New patent, Opicapone, WO 2019123066, Unichem

New patent, Opicapone, WO 2019123066, Unichem

WO-2019123066

https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2019123066&tab=PCTDESCRIPTION

Process for the preparation of opicapone and its intermediates, useful for treating parkinson's disease. Bial-Portela  has developed and launched opicapone, for treating Parkinson's disease.

Opicapone is a selective and reversible catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor, use as adjunctive therapy for parkinson’s disease. Opicapone was approved by European Medicine Agency (EMA) on June 24, 2016 and it is developed and marketed as ONGENTYS® by Bial-Portela in Europe. Opicapone is chemically described as 2,5-dichloro-3-(5-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-4,6-dimethylpyridine-l-oxide and depicted below as compound of formula (I).

Opicapone and a process for preparation of it is disclosed in US 8,168,793. The process disclosescondensation of 3, 4-dibenzyloxy-5-nitrobenzoic acid with (Z)-2, 5-dichloro-N'-hydroxy-4, 6-dimethylnicotinimidamide in presence of N, N’-Carbonyl diimidazole in N, N’-dimethylformamide. The crude condensation intermediate was subjected to tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) mediated cyclization in tetrahydrofuran to give l,2,4-oxadiazole derivative, purifying it by precipitating in 1:1 mixture of dichloromethane: diethyl ether and recrystallized it in isopropyl alcohol. Oxidation of l,2,4-oxadiazole compound is carried out using 10 fold excess of urea hydrogen peroxide complex and trifluoroacetic anhydride in dichloromethane and was purified by column chromatography. Obtained N-oxide compound was converted into opicaponecompound of formula (I) by deprotection O-benzoyl groups by exposure it to boron tribromide (BBr3) in dichloromethane at -78°C to room temperature. Final product was purified in mixture of toluene and ethanol. Above synthetic stepsare outline in scheme 1.

c eme

This process has several drawbacks like cyclization reaction involve use of TBAF and THF. Use of expensive TBAF, leads to high cost in the production and therefore uneconomical for industrial production, whereas use of THF during this reaction has limitation due to peroxide contents. . Similarly diethyl ether is a potential fire hazard and can form peroxides rapidly and thus should be avoided in commercial scale production. Above cyclization is also carried out in presence of DMF and CDI at l20°C.

Similar approach was reported in W02008094053 which describes preparation of opicapone by one pot cyclization of 3,4-dibenzyloxy-5-nitrobenzoic acid with (Z)-2,5-dichloro-N'-hydroxy-4,6-dimethylnicotinimidamide using N,N'-Carbonyl diimidazole in N,N'-dimethylformamide followed by heating the reaction mixture at l35°C for 5 hours to obtain l,2,4-oxadiazole derivative. This oxadiazole derivative was purified by recrystallization from isopropyl alcohol. Further oxidation using urea hydrogen peroxide complex followed by o-debenzylation using boron tribromide (BBr3) was achieved to obtain Opicapone.

This process also suffers from drawback like use of elevated temperature (l35°C) and use of expensive BBr3.

US 9,126,988 also disclose process for the preparation of opicapone, whichinvolves several chemical steps: 1) nitrating vanillic acid in presence of nitric acid in acetic acidfollowed by recrystallization with acetic acid to get nitro compound with yield 40-46%; 2)which converted into acid chloride compoundby treating it with thionyl chloride in presence of catalytic amount of N, N-dimethylformamide in dichloromethane or l,4-dioxane; 3) condensing acid chloride compound with (Z)-2, 5-dichloro-N'-hydroxy-4, 6-dimethylnicotinimidamide in presence of excess amount of pyridine in N,N-dimethyl acetamide/ tetrahydrofuran/ dichloromethane or l,4-dioxane at 5-10 °C and then heating the reaction mixture at H0-l l5°C for 5-6 hours to get 1,2,4-oxadiazole compound; 4) which was oxidized using urea hydrogen peroxide complex and trifluoroacetic anhydride in dichloromethane to get N-oxide product which was purified by repeated recrystallization (2 or more times) using mixture of formic acid and toluene to get pure product with 59% yield; 5) O-methyl group was deprotected using aluminium chloride and pyridine in N-Methyl pyrrolidone at 60 C to obtain opicapone. After completion of reaction, the crude product was isolated by quenching the reaction mixture in mixture cone. HC1: water followed by filtration, washing with water: isopropyl alcohol and recrystallization from ethanol. Final purification was done in mixture of formic acid and isopropyl alcohol. Above synthetic steps are outline in scheme 2.

Scheme 2

As described above, cited literature processes suffers from some drawbacks like elevated reaction temperature and longer duration, use of excess amount of pyridine for cyclization reaction which is difficult to handle on large scale preparation. Another drawback of reported procedure is unsafe workup procedures for isolation of N-oxide as residual peroxides were not quenched by any peroxide quenching reagent. Also repeated crystallizations (more than two) are required for purification of N-oxide derivative to remove unreacted starting material which is tedious and time consuming process. Also for its purification mixture of solvent i.e. formic acid and toluene are used which hamper its recovery and is not cost effective process.

