BACKGROUND It is indicated in the literature (U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,874; J. Chem. Soc., Chem.

Commun., 1984, 874; andJ Org. Chem., 1990, 55 1736) that oxidation of secondary amines with hydrogen peroxide and sodium tungstate gives good yields of nitrones. However, when using dimethylamine in this manner, a considerable amount of N,N-dimethylformamide was produced as a co-product. Thus a need exists for a way of more selectively producing N- methylnitrone from dimethylamine.

THE INVENTION In accordance with this invention N-methylnitrone is produced by a two-step process which comprises (a) mixing together dimethylamine and a peroxidic compound, and concurrently or subsequently subjecting the resultant mixture to reaction conditions effective to form a reaction mixture in which N,N-dimethylhydroxylamine has been formed; and (b) mixing together (i) reaction mixture from (a), (ii) a peroxidic compound, and (iii) a transition metal-containing oxidation catalyst, and concurrently or subsequently subjecting the resultant mixture to reaction conditions effective to form a reaction mixture in which N-methylnitrone has been formed. In order to achieve highest yields of N-methylnitrone in the process, step (b) should be conducted at a pH in the range of 7 to 12, and at a temperature in the range of -10 to 100"C.

By conduct of this process in the proper manner, yields of N-methylnitrone as high as 45%, based on dimethylamine, have been achieved. In contrast, the highest yield achieved utilizing the process approach suggested in the literature was only 20%.

Other embodiments of this invention will become still further apparent from the ensuing description and appended claims.

Step (a! The reaction between the dimethylamine and peroxidic compound is typically conducted at one or more temperatures in the range of 0 to 30"C. Proportions are typically chosen such that from 1.0 to 1.2 moles of peroxidic compound are fed to the reaction mixture per mole of dimethylamine being used. Suitable peroxidic compounds include hydrogen peroxide, alkyl hydroperoxides, and aryl hydroperoxides. Aqueous hydrogen peroxide of at least 10% concentration is a preferred reagent for use in the process. Satisfactory yields of N,N-dimethylhydroxylamine are usually achieved within the range of 0.25 to 2.0 hours. The reaction is typically conducted in a suitable inert solvent such as water, methanol, ethanol, or 2-propanol, including mixtures of such solvents.

Step (b) In this step a mixture is formed from (i) reaction mixture from (a), (ii) a peroxidic compound, and (iii) a transition metal-containing oxidation catalyst, and at the same time the mixture is being formed and/or subsequent to the formation of the mixture, the mixture is subjected to one or more temperatures in the range of 0 to 30 C for a period in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 hours such that N-methylnitrone is produced in suitable yield. The peroxidic compound is preferably the same as used in step (a), and it is preferred to form the reaction mixture of (b) using a fresh supply of the peroxidic compound. However, it is possible to use in step (b) a different peroxidic compound from that used in step (a). Another variant is to add an excessive quantity of peroxidic compound to the mixture in (a) to serve as the reagent in step (b) as well as in step (a). The transition metal-containing oxidation catalyst charged to the reaction mixture is preferably sodium tungstate. However, other transition metal oxidation catalysts can be used, such as, for example, selenium dioxide, and methyl-trioxorhenium. Catalytically effective amounts of the transition metal-containing catalyst typically fall in the range of 0.1 to 5.0 mol % based on moles of dimethylamine.

Steps (a) and (b) are preferably conducted in the same reaction vessel, but can be conducted in separate reaction vessels, if desired. Step (b) is typically conducted in the same solvent as used in step (a), but additional solvent can be added in step (b), if desired.

N-methylnitrone can be analyzed in the reaction mixture by 1H NMR (internal standard) using solvent suppression techniques.

