or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, non-limiting examples of alcoholic solvents include: methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, isobutanol, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, non-limiting examples of ester solvents include: ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, non-limiting examples of ether solvents include: tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, methyl tert-butyl ether, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, non-limiting examples of hydrocarbon solvents include: toluene, hexane, heptane, cyclohexane, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, non-limiting examples of polar aprotic solvents include: dimethyl acetamide, dimethyl formamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, non-limiting examples of ketone solvents include: acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, non-limiting examples of chlorinated solvents include: methylene chloride, chloroform, ethylene dichloride, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, non-limiting examples of nitrile solvents include: acetonitrile, propionitrile, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, non-limiting examples of polar solvents include water. In another embodiment, the solvent is ethanol. In another embodiment, the solvent is isopropyl acetate. In another embodiment, when a solvent such as water is used for example in the basification step within the methods described hereinabove, the product (e.g. compound of Formula (I), (I-1) or Compound (1)) is isolated directly via for example filtration. In another embodiment, basification step using aqueous base (e.g. KHCO 3 (aq)) is done in the presence of non-aqueous solvent such as methylene chloride, and then the non-aqueous solvent is evaporated following separation thereof from the product (e.g. compound of Formula (I), (I-1) or Compound (1)). Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention.

[0051] In another embodiment, the methods described herein include use of a catalyst. In another embodiment, a catalyst is optionally used (i.e. may or may not be used) in the chiral salt formation step (providing a compound of Formula (Ib), (Ib-1), (Iz), (Iz-1), (Ic), (Ic-1), (Id), (Id-1), (Izi), (Izi-1) or Compound (1b), (1z), (1c), (1d) or (1zi)). In another embodiment, the catalyst is an aromatic aldehyde catalyst. In another embodiment, the catalyst is benzaldehyde, salicylaldehyde, 3,5-dichlorosalicylaldehyde, p-nitrobenzaldehyde, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the catalyst is 3,5-dichlorosalicylaldehide. In another embodiment, 0.001 to 1.0 mole equivalents of the catalyst compared to the compound of Formula (Ia), (Ia-1) or Compound (1a) are used. In another embodiment, 0.03 mole equivalents of catalyst are used compared to the compound of Formula (Ia), (Ia-1) or Compound (1a).

[0052] Without being bound by any mechanism or theory, it is contemplated that the anti-solvent and / or catalyst in the methods described herein provides higher yield and / or purity of the provided chiral acid salts (e.g. the compound of Formula (Iz), (Ib), (Izi), (Iz-1), (Ib-1) or Compound (1z), (1zi) or (1b)).

[0053] In another embodiment, the reactions within the methods described herein (e.g. salt formation step and / or basification to provide the chiral product) are conducted at a temperature of between -5 - 100°C. In another embodiment, the temperature range is between 60-65°C. In another embodiment, the temperature range is between 0-45°C. In another embodiment, the temperature range is between -5 - 45°C. In another embodiment, the temperature range is between 5-10°C. In another embodiment, the temperature range is between -5 - 35°C. In another embodiment, the temperature range is between 0 - 35°C. In another embodiment, the temperature is 60°C. In another embodiment, the temperature range is between 0 - 100°C. In another embodiment, the salt formation step is conducted at between -5 - 35°C or between 60-65°C. In another embodiment, the basification to provide the chiral product is conducted at between 0-45°C or 5-10°C.Compounds (1a)-(1d)

[0054] Disclosed, but not claimed, is a compound represented by the following structure: and / or any pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

[0055] Disclosed, but not claimed, is a compound represented by the following structure: and any pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

[0056] Disclosed, but not claimed, is a compound represented by the following structure: or any pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

[0057] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a compound represented by the following structure: a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a combination thereof.

[0058] Also disclosed, but not claimed, is a mixture or combination comprising a) Compound (1a) in its free base form and b) Compound (1a) in its pharmaceutically acceptable salt form, wherein Compound (1a) is as described hereinabove.