US 9,126,988 also disclosed process for the preparation of 2,5-dichloro-N'-hydroxy-4,6-dimethylnicotinimidamide compound of formula (IV), in which 2,5-dichloro-4,6-dimethylnicotinonitrile compound of formula (VIII) was reacted with hydroxyl amine solution in the presence of catalytic amount of 1,10-phenanthroline in methanokwater at 70-80°C for 6 hrs. After completion reaction mixture was cooled, filtered and dried to get 2,5-dichloro-N'-hydroxy-4,6-dimethylnicotinimidamide of formula (IV) (88%).

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry 13 (2005) 5740-5749, Karl Bailey et.al. disclosed process for preparation of 3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitro benzoic acid compound of formula (Ilia). In which a solution of Cr03, concentrated H2S04 and water was added to solution of 3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitro benzaldehyde in acetone and water. The obtained solution was stirred for 24 hrs and then isopropanol was added to eliminate any unreacted Cr(VI) species to obtained crude green sludge, which was extracted into ethyl acetate and washed with 1M HC1 to remove remaining Cr(III) species. Obtained product is then recrystallized from water and ethanol to yield 69 % of 3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitro benzoic acid compound of formula (Ilia).

US 5,358, 948 also disclosed process for preparation of 3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitro benzoic acid compound of formula (Ilia). In which a solution of potassium permanganate was added to a solution of 3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitro benzaldehyde in acetone. The mixture was then stirred at 20°C for 18 hrs togives 3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitro benzoic acid compound of formula (Ilia) with 72% yield.

Disadvantage of the above cited literature (Karl Bailey et.al and US’ 948) processes are harsh, acidic condition and involve expensive reagents. The process is both uneconomical and time consuming, (18-24 hrs) hence not suitable for commercial production.

Oxidation of aldehydes to the corresponding carboxylic acids, on the other hand, are commonly carried out using KMn04 in acidic or basic media, or K2Cr207 in acidic medium or chromic acid. These heavy metal-based reagents are hazardous and the protocols produce metal wastes that require special handling owing to their toxicities.

It is therefore, desirable to provide efficient, robust, alternative simple process, cost effective process which is used on a large scale and allows product to be easily workup, purified and isolate without the disadvantages mentioned above.

Example 1: Preparation of 3, 4-dimethoxy-5-nitro benzoic acid (Ilia).

To a cooled solution of 3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitro benzaldehyde (lOOg, 0.474 mole) in DMF (500 ml) was added Oxone (294.1 g, 0.478 mole) lot wise at 5-10 °C. Reaction mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at same temperature, allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 2-3 hours. After completion, the reaction mixture was diluted with 1500 ml of water and filtered. The solid was washed with water until all peroxides removed and drying at 50°C under vacuum afforded 3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitro benzoic acid of formula (Ilia) (l02g, 95%).

Example 2: Preparation of 2 ,5-dichloro-N' {[(3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitrophenyl) carbonyl]oxy}-4, 6-dimethylpyridine-3-carboximidamide (Va)

To a solution of 3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitro benzoic acid of formula (Ilia) (5 g, 0.022 mole)in 60 ml of acetonitrile was added N,N'-Carbonyldiimidazole (4.28g, 0.026 mole) in portions and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 hours. Then was added 2,5-dichloro-N'-hydroxy-4,6-dimethylnicotinimidamide of formula (IV) (5.4g, 0.023 mole) and stirring was continued for 3 hours. After completion, the reaction mixture was diluted with 240 ml of water and 300 ml of dichloromethane. Organic layer was separated and washed with water (200 ml x 3), concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain 2,5-dichloro-N'{ [(3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitrophenyl)carbonyl]oxy}-4,6-dimethylpyridine-3-carboximidamide of formula (Va) (8.67g, 88.9%).

Example 3: Preparation of 2, 5-dichloro-3-[5-(3, 4-dimethoxy-5-nitrophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl]-4,6-dimethylpyridine (Via)

To a solution of 2,5-dichloro-N'{ [(3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitrophenyl)carbonyl]oxy}- 4,6-dimethylpyridine-3-carboximidamide of formula (Va) (0.5g, 0.0011 mole)in 10 ml of dichloromethane was added isopropyl alcohol (1 ml) followed by KOH (0.075g, 0.001 lmole) dissolved in 0.1 ml of water. After stirring for 1 hour at room temperature the reaction mixture was diluted with 30 ml of dichloromethane and washed with water (lOml x 2). The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain 2,5-dichloro-3-[5-(3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitrophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl]-4,6-dimethylpyridine of formula (Via) (0.4 g, 83%).