Examples 1-5, wherein percentages are by weight unless otherwise specified, illustrate the practice and advantages of the above embodiment of this invention, and are not to be

construed as constituting limitations on the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 30% Hydrogen peroxide (1.1 g, 9.7 mmol) was added dropwise to 40% aqueous Me2NH (1.0 g, 8.9 mmol) in H2O (7.0 g) with moderate cooling. This mixture was then transferred to an addition funnel and 30% H202 (1.1 g, 9.7 mmol), saturated aqueous Na2CO3 (1.1 g), and Na2WO4 2H2O (0.1 g, 1.5 mmol) were added to the flask. The solution in the addition funnel was then added dropwise to maintain the temperature at 40- 50"C. After the addition, the reaction was allowed to cool to 20"C and analyzed by 'H NMR which showed N-methylnitrone as the major product (along with DMF and formaldoxime).

EXAMPLE 2 30% Hydrogen peroxide (17.0 g, 150 mmol) was added dropwise to 40% aqueous Me2NH (13.5 g, 120 mmol) in H2O (94.5 g) with moderate cooling. This mixture was then transferred to an addition funnel and 30% H202 (23.5 g, 209 mmol), saturated aqueous NaHCO3 (40 g), and Na2WO4 2H2O (1.3 g, 3.9 mmol) were added to the flask. The solution in the addition funnel was then added dropwise to maintain the temperature at 40- 50"C. After the addition, the reaction was allowed to cool to 20"C and analyzed by 'H NMR which showed N-methylnitrone (30%) as the major product (along with DMF and formaldoxime).

EXAMPLE 3 40% Aqueous dimethylamine (10.0 g, 88.9 mmol) and saturated NaHCO3 (80.0 g) were cooled to 5-10"C. 50% Hydrogen peroxide (6.0 g, 88 mmol) was added dropwise so as to maintain the temperature <10~C. Na2WO4 2H2O (1.0 g, 3.0 mmol) in H2O (3.0 g) was added dropwise followed by a second addition of H202 (6.0 g, 88 mmol). The solution was then analyzed by 'H NMR which showed N-methylnitrone as the major product (along with DMF and formaldoxime).

EXAMPLE 4 40% Aqueous Me2NH (40.0 g, 356 mmol) and saturated aqueous NaHCO3 (160 g)

were cooled to 5-10 OC. 50% Hydrogen peroxide (24.0 g, 353 mmol) was added drop-wise to maintain the temperature. A solution of 50% Hydrogen peroxide 24.0 g, 353 mmol) and Na2WO4 2H2O (4.0 g, 12 mmol), and saturated aqueous NaHCO3 (160 g) was added drop- ise to maintain the temperature. The solution was stirred for several hours. 'H NMR analysis showed mainly nitrone formation along with DMF and formaldoxime.

EXAMPLE 5 A solution of 40% aqueous Me2NH (40.0 g, 356 mmol) and NaHCO3 (12.3 g, 146 mmol) in water (148 g) was cooled to 0~C. 50% Hydrogen peroxide (24.0 g, 353 mmol) was added dropwise to maintain the temperature. A solution of NaHCO3 (12.3 g, 146 mmol) and Na2WO4 2H2O (4.0 g, 12 mmol) in water (148 g) was added slowly. An additional amount of 50% H202 (32.0 g, 471 mmol) was slowly added. 'H NMR analysis showed mainly nitrone formation (38%) along with DMF and formaldoxime.

Further embodiments of this invention include: (i) processes for the preparation of 2- methyl-5-phenylisoxazolidine that can be used in the preparation of N-methyl-3-phenyl-3- hydroxypropylamine, (ii) processes for the preparation of N-methyl-3 -phenyl-3 -hydroxypropyl- amine that can be used in the preparation of N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-[4-trifluorometh- yl)phenoxy]propylamine and acid addition salts thereof, and (iii) processes for the preparation of N-methyl-3 -phenyl-3 - [4-trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propylamine and acid addition salts thereof. These embodiments will now be considered seriatim.

Further Embodiment (i) In this embodiment N-methylnitrone from b) and styrene are mixed together, and sub- jected to reaction conditions effective to produce a reaction mixture in which 2-methyl-5- phenylisoxazolidine has been formed. If desired, portions of the N,N-dimethylhydroxylamine from (a) and/or portions of the N-methylnitrone from (b), can be separated and used for other purposes, and in such case only a portion of such product(s) would be used in the ensuing reaction.

