Synthesis and determination of the absolute configuration of the enantiomers of modafinil

T Prisinzano, J Podobinski, K Tidgewell, M Luo…

Index: Prisinzano, Thomas; Podobinski, John; Tidgewell, Kevin; Luo, Min; Swenson, Dale Tetrahedron Asymmetry, 2004 , vol. 15, # 6 p. 1053 - 1058

Full Text: HTML

Citation Number: 55

Abstract

The asymmetric synthesis of both enantiomers of modafinil, a unique CNS stimulant with a reduced abuse liability, is described. This approach effectively prepares modafinil on a multigram scale in several steps from benzhydrol. The described synthetic route has also been used to produce the more water soluble analogue, adrafinil. X-ray crystallographic analysis on (−)-(diphenylmethanesulfinyl) acetic acid has determined the absolute ...