Example 4: Preparation of 2,5-dichloro-3-[5-(3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitrophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl]-4,6-dimethylpyridine (Via) (One pot cyclization procedure)

To a stirred solution of 3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitro benzoic acid formula (Ilia) (lOOg, 0.44 mol)in 1000 ml of dichloromethane was added N,N'-Carbonyldiimidazole (86g, 0.53 mole) in portions and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 hours. Then was added 2,5-dichloro-N'-hydroxy-4,6-dimethylnicotinimidamide of formula (IV) (l08g, 0.46 mole) and stirring was continued for 3 hours. Isopropyl alcohol (200 ml) and KOH (30g, 0.53 mole) dissolved in 30 ml of water was then added to the reaction mixture. After stirring for 1 hour at room temperature the organic layer was washed with water (1000 ml x 2). Solvent was distilled out at atmospheric pressure, added 1000 ml of isopropyl alcohol and suspension was stirred at 55-60°C for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature, stirred for 2 hours and filtered. The solid was washed with isopropyl alcohol (100 ml x 2) and dried at 50-60°C under vacuum to obtain 2,5-dichloro-3-[5-(3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitrophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl]-4,6-dimethylpyridine of formula (Via) (l60g, 85%).

Example 5: Preparation of 2,5-dichloro-3-[5-(3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitrophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl]-4,6-dimethylpyridine (Via) (cyclization procedure using thionyl chloride)

To a stirred solution of 3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitro benzoic acid of formula (Ilia) (lOOg, 0.44 mol) in 500 ml of dichloromethane was added 0.4 ml of N,N-dimethyl formamide followed bythionyl chloride (82g, 0.69 mole) drop wise at room temperature and the reaction mixture was heated at 40°C for 4 hours. After completion, dichloromethane and excess of thionyl chloride was distilled out under reduced pressure at 40°C. The obtained residue was dissolved in 500 ml of dichloromethane and was added to pre-cooled mixture of 2,5-dichloro-N'-hydroxy-4,6-dimethylnicotinimidamide of formula (IV) (l03g, 0.44 mole) and triethyl amine (73 ml, 0.53 mole) in 500 ml of dichloromethane at 5°C. After addition, the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to 25-30°C and stirred for 2 hours. Then was added isopropyl alcohol (200 ml) followed by KOH (62g, 1.1 mole) dissolved in 62 ml of water and stirring was continued for 2 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture was washed with 1000 ml of water, 1N aqueous HC1 solution (500ml x 2) followed by 500 ml of 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. Solvent was distilled out at atmospheric pressure at 40°C. To the residue was added 1200 ml of methanol and the suspension was stirred at 55-60°C for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature, maintained for 2 hours and filtered. The solid product was washed with methanol (100 ml x 2) and dried at 50°C under vacuum to obtain 2,5-dichloro-3-[5-(3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitrophenyl)- 1, 2, 4-oxadiazol-3-yl]-4, 6-dimethyl pyridine of formula (Via) (l65g, 88%).

Example 6: Preparation of 2,5-dichloro-3-[5-(3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitrophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl]-4,6-dimethylpyridine-l-oxide (Vila)

To a cooled solution of 2,5-dichloro-3-[5-(3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitrophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl]-4,6-dimethylpyridine of formula (Via) (25g, 0.0588 mole) in 300 ml of dichloromethane was added urea hydrogen peroxide complex (l8.26g, 0.194 mole) in portions followed by trifluoroacetic anhydride (37g, 0.176 mole) maintaining temperature below l0°C. After stirring at 5-l0°C for 1 hour, the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was washed with water (300 ml x 2), 300ml of 5% aqueous sodium sulphite solution to quench residual peroxides and finally with 300 ml of water. Dichloromethane layer was distilled out at atmospheric pressure. The obtained solid was suspended in 250 ml of ethyl acetate and 12.5 ml of cone. HC1 was added at room temperature. The resulting suspension was then stirred at 65-70°C for 1 hour and allowed to cool to room temperature. After stirring for 2 hours, the reaction mixture was filtered, solid was washed with ethyl acetate (50 ml x 2) followed by water (50 x 3) and dried at 50°C under vacuum to obtain (5-(3,4-bis(methoxy)-5-nitrophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-2,5-dichloro-4,6-dimethylpyridine 1 -oxide of formula (Vila) (18g, 69%).

Example 7: Preparation of 5-[3-(2,5-Dichloro-4,6-dimethyl-l-oxido-3-pyridinyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl]-3-nitro-l,2-benzenediol (Opicapone, I)

To a cooled solution of 2,5-dichloro-3-[5-(3,4-dimethoxy-5-nitrophenyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl]-4,6-dimethylpyridine-l-oxide of formula (Vila) (25g, 0.056 mole) in 200 ml of N,N-Dimethylformamide was added AlCl3 (l l.34g, 0.085 mol) at 5-l0°C in portions. The reaction mixture was then heated at 85 °C for 6 hours. After completion, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and poured onto cold mixture of cone. HC1 (200 ml) and water (400 ml). The reaction mixture was filtered, solid washed with water (100 ml X 3) followed by methanol (50 ml x2) and dried at 50°C under vacuum to obtain 5-[3-(2,5-Dichloro-4, 6-dimethyl- l-oxido-3-pyridinyl)- 1,2, 4-oxadiazol-5-yl]-3-nitro- 1,2-benzenediol of formula (I) (22 g, 94%).