[0059] Also disclosed, but not claimed is a compound represented by the structure of Compound (2): wherein X comprises: chloride, acetate, adipate, alginate, ascorbate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, borate, butyrate, citrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydroiodide, maleate, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oxalate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, salicylate, succinate, sulfate, sulfonate, tartrate, thiocyanate, toluenesulfonate, or undecanoate salt, or any combination thereof.

[0060] Disclosed but not claimed is a compound as described herein, which, in one embodiment, is Compound (1a), is a free base. In another embodiment, the compound is in a pharmaceutically acceptable salt form. In one embodiment, a free base comprises a compound in which the amine moiety of the compound (NH 2 ) is not protonated. In one embodiment, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt form comprises a compound in which the amine moiety of the compound (NH 2 ) is protonated, and the whole compound is positively charged. In one embodiment, a counter anion is used to balance the charges. In another embodiment, Compound (1a) is in a chloride, acetate, adipate, alginate, ascorbate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, borate, butyrate, citrate, camphorate, pyroglutamate, camphorsulfonate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, maleate, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oxalate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, salicylate, succinate, sulfate, sulfonate, tartrate, thiocyanate, toluenesulfonate, or undecanoate salt form, or any combination thereof.

[0061] Also disclosed, but not claimed is a compound represented by the following structure:

[0062] Also disclosed, but not claimed is a compound represented by the following structure: wherein S-(+)-camphorsulfonic acid (CSA) is

[0063] Also disclosed, but not claimed is a compound represented by the following structure:

[0064] Also disclosed, but not claimed, is the use of Compounds (1a)-(1c) as intermediates in the preparation of (2R,3S)-N-[(3S)-5-(3-Fluorophenyl)-9-methyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-3-yl]-2,3-bis(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)succinimide, presented below:

[0065] The chiral Compound (1) may be prepared from Compounds (1a)-(1c), using the methods of the present invention, as detailed below in "Method of Preparing Compound of Formula (I) and Salts thereof."

[0066] The chiral Compound (2) may be prepared from Compounds (1a)-(1c), using the methods of the present invention, as detailed below in "Method of Preparing Compound of Formula (I) and Salts thereof."

[0067] The preparation of (2R,3S)-N-[(3S)-5-(3-Fluorophenyl)-9-methyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-3-yl]-2,3-bis(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)succinimide from Compound (1) is further detailed in US 9,273,014.Definitions

[0068] In non-claimed embodiments, each R 1< is independently F, Cl, Br, I, OCH 3 , CN or NO 2 . In further non-claimed embodiments, when n 1< is greater than 1, each R 1< is identical or different.

[0069] In non-claimed embodiments, each R 2< is independently C 1 -C 5 alkyl. In further non-claimed embodiments, the term "alkyl" refers to either branched and straight chain saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups containing, for example, from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and from 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Examples of alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl (Me), ethyl (Et), propyl (e.g., n-propyl and i-propyl), butyl (e.g., n-butyl, i-butyl, sec-butyl, and t-butyl), and pentyl (e.g., n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl), n-hexyl, 2-methylpentyl, 2-ethylbutyl, 3-methylpentyl, and 4-methylpentyl. When numbers appear in a subscript after the symbol "C", the subscript defines with more specificity the number of carbon atoms that a particular group may contain. For example, "C 1-5 alkyl" denotes straight and branched chain alkyl groups with one to five carbon atoms.

[0070] It may be that, n 1< is an integer between 1 and 5. In one embodiment, n 1< is 1, 2 ,3 4 or 5.

[0071] It may be that, n 2< is an integer between 1 and 4. In one embodiment, n 1< is 1, 2 ,3 or 4.

[0072] The term "reacting" within the context of the present invention is defined as provision of one or more conditions (e.g. heating, refluxing) which are sufficient for reactants to react chemically.

