PROCESS FOR ENANTIOMERIC SEPARATION OF ZOPICLONE

摘要

The present invention relates to a process for optically resolving eszopiclone, comprising chiral chromatography. Preferably the process comprises a multi-column continuous process or a simulated moving bed process. Preferably the stationary phase used in the chiral chromatography process comprises an amylose or cellulose derivative of tris (3,5-dimethylphenyl carbamate), or an amylose derivative of tris-α-methylbenzylcarbamate. The process of the present invention has the advantage that it is high yielding and can be carried out on an industrial scale. The present invention also provides eszopiclone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, obtained by the chiral chromatography process. The eszopiclone or salt thereof is suitable for use as a medicament, for example, for the treatment of anxiety or insomnia.