Example 8: Preparation of 2, 5-dichloro-N'-hydroxy-4, 6-dimethyl nicotinimidamide of formula (IV)

To a suspension of 2,5-dichloro-4,6-dimethylnicotinonitrile of formula (VIII) (lOOg, 0.497 mole) in l,4-dioxane (400 ml) and water (900 ml) was added 50% aqueous solution of hydroxyl amine (l30g) and N-methyl morpholine (50.2g, 0.497) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was then stirred at 70-80°C for 10 hours. After completion, water (1100 ml) was added to the reaction mixture at 70-80°C and allowed to cool to room temperature. After stirring for 2 hours the reaction mixture was filtered, solid was washed with water (200ml x 3) and dried at 50°C under vacuum to obtain 2,5-dichloro-N'-hydroxy-4,6-dimethylnicotinimidamide of formula (IV) (68 g, 58%).

Example 9:Preparation of 2,5-dichloro-N'-hydroxy-4, 6-dimethylnicotinimidamide of formula (IV)

To a suspension of 2,5-dichloro-4,6-dimethylnicotinonitrile of formula (VIII) (lOOg, 0.497 mole) in methanol (600 ml) and water (800 ml) was added 50% aqueous solution of hydroxyl amine (l30g) and 2-methylpyrazine (7.02g, 0.0746) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was then stirred at 70-80°C for 6-8 hours. After completion, water (800 ml) was added to the reaction mixture at 70-80°C and allowed to cool to room temperature. After stirring for 2 hours the reaction mixture was filtered, solid was washed with water (200ml x 3) and dried at 50°C under vacuum to obtain 2,5-dichloro-N'-hydroxy-4,6-dimethylnicotinimidamide of formula (IV) (82 g, 70%).

Example 10: Preparation of 2,5-dichloro-N'-hydroxy-4,6-dimethylnicotinimidamide of formula (IV)

To a solution of hydroxylamine hydrochloride (86.4g, 1.243 mole) in 400 ml of water was added LiOH.H20 (52.7g, 1.25 mole) at room temperature and heated at 50°C for 30 minutes. To the reaction mixture was added 300 ml of methanol, 2-methylpyrazine (3.5 lg, 0.037 mole) and 2,5-dichloro-4,6-dimethylnicotinonitrile of formula (VIII) (50g, 0.248 mole) at 50°C. The reaction mixture was then stirred at 70-80°C for 6 hours. After completion, water (500 ml) was added to the reaction mixture at 70-80°C and allowed to cool to room temperature. After stirring for 2 hours the reaction mixture was filtered, solid was washed with water (lOOml x 3) and dried at 50°C under vacuum to obtain 2,5-dichloro-N'-hydroxy-4,6-dimethylnicotinimidamide of formula (IV) (37.6 g, 64%).

Example 11: Purification of 5-[3-(2,5-Dichloro-4,6-dimethyl-l-oxido-3-pyridinyl)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl]-3-nitro-l,2-benzenediol (Opicapone, I)

The crude 5-[3-(2,5-Dichloro-4, 6-dimethyl- l-oxido-3-pyridinyl)- 1,2, 4-oxadiazol-5-yl]-3-nitro-l,2-benzenediol of formula (I)(25.0g) was suspended in 250 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide and reaction mixture was heated at 60-65°C to obtain clear solution. Then was added 500 ml of methanol and reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature. After stirring for 2-3 hours, the reaction mixture was filtered, solid was washed with methanol and dried at 50°C under vacuum to obtain 5-[3-(2, 5-Dichloro-4, 6-dimethyl- l-oxido-3-pyridinyl)- 1,2, 4-oxadiazol-5-yl]-3-nitro-l,2-benzenediol of formula (I) (22.0 g, 88%).

/////////////New patent, Opicapone, WO 2019123066, Unichem, WO2019123066

GUEST POST, POOJA KUMAR, CURRENT SCENARIO OF PATENTS IN INDIA

CURRENT SCENARIO OF PATENTS IN INDIA

By Ms. Pooja Kumar

(Registered Patent agent/Director of Innove Intellects)

Email id: pooja@innoveintellects.com

Patent is a monopoly, exclusive rights given to an individual or a company or an organization to make, sell, use and import an invention for a limited period of years. In India patents are granted to inventions that meets three important criteria namely novelty, inventive step and industrial applications. Patents can be given to either product or process. The product can be a device or apparatus or any formulations.

Over the years in India, people are getting serious about the protection of intangible property. And this can be observed by the below mentioned graph:

The WTO is the governing body at the international level, which covers Trade Related Aspects
of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) and several allied agreements. The World Intellectual
Property Organization (WIPO) is another international organization that helps and ensures the
rights of creators and owners of Intellectual Property are protected worldwide and that inventors
thus, recognized and rewarded for their ingenuity.
PATENTS IN THE INDIAN SCENARIO:

The laws pertaining to Patent in India is governed by the Patents Act, 1970 which has been
amended twice by The Patents (Amendment) Act, 1999 and The Patents (Amendment) Act,
2002.
Now-a-days, India has become one of the top patent filers in the world. This graph shows the
efforts of our government and the people who take the initiative to aware people about
Intellectual Property rights (IPR). Indian government has started various startup schemes which
led to the 12-fold increase in the establishment of startups in last year. India, which has 1.6
million active trademarks, registered a total of 339,692 new one last year, 287,139 from domestic
and 52,553 of foreigners, according to the WIPO. Also, government has been provided different
facilities such as early publication, expedited examination, online filing procedures, online
hearings, etc to make the procedure of getting patent easier. Recently, Indian Oil Corporation
emerges as the one of the top patent filing organization in India.
Patent applications are divided into one or more types by the patent office, and as per Indian
Patent Office, a patent applicant can type multiple kinds of patent applications. The documentary
requirements and other formalities for each patent application type are different, and hence it is
crucial to identify the exact type of patent application before initiating the patent filing process.
While filing for a patent, few things are to be considered. The first is which type of application
you are filling. In patents, there are five types of patent applications:
(a) Ordinary Application is the application which is made at the Patent Office for grant of
patent and does not contain any priory claims of application made in any convention country or
countries.
(b) Convention Application is a subsequent application made under Section 135 of the Patent
Act, 1970, claiming the priority date on the application which was filed earlier, where applicant
has already filed an application for grant of patent in a convention country or countries.
(c) PCT Application stands for Patent Cooperation Treaty. The Patent Cooperation Treaty
(PCT) is an international patent law treaty, concluded in 1970. It provides a unified procedure for
filing patent applications to protect inventions in each of its contracting states/countries. The
applicant gets 30-31 months’ time to enter into these countries for getting protection on its
invention, wherein such an application is called PCT National Phase Application. In addition,
patent applicants can file a PCT International Application, either with the Indian Patent Office as
Receiving Office, or directly with International Bureau (IB) of the World Intellectual Property
Organization (WIPO).
(d) Divisional Application is filed under two circumstances:
When the applicant believes that his/her application contains more than one invention and the
other inventions can be differentiated from the original application and filed as a separate
application.

When the controller of patent is of the opinion that the application contains of claims for more
than one invention.

STEPS INVOLVED PATENT FILING TO GRANT:
1. The Filing of an application for grant of a patent accompanied by either a provisional
specification or a complete specification.
2. In case provisional specification accompanies the original application, then filing of the
complete specification within 12 months from the date of filing of the provisional
specification.
3. After the expiry of 18 months time the patents get published on Indian patent office journal.
4. Filing of examination request can be made on form 18 within 48 months from the date of
filing.
5. The patent office send FER response to the applicant and the said response should filed
within 6month of time period.
6. Pre grant opposition can be applied by any interested person after publication and before
grant of patent.
7. Finally Grant and sealing of the patent.
8. Renewal or Maintenance fees paid by the applicant after the grant of patent

BENEFITS OF PATENTS FOR STARTUPS
Patents have become the yardstick for growth for the startup industry. Disruptive start-ups are
currently challenging the incumbent industries with their patented ideas. Having a patent in their
name helps the startups to get noticed in the industry and also helps in securing funding from
potential investors. In 2015, the Government of India announced its flagship initiative of
“Startup India” and offered various incentives for businesses that drives entrepreneurship and
innovation. The key takeaway points from the initiative are as follows:
 Simplifying the startup process with Single Window Clearance through a mobile app
 Fund of funds with a total corpus Rs 10,000 crore (Covered for four years)
 Compliance based Self-certification
 Start-up India hub – A single point of communication for the entire Startup ecosystem
 Patent protection – Fast track mechanisms for start-ups patent applications
 Exception from Capital Gain Tax and tax on earnings for three years)

 Exemption from tax for incubators investing above Fair Market Value
 Faster Exits (90-day exit window)
 New initiatives for IPR rights protection
 Encourage entrepreneurship through Credit Guarantee Fund (Rs 500 crore per year)
 Promoting entrepreneurship through Atal Innovation Mission
 Innovation-centred initiatives for students – Five lakh schools to target ten lakh children
for innovation program.
 Establishing 35 new incubators in institutions
The Patents Act, 1970 has also made special provisions for startups and small entities via the
amendment done in 2016. Rule 24C allows for expedited examination of patent applications, if
the applicant is a small entity or a startup. For a company to be recognized as a startup, it must
satisfy the following criteria:
 The company is enrolled as a Private Limited company
 Its age should not be more than five years
 Its turnover has not exceeded INR 25 crore in any financial year
 It is working towards innovation, development, and commercialization of new product or
services driven by technology
 It has not been formed by reconstruction of an existing business already in operation or as
a subsidiary.