[0073] In some embodiments, when the following moiety is found within a compound as described hereinabove (e.g. compounds represented by the structures of Formulas (Ib), (Id), (Ib-1), (Id-1) and Compounds (1b) and (1d)): It is to be understood that at least part of the moiety can be represented by the following ion pair structure:

[0074] In some embodiments, when the following moiety is found within a compound as described hereinabove (e.g. compounds represented by the structures of Formulas (Ic), (Ic-1) and Compound (1c)): It is to be understood that at least part of the moiety can be represented by the following ion pair structure: In one embodiment, all (or almost all, e.g. above 99%) of the amine is protonated and all (or almost all, e.g. above 99%) of the carboxylic acid / sulfonic acid is deprotonated within the above structure / embodiment. In some embodiments, the notation "" means "any moiety".

[0075] The following examples are presented in order to more fully illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention. They should in no way, however, be construed as limiting the broad scope of the invention.EXAMPLES EXAMPLE 1 Synthesis of Compound (1) - Method A

[0076]

[0077] Compound (1a) (0.5 g, 1.0 eq; see synthesis thereof below) was dissolved in EtOH (10 mL, 20 vol) and stirred for 10 min at 25-35°C. L-pyroglutamic acid or (S)-(-)-2-Pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid (0.23 g, 1.0 eq) was added (clear solution followed by solid precipitation was observed at 25-35°C), and the contents were heated to 60-65°C, stirred for 1.0 h and subsequently cooled to 25-35°C. Cyclohexane (20 mL, 40 vol) was then added, the solid precipitate was filtered and washed with cyclohexane (5 mL, 10 vol), and the washed solid was dried at 45°C to obtain Compound (1b) (0.5 g; 68.4% yield from (1a)). The chiral HPLC purity of Compound (1b) was 99.4% and of the other isomer was 0.6% (Figure 1). The chiral purity was measured using HPLC with: column of ChiralPack OJ-RH (50 x 4.6 mm, 5□), mobile phase of 10mM ammonium acetate in water: acetonitrile (80:20), pH 7.5 adjusted with ammonium hydroxide, methanol diluent, 1.2 ml / minute flow and isocratic gradient. Retention time of Compound (1b) was 9.54 minutes under these conditions. When 0.5 g of Compound (1a) were used, 0.5 g of Compound (1b) were obtained; when 2 g of Compound (1a) were used, 1.72 g of Compound (1b) were obtained; and when 5 g of Compound (1a) were used, 4.5 g of Compound (1b) were obtained.

[0078] 0.5 gr Compound (1b) was dissolved in water (5 mL, 10 vol), and the pH was adjusted to 8.0-8.5 with 10% NaHCO 3 solution at 25-35°C. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (270 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over Na 2 SO 4 , filtered, and the organic layer was distilled-off under vacuum at 30-35°C. To the dried organic layer cyclohexane was added (5 mL, 10 vol), and the resulting solution was stirred for 12 h. The resulting precipitate was filtered and washed with cyclohexane (2.5 mL, 5.0 vol) and subsequently dried at 50-55°C for 16 h to get 0.2g of Compound (1) as the S isomer of Compound (1a). When 0.2 g of Compound (1b) were used, 0.13 g of Compound (1) were obtained.

[0079] The resolution of Compound (1a) using Pyroglutamic acid in ethanol provided an excellent separation of R & S isomers due to the difference in solubility of the diastereomeric salts formed. The S-isomer of Compound (1a), i.e. Compound (1) - was isolated with >99.4% chiral purity after treatment of the diastereomeric salt of the S-isomer with aqueous NaHCO 3 .EXAMPLE 2 Synthesis of Compound (1d)

[0080]

[0081] Compound (1a) (500 mg, 1.0 eq.) was dissolved in EtOH (10 ml), stirred for 10 min. Next, D-pyroglutamic acid (D-PGA; 0.228 gr, 1.0 eq) was added, and the contents were heated to 60-65°C and then stirred for 1.0 hr, followed by cooling to 25-35°C. Cyclohexane (20 mL) was subsequently added, and the resulting mixture was stirred for 1.0 h at 25-35°C and filtered. The obtained solid was washed with cyclohexane and dried at 50-55°C to get Compound (1d) at a yield of 0.43 gr / 59.1%.COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 3 Non-PGA Salts Did Not Resolve Compound (1a)

