Development and optimization of a new synthetic process for lorcaserin

Publication date: Available online 9 December 2017
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Jérôme Cluzeau, Gaj Stavber
A two-step process to synthesize racemic lorcaserin was developed from 2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethanol via formation of bromide or tosylate derivatives. These derivatives were reacted with allylamine in neat conditions to provide pure N-(4-chlorophenethyl)allylammonium chloride. This compound was cyclized in neat conditions using aluminum or zinc chloride to give racemic lorcaserin. After resolution of enantiomers, the wrong enantiomer was racemized and recycled to give new R-lorcaserin.

Graphical abstract

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