PROCESS FOR ENANTIOMERIC SEPARATION OF ZOPICLONE

摘要

The present invention relates to a process for optically resolvingeszopiclone, comprising chiral chromatography. Preferably the processcomprises a multi-column continuous process or a simulated moving bed process.Preferably the stationary phase used in the chiral chromatography processcomprises an amylose or cellulose derivative of tris (3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate), or an amylose derivative of tris-.alpha.-methylbenzylcarbamate.The process of the present invention has the advantage that it is highyielding and can be carried out on an industrial scale. The present inventionalso provides eszopiclone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,obtained by the chiral chromatography process. The eszopiclone or salt thereofis suitable for use as a medicament, for example, for the treatment of anxietyor insomnia.