[0082] L-Aspartic acid, L-Leucine, S-Mandelic acid, N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, N-Acetyl-L-Valine, S(+)CSA (camphor sulfonic acid) and L-Glutamic acid were used in similar manner as L-PGA was used in Method A of Example 1. L-Aspartic acid, L-Leucine and N-acetyl-L-Tyrosine did not form a salt with Compound (1a). N-Acetyl-L-Valine, S (+) CSA and L-Glutamic acid salt formation was observed with Compound (1a) but no resolution (50:50 mix. of R:S isomers) was observed by chiral HPLC after isolation of salt.EXAMPLE 4 Synthesis of Compound (1c)

[0083]

[0084] 1.0 gr (1.0 eq.) of Compound (1b) was dissolved in water (10 vol), and the pH was adjusted to 8.0-8.5 with 5% NaHCO 3 solution (0.5 gr, 0.5 w / w%10 vol) at 25-35°C. The mixture was stirred for 30 min. AcOiPr (40 ml) was added, and the resulting mixture was stirred for 30 min followed by separation of both layers. The aqueous layer was extracted with AcOiPr (15 ml). The combined organic layers were dried over NaSO 4 (2.0 g), filtered and washed with AcOiPr (5 ml), and then the filtrate was dissolved into Round Bottom Flask (RBF). S-CSA (0.56 gr / 1.0 eq.) was added into RBF, and the resulting mixture was stirred for 4h. The resultant solid was filtered, and the compound was washed with AcOiPr (5.0 ml) and dried at 60-65°C for 16h. The yield of Compound (1c) was 0.95 gr / 60.8 %, and chiral purity was 99.88%. When upscaling the reaction by a factor of five (i.e. employing 5.0 eq. (5.0 gr) of Compound (1b) and using corresponding amounts of other reagents / solvents) - a 75% yield of Compound (1c) was achieved, having an HPLC chiral purity of 99.64% (Figure 2). Chiral purity was measured using HPLC, with: column of ChiralPack OJ-RH (50 x 4.6 mm, 5□), mobile phase of 10mM ammonium acetate in water: acetonitrile (80:20), pH 7.5 adjusted with ammonium hydroxide, methanol diluent, 1.0 ml / minute flow and isocratic gradient. Retention time of Compound (1c) was 8.03 minutes under these conditions.EXAMPLE 5 Synthesis of Compound (1) - Method B (cyclohexane addition)

[0085] Example 1 was repeated using a modified procedure for preparing Compound (1b): 2.0 gr Compound (1a) (1.0 eq.) was dissolved in EtOH (10 ml), and the solution was stirred for 10 min. Then, L-pyroglutamic acid (0.91 gr, 1.0 eq) was added, and the contents were heated to 60-65°C and stirred for 8.0 hr, followed by cooling to 25-35°C. Cyclohexane (80 ml) was then added, and the resulting mixture was stirred for 12 h at 25-35°C and filtered. The obtained solid was washed with cyclohexane (80 ml) and dried at 50-55°C to produce Compound (1b) at a yield of 1.72 gr / 59.1%. Compound (1) was prepared from Compound (1b) as in Example 1.EXAMPLE 6 Synthesis of Compound (1) - Method C (3,5-dichlorosalicylaldehyde addition)

[0086] Example 1 was repeated using a modified procedure for the preparation of Compound (1b): 2.0 gr Compound (1a) (1.0 eq.) was dissolved in EtOH (40 ml), and the solution was stirred for 10 min. Then, L-pyroglutamic acid (0.91 gr, 1.0 eq) was added, and the contents were heated to 60-65°C and stirred for 4.0 hr. Then 3,5-Dichoro salicylaldehyde (0.03 eq) was added, and the contents were maintained for 4.0hr at 60-65°C followed by cooling to 25-35°C. Cyclohexane (80 ml) was then added. The resulting mixture was stirred for 12 h at 25-35°C and filtered. The obtained solid was washed with cyclohexane (80 ml) and dried at 50-55°C to produce Compound (1b) at a yield of 2.38 gr / 79.9%. Compound (1) was prepared from Compound (1b) as in Example 1.COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 7 Synthesis of Compound (1a)

