L-Proline Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis of Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

Abstract

An enantio- and diastereo selective synthesis of SNRIs (Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors) compound 7 and 8 has been attempted employing protection of amine group, Swern oxidation and L- Proline catalyzed asymmetric cross aldol reaction as the key steps. These SNRIs compounds are potent inhibitors of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) reuptake. Beside being used widely as an antidepressants, these can also be used to treat various disorders, such as depression, neuropathic pain,anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They show balanced activity at both the transporters and minimizes the drug-drug interactions.The merit of this synthesis is high yielding reaction steps as asymmetric catalyst.