PATENTS AND PHARMACEUTICALS
Since India became a TRIPS member in 1995, the Government of India had to amend the India
Patent Act, 1970. Prior to 2005, product patents were not allowed, only patents to novel
processes were granted and that too for a period of only 14 years. This all changed after 2005,
when the new act allowed the product patents especially of pharmaceutical products and the term
of patent was extended up to 20 years.
A pharmaceutical patent claim may cover any one of the following:
 Active ingredient (API) independently
 API along with formulations, isomers, salts, prodrugs etc
 A manufacturing process
 A manufacturing process and a product
Since the amendment of 2005, it has been difficult for foreign pharmaceutical companies to get
their drugs patented in India, since the majority of the inventions have been slight alterations of
the already existing drugs. Section 3(d) of the Indian Patents Act, 1970 forbids against such
“evergreening” of drugs as is evident from the Novartis case. In 2013, after decades long battle,

the Supreme Court promptly upheld the decision of the lower court and the patent office by
saying that the invention was a slight modification of the known drug (disclosed in 1993) and
that the company did not provide enough evidence to distinguish it from the prior art. This
stringent patent laws have allowed the development of generic drugs, which the people from
even the lower socio-economic groups can afford.
About the author:
POOJA KUMAR
She is the founder and director of Innove Intellects and is also a registered patent agent and start-
up facilitator with the Government of India and having more than 12+ years of experience in
searching, drafting, and filing patent application for diverse companies, organizations and
universities. Pooja has worked with Sanshadow Consultants as a Patent Consultant and also with
Amity University in IPR cell. She has also been involved in conducting training and awareness
programs related to Intellectual Property Rights in over 20+ universities. She has also been
awarded for women entrepreneur in 2018 by GECL foundation. She had also helped university
in developing IPR Policy and IPR cell. Till now she had filed more than 200 application in India
She had opened IPR Cell facility in Swami Vivekanad University Meerut in May 2018. Many of
applications from different IPR category like copyright design and trademark has been granted
from the patent offices. Patent status is still pending with the Indian patent office.
Disclaimer
Actual resolution of legal issues depends upon many factors, including variations of fact
and laws of the land. Though the author has taken utmost care in the preparation of this
article, the information contained herein is not intended to constitute any legal advice and
the firm cannot accept any responsibility towards those who rely solely on the contents of
this article without taking further specialist advice. The reader should always consult with
legal counsel before taking action on matters covered by this article.
Reference:
1)India is granting patents like never before by Ananya Bhattacharya
2) https://drugpatentsint.blogspot.com/search/label/INDIA
3)https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/india-disregards-evergreening-drug-patents-to-
help-companies-and-poor-a-869601.html
4) https://www.dr-hempel-network.com/digital-health-startups/start-up-india/
5) http://www.mondaq.com/india/x/27903/Patent/Patents+The+Present+Indian+Scenario

 

Pooja Kumar

Founder & Director

Innove Intellects

Mobile: +91-9910627125

Email: Info@innoveintellects.com, pooja@innoveintellects.com

Web: www.innoveintellects.com

 pooja@innoveintellects.com

/////////GUEST POST, POOJA KUMAR, CURRENT SCENARIO,  PATENTS, INDIA

VIXOTRIGINE, NEW PATENT, WO-2019071162, BIOGEN INC

VIXOTRIGINE, NEW PATENT, WO-2019071162, BIOGEN INC

https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2019071162&redirectedID=true

vixotrigine

Process for preparing α-carboxamide pyrrolidine derivatives (particularly vixotrigine ) and its intermediates are modulators of use-dependent voltage-gated sodium channels

Biogen, following the acquisition of Convergence Pharmaceuticals, that previously acquired clinical assets from  GSK is developing vixotrigine a voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7 inhibitor, for the oral treatment of neuropathic pain, primarily trigeminal neuralgia.

CHEN, Weirong; US

COUMING, Vinny; US

IRDAM, Erwin; US

KIESMAN, William, F.; US

KWOK, Daw-long, A.; US

MACK, Tamera, L.; US

OPALKA, Suzanne, M.; US

PATIENCE, Daniel, B.; US

WALKER, Donald, G.; US

LIANG, Wenli; US

The invention relates to a novel process for preparing a-carboxamide pyrrolidine derivatives, in particular (2S, 5R)-5-(4-((2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide, and to novel intermediates for use in said process along with processes for preparing said intermediates.

(2S, 5R)-5-(4-((2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide:

is described in WO 2007/042239 as having utility in the treatment of diseases and conditions mediated by modulation of use-dependent voltage-gated sodium channels. The synthetic preparation of (2S, 5R)-5-(4-((2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide is described in both WO 2007/042239 and WO 2011/029762.

Description 1a: Methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-((iert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate (D1a) (Batch Process using Grignard Procedure)

A reactor was charged with THF (350 kg) and the solvent was degassed by nitrogen sparging for about 30 min at 20 - 30 °C. To the degassed THF was charged l-(benzyloxy)- 4- bromobenzene (137 kg (1.78 equiv)). The solids were dissolved at 20 - 30 °C with agitation and under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen.

A reactor was charged with Mg (21.3 kg (3.0 equiv)) and THF (131 kg) and the mixture was degassed by nitrogen sparging for about 30 min at 20 - 30 °C. To this mixture was added -5% of the 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene - THF solution followed by heating to 50 - 60 °C under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. With good agitation, DIBAL-H in toluene (1 M; 2.5 kg (0.01 equiv)) was added followed by heating the mixture to 60 - 70 °C and aging for about 1 h. The remaining amount of the 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene - THF solution was added followed by a THF rinse (36 kg) of the reactor. The mixture was aged for about 1 h at 60 - 70 °C and was cooled to 20 - 30 °C under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen.