[0087] Stage 1

[0088]

[0089] The experiment was performed at 150 g scale: 150 gr (1 eq.) 1ab, 200.3 gr (1.05 eq.) 1aa, 144.2 gr (1.25 eq.) glyoxalic acid and 4.5 L toluene were mixed at 55-60°C for 6 hr. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. Starting material was present around 2-3% after 4 hrs. After the reaction was completed, the mixture was cooled to 25-30°C, and purified water (10 vol) was added. The resulting mixture was stirred for 1.0 hr, and the contents were filtered. The obtained slurry was washed with water (15 vol) followed by a toluene (5 vol) & MTBE (10 vol) wash. Subsequently, the slurry was dried in a vacuum oven at 70-75°C, with a yield of 375 gr / 91.3 % with purity of 97.11% (HPLC).Stage 2A

[0090]

[0091] The experiment was performed at 10 g scale: 10 gr (1 eq.) 1ad, 12.9 gr (2.0 eq.) methoxymethylamine, 23.3 gr (1.1 eq.) TBTU, 40.1 ml (3.4 eq.) DIPEA and 100ml THF were mixed at 25-35°C for 8 hr. Progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC and starting material was present ~ below 1.0% after 8 hrs. After completion of the reaction, 10% aq NaHCO 3 solution (10 vol) were added, the mixture was stirred for 30 min, then isopropyl acetate (10 vol) was added and the resulting mixture was stirred for 30 min. Both layers were separated. The organic layer was washed with 10% aq NaHCO 3 solution (2 x 5 vol), water (5 vol) and brine solution (5 vol) and then it was dried over Na 2 SO 4 , filtered and concentrated under vacuum to get compound which was confirmed by HNMR and mass. Yield was 13.1 gr.Stage 2

[0092]

[0093] The experiment was performed at 13 g scale: 13 gr (1 eq.) 1ae, 51.9 gr (3.5 eq.) 3-fluoro-1-iodo-benzene, 93.5 ml (3.5 eq.) 2.5M n-BuLi, 104ml THF were mixed at (-78) - (-73)°C for 1 hr. Progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC and starting material was present ~ below 1.0% after 1 hr. After completion of the reaction, 20% aq Ammonium chloride (13 vol) were added, the mixture was stirred for 30 min and then ethyl acetate (7 vol) was added and the resulting mixture was stirred for 30 min. Both layers were separated. The organic layer was washed with saturated brine solution (5 vol), dried over Na 2 SO 4 , filtered and concentrated under vacuum to get crude compound which was confirmed by 1< H NMR and mass spectrometry. Yield was 9.5 gr / 53.7%.Stage 3A

[0094]

[0095] The experiment was performed at 9 g scale: 9 gr (1 eq.) 1af, 13.2 gr (1.2 eq.) 1c, 6.2 gr (1.2 eq.) POCl 3 , 18 ml (2.0 eq.) pyridine and 45 ml THF were mixed at (-345) - (-30)°C for 0.25 hr, then at 0-15°C for 1 hr. After completion of the reaction, the reaction mass was quenched with ice cold water (5 vol), stirred for 30 min, then Ethyl acetate (10 vol) was added and resulting mixture was stirred for 30 min. Both layers were separated. The organic layer was washed with 1N HCl solution (10 vol), water (10 vol),10% sodium bicarbonate solution (10 vol), water (10 vol), and saturated brine solution (4 vol) and then the resulting mixture was dried over Na 2 SO 4 , filtered and concentrated under vacuum. Subsequently, IPA (5 vol) was added to get the compound, which was confirmed by 1< HNMR and Mass. Yield was 16 gr / 88%.Stage 3B and 3

[0096]