The reaction of N-methylnitrone with styrene results in the formation of 2-methyl-5- phenylisoxazolidine, and when properly performed, 2-methyl-5-phenylisoxazolidine can be produced in high yields. The reaction can be carried out in bulk (no added ancillary solvent) or it can be conducted in an ancillary solvent or diluent such as water, methanol, ethanol, butanol 2-methylpropanol, dioxane, or tetrahydrofuran. Temperatures in the range of 20 to

1400C and reaction periods in the range of 0.5 to 24 hours are typical.

The reaction involves one mole of styrene per mole of N-methylnitrone and thus if either reactant is present in less than a stoichiometric amount, it becomes the limiting reactant.

Typically the amount of styrene used in forming the reaction mixture will fall in the range of 1 to 5 moles per mole of N-methylnitrone being used. It is desirable to stir or otherwise agitate the reaction mixture during at least a substantial portion of the reaction period.

Recovery of 2-methyl-5-phenylisoxazolidine from the reaction mixture can be effected in various ways. One convenient procedure comprises extracting the reaction mixture with a suitable relatively volatile organic solvent such as chloroform, methylene chloride. toluene, or ethyl ether; drying the organic phase with a suitable solid state, neutral or basic, water absorbent such as potassium carbonate. sodium carbonate. or sodium sulfate: removing the absorbent such as by filtration. centrifugation, decantation, or like procedure; and stripping off the solvent and any excess styrene under suitable temperature and pressure conditions.

Example 6 illustrates the practice of this embodiment.

EXAMPLE 6 A mixture of styrene (37.0 g, 356 mmol) and the N-methylnitrone solution from Example 5 is heated at 85"C for 4 hours. After cooling, the phases are separated and the aqueous phase is extracted with chloroform (2 x 50 g). The combined chloroform extracts are combined with the initial organic phase, and the resultant mixture is washed with water (50 g). The organic phase is dried (K2CO3) and stripped of chloroform and excess styrene to give 2-methyl-5-phenylisoxazolidine (16 g).

Further Embodiment fii! In this embodiment 2-methyl-5-phenylisoxazolidine from Embodiment (i) is subjected to hydrogenation such that N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-hydroxypropylamine is formed. The hydrogenation can be effected by in situ generation of hydrogen, for example by use of finely divided zinc and aqueous acetic acid. Preferably, however, the hydrogenation is effected catalytically by use of hydrogen and a suitable catalyst such as palladium on carbon.

When generating the hydrogen in situ, a mixture consisting essentially of 2-methyl-5- phenylisoxazolidine, water, acetic acid and finely-divided zinc is maintained at one or more temperatures in the range of 50 to 100"C for a sufficient period of time for N-methyl-3-phenyl- 3-hydroxypropylamine to be formed in an appropriate yield (e.g., at least 80%). Usually

periods in the range of 1 to 12 hours will suffice. The amount of acetic acid and finely-divided zinc should be sufficient to generate at least 15% excess hydrogen over the stoichiometric amount required for the reaction.

The catalytic hydrogenation preferably uses 5% or 10% palladium on carbon as catalyst and hydrogen pressures in the range of 10 to 100 psig at temperatures in the range of 20 to 80"C. However, other suitable hydrogenation catalysts may be used. The reaction should be conducted under essentially anhydrous conditions and thus at least substantially all of the water present in the reaction mixture from c) should be separated or removed, e.g., by a phase cut between the organic and aqueous phases, preferably followed by drying using a suitable solid state, neutral or basic, water absorbent such as potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, or sodium sulfate. Effective catalytic quantities of palladium-carbon catalyst are typically in the range of 0.1 to 5.0 wt% of the weight of the 2-methyl-5-phenylisoxazolidine be used in the reaction. Reaction periods in the range of 2 to 24 hours are typical, with the lower temperatures and pressures usually requiring the longer reaction periods, and vice versa.

Completion of the reaction is indicated by cessation of hydrogen uptake.