A reactor was charged with THF (382 kg) and the solvent was degassed by nitrogen sparging for about 30 min at 20 - 30 °C. To the degassed THF was charged l-(ferf-butyl) 2-methyl (S)- 5- oxopyrrolidine 1 ,2-dicarboxylate (71 kg (1.0 equiv)), and the resulting solution was cooled to -60 to -70 °C under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. To this solution was added the Grignard solution while maintaining a reaction temperature of <-60 °C. The reactor that contained the Grignard solution was rinsed with THF (61 kg) and the reaction was aged at -60 to -70 °C for about 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC).

Upon completion, 2-propanol (56 kg) was added while maintaining a reaction temperature of -60 to -70 °C, and the reaction was aged for about 30 min. Water (296 kg) was added while maintaining a reaction temperature of <10 °C; the contents of the reactor were warmed to 20 - 30 °C following the addition. The pH of the mixture was adjusted to 6 - 7 by addition of 51 wt% acetic acid in water (70 kg). MTBE (220 kg) was added and the mixture was agitated for about 30 min. The layers were separated, the organic layer was clarified by filtration and was concentrated to about 3 - 4V. MTBE (220 kg) was added and the resulting solution was concentrated to about 3 - 4V. MTBE (150 kg) was added and the resulting solution was heated to 35 - 45 °C. n-Heptane (250 kg) was added slowly while maintaining a reaction temperature of 35 - 45 °C, the mixture was aged for 1 - 2 h, cooled to 0 - 5 °C and aged for 3 - 5 h. The solids were isolated by filtration, washed with n-heptane (74 kg) and dried in vacuo at 50 - 60 °C to constant weight to afford 96.7 kg (77.5%) of the title compound.

Description 1 b: Methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-((iert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-5-

oxopentanoate (D1 b) (Batch Process using Grignard Procedure) (Alternative

Procedure)

A reactor was charged with degassed THF (1090 kg) and 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene (329 kg (1.46 equiv)). The solids were dissolved at 20 - 25 °C with agitation and under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen.

A reactor was charged with Mg turnings (31.9 kg (1.53 equiv)) and degassed THF (389 kg) under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. To this mixture was added -5% of the l-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene - THF solution (-70 kg) followed by heating to 50 - 60 °C. With good agitation, DIBAL-H in toluene (1.5M; 4.55 kg (0.0093 equiv)) was added followed by addition of toluene (2.16 kg) into the reactor through the charging line. The mixture was heated to 60

- 70 °C and aged for about 1 h. The remaining amount of the 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene

- THF solution was added followed by a degassed THF rinse (51 kg) of the reactor. The mixture was aged for about 1 h at 60 - 70 °C and was cooled to 20 - 30 °C under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen.

A reactor was charged with degassed THF (1090 kg) and 1-(te/f-butyl) 2-methyl (S)-5-oxopyrrolidine 1 ,2-dicarboxylate (208 kg (1.0 equiv)), and the resulting solution was cooled to -60 to -70 °C under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. To this solution was added the Grignard solution while maintaining a reaction temperature of <-50 °C. The reactor that contained the Grignard solution was rinsed with degassed THF (208 kg) and the reaction was aged at -60 to -70 °C for about 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC).

Upon completion, 2-propanol (164 kg) was added while maintaining a reaction temperature of <-40 °C, and the reaction was aged for 20 - 30 min. Water (100 kg) was added while maintaining a reaction temperature of <-20 °C; the contents of the reactor were warmed to -10 to -20 °C following the addition. The mixture was transferred into another reactor and water (940 kg) was added while maintaining a reaction temperature of <10 °C; the contents of the reactor were warmed to 20 - 30 °C following the addition. The pH of the mixture was adjusted to 6.0 - 7.0 by addition of 50 wt% acetic acid in water (-170 kg). MTBE (647 kg) was added and the mixture was agitated for 20 - 30 min. The layers were separated, and the organic layer was stirred for 20 - 30 min with a brine solution prepared from NaCI (48 kg) and water (390 kg). The layers were separated, the organic layer was clarified by filtration and the filtration apparatus was washed with THF (30 kg). The solution was concentrated to about 5.5 - 6X the input mass of 1-(te/f-butyl) 2-methyl (S)-5-oxopyrrolidine 1 ,2-dicarboxylate at a temperature of 45 - 50 °C. MTBE (647 kg) was added and the resulting solution was concentrated to about 5.5 - 6X the input mass of 1-(te/f-butyl) 2-methyl (S)-5-oxopyrrolidine 1 ,2-dicarboxylate at a temperature of 45 - 50 °C. MTBE (661 kg) was added and the resulting solution was concentrated to about 5.5 - 6X the input mass of 1 -(te/f-butyl) 2-methyl (S)-5-oxopyrrolidine 1 ,2-dicarboxylate at a temperature of 45 - 50 °C. MTBE (77 kg) was added, the solution was sampled and analysed for residual THF content (if the result was >15%, MTBE (661 kg) was added and the solution was concentrated at 45 - 50 °C to about 5.5 - 6X the input mass of 1-(te/f-butyl) 2-methyl (S)-5-oxopyrrolidine 1 ,2-dicarboxylate). The solution was cooled to 35 - 45 °C and n-Heptane (726 kg) was added slowly while maintaining a reaction temperature of 35 - 45 °C. The mixture was aged for 1 - 2 h, cooled to 15 - 25 °C over 2 - 3 h, cooled to 0 - 5 °C and aged for 3 - 5 h. The solids were isolated by centrifugation and washed with n-heptane (214 kg). The wet solids (-328 kg) were dissolved in THF (683 kg) at 40 - 50 °C. The solution was cooled to 35 - 45 °C and n-heptane (564 kg) was added slowly while maintaining a reaction temperature of 35 - 45 °C. The mixture was aged for 1 -2 h, cooled to 15 - 25 °C over 2 - 3 h, cooled to 0 - 5 °C and aged for 3 - 5 h. The solids were isolated by centrifugation, washed with n-heptane (167 kg) and dried in vacuo at 50 - 60 °C to constant weight to afford 252 kg (69%) of the title compound.