[0097] The experiment was performed at 15 g scale of 1ag. NH 3 gas purging in Methanol (6.0 vol) for 1h at 0-5°C and after the ammonia gas purging reaction, resulting mixture was distilled of the solvent upto 4.0 vol and 5-6 vol Methanol were added and co-distilled upto 3-4 vol. Acetic acid (4.0 vol) was added to the organic layer and the solution was stirred for 16h at 25-30°C. Following reaction completion, solvent was distilled up to 4.0 vol and the mixture was cooled to 25-30°C and then IPA (6.0 vol) and water (6.0 vol) were added, followed by filtration of the solid which was washed with a mixture of IPA (6.0 vol) and purified water (10.0 vol). The product was analyzed and the yield was 7.5 gr / 53%.Stage 4A

[0098]

[0099] The Experiment was performed at 7 g scale: 7 gr (1 eq.) Compound (1ai ), 35 ml (5 vol) HBr in AcOH, and 175 ml MTBE were mixed at 25-35°C for 1-2 hrs. Progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC and the starting material was absent after 1 hr. After completion of the reaction, MTBE (15.0 vol) was added, the mixture was stirred for 2h, the contents were filtered and the slurry was washed with MTBE (10 vol), vacuum dried for 1hr and dried at 45-50°C to get Compound (1aj ) at yield of 6.0 gr / 98%.Stage 4

[0100]

[0101] The experiment was performed at 90 g scale of 1aj. Compound (1aj) was dissolved in water (10 vol) and the pH was adjusted to 8.0-8.5 with 10% NaHCO 3 solution (5.0 vol) at 25-35°C. After pH adjustment a heterogenous mixture was observed. The contents were stirred for 2.0 h at 25-35°C, filtered and washed with purified water (5.0 vol) and suck dried under vacuum. The wet material was extracted with EtOAc (1.0 vol) at 25-35°C for 30 min and the compound was filtered and washed with EtOAc (1.0 vol) and dried at 50-55°C for 16h. Yield was 52 gr / 85.2%.COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 8 A dynamic kinetic resolution study of Compound (1a)

[0102] Compound (1a) is converted to the S isomer (Compound (1)) in one step (with high yield and high chiral purity) using catalytic amounts of benzaldehyde, salicylaldehyde, 3,5-dichlorosalicylaldehyde or p-nitrobenzaldehyde and a solvent such as cyclohexane / EtOH or other appropriate solvent system.

Claims

1. A method of preparing Compound (1b), comprising the step of: reacting Compound (1a) with L-pyroglutamic acid (L-PGA), in the presence of solvent; with or without catalyst to obtain Compound (1b); and optionally wherein the yield of Compound (1b) is greater than 50%.

2. A method of preparing Compound (1d), comprising the steps of: reacting Compound (1a) with D-pyroglutamic acid (D-PGA), in the presence of solvent; with or without catalyst to obtain Compound (1d); and optionally wherein the yield of Compound (1d) is greater than 50%.

3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the catalyst comprises benzaldehyde, salicylaldehyde, 3,5-dichlorosalicylaldehyde, p-nitrobenzaldehyde or any combination thereof.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein 0.001 to 1.0 mole equivalents of the catalyst compared to Compound (1a) are used.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the solvent comprises an alcoholic solvent; an ester solvent; an ether solvent; an hydrocarbon solvent; a polar aprotic solvent; a ketone solvent; a chloro solvent; a nitrile solvent; a polar solvent; or any combination thereof.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the reaction is conducted at a temperature between 0-100 °C.

7. A method of preparing Compound (1c), comprising the steps of: a) reacting Compound (1b): with a base and solvent to provide Compound (1); and b) reacting compound (1) with S (+) camphor sulfonic acid (CSA): to provide Compound (1c).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the base comprises an inorganic base, an organic base, or any combination thereof.

9. The method according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the solvent comprises an alcoholic solvent; an ester solvent; an ether solvent; a hydrocarbon solvent; a polar aprotic solvent; a ketone solvent; a chloro solvent; a nitrile solvent; a polar solvent; or any combination thereof.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7-9, wherein the reaction of step (a) is conducted at a temperature between 0-45 °C.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the chiral purity of Compound (1), (1b), (1c) or (1d) is greater than 99%.