Examples 7-10 serve to illustrate ways by which 2-methyl-5-phenylisoxazolidine can be converted into N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-hydroxypropylamine by means of a suitable hydrogenation step.

EXAMPLE 7 2-Methyl-5-phenylisoxazolidine (2.0 g, 12.3 mmol) and Zn powder (1.2 g, 18.3 mmol) in 10 molar aqueous acetic acid are heated to 65-70"C for 4 hours. Additional Zn powder (0.4 g, 6.1 mmol) is added and heating is continued for one more hour. The reaction mixture is neutralized with sodium hydroxide and extracted with chloroform. The extract is dried (K2CO3) and concentrated to give N-methyl-3 -phenyl-3 -hydroxypropylamine.

EXAMPLE 8 2-Methyl-5-phenylisoxazolidine (12.6 g, 77.3 mmol) in EtOH (134 g) is mixed with 5% Pd/C (1.2 g) in a glass pressure reactor. The reactor is warmed to 40-50"C and the pressure maintained at 40 psig with H2 until the pressure becomes constant (ca. 24 hours).

The mixture is filtered through Celite and the solvent is removed to give N-methyl-3-phenyl-3- hydroxypropylamine.

EXAMPLE 9 2-Methyl-5 -phenylisoxazolidine (38.1 g, 234 mmol) dissolved in tetramethylene sulfone (38.1 g) is mixed with 5% Pd/C (1.9 g) in a glass pressure reactor. The reactor is warmed to 50"C and the pressure is maintained at 40 psig with H2 for 24 hours. Ethanol (38.1 g) is added and heating is continued for 48 hours. After cooling, the mixture is filtered and the EtOH is removed to give a solution of N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-hydroxy-propylamine in tetramethylene sulfone.

EXAMPLE 10 2-Methyl-5-phenylisoxazolidine (54.3 g, 333 mmol) and Pd/C (2.7 g) in EtOH (55.0 g) are heated to 60-80"C in a 300-mL, stirred (700 rpm), Hastalloy autoclave which is kept pressurized to 55 psig with H2 for 5 hours. After cooling, the mixture is filtered and the EtOH removed in vacuo to give N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-hydroxypropylamine.

Further Embodiment (iii) This embodiment of the present invention comprises conducting steps (a) and (b) above, forming 2-methyl-5-phenylisoxazolidine as in Embodiment (i) above, forming N- methyl-3-phenyl-3-hydroxypropylamine as in Embodiment (ii) above, and then reacting N- methyl-3-phenyl-3-hydroxypropylamine so formed with a 4-halobenzotrifluoride to form N- methyl-3 -phenyl-3 - [(4-trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propylamine. The 4-halobenzotri-fluoride used in the last step of this sequence is preferably 4-fluorobenzotrifluoride or 4-chlorobenzo- trifluoride. However, 4-bromobenzotrifluoride or 4-iodobenzotrifluoride, or combinations (or mixtures) of any two or of all four of these 4-halobenzotrifluorides can be used.

The reaction involves one mole ofthe 4-halobenzotrifluoride per mole ofthe N-methyl- 3-phenyl-3-hydroxypropylamine. Therefore either reactant can be present in excess and the other becomes the limiting reactant. Typically the proportions of these reactants will be in the range of 1 to 2 moles of the 4-halobenzotrifluoride per mole of the N-methyl-3-phenyl-3- hydroxypropylamine. The reaction is best performed in a polar aprotic solvent such as sulfolane, N-methylpyrrolidinone, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-diethyl-formamide, N,N- dimethylacetamide, or dimethylsulfoxide, to which a strong base in a finely-divided solid state, such as NaOH or KOH, has been added in an amount in the range of 1.1 to 1.5 moles per mole of N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-hydroxypropylamine used. If desired, a phase transfer catalyst such as tetrabutylammonium bromide, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, or tetrabutylammonium

hydrogen sulfate, can also be employed, typically in amounts in the range of 0.1 to 5.0 wt% based on N-methyl-3 -phenyl-3 -hydroxypropylamine.

