Esomeprazole Optical Resolution via BINOL Inclusion Complex

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processes for the optical resolution of omeprazole to produce esomeprazole are hindered by the use of harmful solvents and the sensitivity of esomeprazole to high temperatures, leading to decomposition.

Innovation Solution

A process involving the formation of an optically pure BINOL inclusion complex with omeprazole using low concentrations of alkali metal hydroxide or alcoholate in a solvent, followed by precipitation with an antisolvent or cooling, which avoids harmful solvents and moderate temperatures to achieve high purity esomeprazole-BINOL complex.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If harmful solvents such as benzene or toluene are used to form BINOL inclusion complex, then optical resolution of omeprazole can be achieved, but the process introduces toxic and harmful factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical purityVSAvoidtoxicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the solvent parameter from harmful aromatic solvents (benzene, toluene) to safe aliphatic solvents (hexane, heptane, cyclohexane, dichloromethane). This parameter substitution maintains the ability to form BINOL inclusion complexes for optical resolution while eliminating the toxic effects of aromatic solvents, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving optical purity and avoiding harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If esomeprazole-BINOL complex is precipitated from hot solution, then crystallization can be initiated, but decomposition occurs due to temperature sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecrystallizationVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by adding the BINOL enantiomer to the omeprazole solution before heating, allowing the inclusion complex to form in advance. The mixture is then heated to initiate crystallization of the pre-formed complex, which reduces the exposure time of esomeprazole to high temperatures and minimizes decomposition, thus resolving the contradiction between enabling crystallization and maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If high concentrations of alkali metal hydroxide or alcoholate are used, then solubilizing effect is enhanced, but the complexity of process control increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesolubilizingVSAvoidprocess control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using low concentrations of alkali metal hydroxide or alcoholate (0.005 to 0.7 molar ratio) instead of high concentrations. This partial use of the solubilizing agent is sufficient to enable the formation of BINOL inclusion complexes and subsequent crystallization, while avoiding the need for complex process control that would be required at higher concentrations, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The process achieves esomeprazole-BINOL complex with optical purity exceeding 99.0% and chemical purity of 99.5% without using harmful solvents, allowing for easy separation and recovery of esomeprazole at moderate temperatures, minimizing decomposition.

Implementation Method 1

preparing (i) a solution of omeprazole and BINOL enantiomer in a solvent containing low concentrations of alkali metal hydroxide or alcoholate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

precipitating esomeprazole BINOL complex by treating the solution with an antisolvent or cooling the reaction mixture to initiate crystallization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Implementation Method 3

cooling the reaction mixture to initiate crystallization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentEP2376476B1Process for the preparation of esomeprazole
Publication Date: 2014.06.25 KRKA TOVARNA ZDRAVIL D D
  • EP2376476B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to an improved process for preparation of esomeprazole or salts thereof by optical resolution of omeprazole with BINOL (1,1'-bi-2-naphthol).