Typically, the reaction is performed at one or more temperatures in the range of 80 to 1500C. Reaction periods are typically within the range of 1 to 24 hours. Upon completion of the reaction, it is desirable to add water to the mixture and to extract the solution with a suitable solvent such as ethyl ether or methylene chloride which is then washed with water until essentially all of the polar aprotic solvent is removed. Alternatively, the polar aprotic solvent can be removed by distillation, followed by a similar solvent extraction work up. The product is recovered by removal of the solvent, for example by distillation at reduced pressure.

The N-methyl-3 -phenyl-3 - [4-trifluoro-methyl)phenoxy]propylamine can be converted to acid addition salts thereof by conventional procedures. For example, racemic fluoxetine can be formed by treating racemic N-methyl-3 -phenyl-3 - [4-trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propylamine with anhydrous hydrogen chloride followed by low temperature crystallization (e.g., in the range of 0 to 300 C) of the racemic fluoxetine from toluene solution.

Examples 11-13 serve to illustrate ways by which N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-[4- trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propylamine can be formed by reaction between N-methyl-3-phenyl- 3 -hydroxypropylamine and 4-chlorobenzotrifluoride.

EXAMPLE 11 N-Methyl-3-phenyl-3-hydroxypropylamine (10.7 g, 64.8 mmol), 4-chlorobenzo- trifluoride (13.0 g, 72.0 mmol), and NaOH (5.5 g, 138 mmol) are dissolved in N-methyl- pyrrolidinone (100 g), and the solution is heated to 130"C for 24 hours. After cooling, water (200 mL) is added and the solution is extracted with ether (2 x 100 mL). The combined ether extracts are washed with water (6 x 50 mL), dried (K2CO3) and the solvent is removed in vacuo to give N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-[4-trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propylamine as a brown oil. The oil is dissolved in toluene (150 mL) and anhydrous HC1 is bubbled through the solution until saturated. Upon cooling to 0 0C, crystallization occurs to give fluoxetine hydrochloride as a gray solid. The fluoxetine hydrochloride can be further purified by recrystallization from ethyl acetate/cyclohexane.

EXAMPLE 12 N-Methyl-3-phenyl-3-hydroxypropylamine (49.8 g, 302 mmol), 4-chlorobenzo-

trifluoride (60.0 g, 332 mmol), powdered 87% KOH (22.0 g, 341 mmol), and tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulfate (0.5g, 1.5 mmol) and sulfolane (47 g) are combined and heated to 1500C under a nitrogen condenser for 24 hours. More 4-chlorobenzo-trifluoride (11.0 g, 61 mmol) and KOH (3.0 g, 47 mmol) are added and heating is continued for 48 hours.

After cooling, water (300 mL) is added, and the aqueous solution is extracted with ether (3 x 100 mL) and the combined extracts are washed with water (2 x 100 mL). The ether solution is dried (K2CO3). The ether is removed in vacuo and the product is distilled (125-130"C, 0.5 mm Hg) to give N-methyl-3 -phenyl-3 - [4-trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propylamine.

EXAMPLE 13 Powdered KOH (87%, 14.4 g, 257 mmol) is added to a mixture of N-methyl-3-phenyl- 3-hydroxypropylamine (30.8 g, 187 mmol) and 4-chlorobenzotrifluoride (40.0 g, 221 mmol) in N-methylpyrrolidinone (100.0 g). The mixture is heated to 1300C for 17 hours. The temperature is then raised to 1500C and more KOH (6.5 g, 116 mmol) is added. Heating is continued for an additional 24 hours. More 4-chlorobenzotrifluoride (10.0 g, 55 mmol) is added and heating is continued for 10 hours. After cooling, water (200 mL) is added and the solution is extracted with CH2Cl2 (3 x 100 mL). The extract is washed with water (2 x 100 mL), dried K2CO3, and the solvent is removed in vacuo. The crude product is distilled (125- 130"C, 0.5 mm Hg) to give N-methyl-3 -phenyl-3 - [4-trifluoromethyl)phenoxy] -propylamine.