Description 1c: Methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-((fert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate (D1c) (Batch Process using Magnesium "ate" Procedure)

A reactor was charged with THF (249 kg) and the solvent was degassed by nitrogen sparging for about 30 min at 20 - 30 °C. To the degassed THF was charged l-(ferf-butyl) 2-methyl (S)-5-oxopyrrolidine 1 ,2-dicarboxylate (71 kg (1.0 equiv)), and the resulting solution was stirred at 20 to 30 °C under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen.

A reactor was charged with THF (460 kg) and the mixture was degassed by nitrogen sparging for about 30 min at 20 - 30 °C. To the degassed THF was charged 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene (93 kg (1.2 equiv)) and the solution was degassed in triplicate. The solution was cooled to -40 to -50 °C under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. To this solution was added /'-PrMgCI - THF solution (51.3 kg, 2M; 0.36 equiv) while maintaining a reaction temperature of <-40 °C. To this solution was added n-BuLi - hexane solution (71.3 kg, 2.5M; 0.90 equiv) while maintaining a reaction temperature of <-40 °C. The contents of the reactor were aged at -40 to -50 °C for 1 - 1.5 h. The solution was cooled to -60 to -70 °C under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen.

The 1-(te/f-butyl) 2-methyl (S)-5-oxopyrrolidine 1 ,2-dicarboxylate - THF solution was added to the reactor containing the organomagnesium "ate" solution while maintaining a reaction temperature of -60 to -70 °C; the contents of the reactor were aged for about 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC).

Upon completion, 10% NH4CI solution (389 kg) was added while maintaining a reaction temperature of < -40 °C. Following the addition, the contents of the reactor were warmed to 20 - 30 °C. The pH of the mixture was adjusted to 6 - 7 by addition of 50 wt% acetic acid in water (24.4 kg). n-Heptane (97 kg) was added and the mixture was agitated for 20 - 30 min at 20 - 30 °C. The layers were separated and the organic layer was concentrated in vacuo to about 270 L at <50 °C. The contents of the reactor were cooled to 20 - 30 °C and n-heptane (490 kg) was added followed by slurry aging for 2 - 3 h. The slurry was cooled to 0 - 5 °C and aged for 2 - 3 h. The solids were isolated by filtration, washed with a solution composed of n-heptane (58 kg) and THF (25 kg) and were dried in vacuo at 50 - 60 °C to constant weight to afford 102.95 kg (82.5%) of the title compound.

A reactor was charged with the title compound (102.95 kg) and THF (469 kg). The contents of the reactor were warmed to 40 - 50 °C, aged for 1 - 2 h, cooled to 20 - 30 °C and concentrated to a volume of about 250 L. n-Heptane (490 kg) was added and the mixture was agitated for 2 - 3 h at 20 - 30 °C. The mixture was cooled to 0 - 5 °C and aged for 2 - 3 h. The solids were isolated by filtration, washed with n-heptane (213 kg) and dried in vacuo at 50 - 60 °C to constant weight to afford 87.95 kg (70.5%) of the title compound.

Description 1d: Methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-((fert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate (Did) (Batch Process using Turbo Grignard Procedure)

A clean 100 mL EasyMax reactor was swept with dry nitrogen, the flow was reduced and /'-PrMgCI-LiCI complex in THF (41.7g, 1.3M, 1.0 eq) was added to the reactor and the temperature was set to 20 °C. Bis(dimethylamino)ethyl ether (9.13 g, 1.0 eq) was added in a single portion, the mixture was stirred for 5 min, and 4-benzyloxybromobenzene (15.0 g, 1.0 eq) was added in a single portion. The reaction was heated to 40°C under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen and held at this temperature until full conversion was observed (ca. 3.5h).

A clean 100 mL EasyMax reactor was swept with dry nitrogen, the flow was reduced and dry THF (45 mL). 1-(te/f-butyl) 2-methyl (S)-5-oxopyrrolidine 1 ,2-dicarboxylate (5.0 g, 1.0 eq) was charged in a single portion and the solution was cooled to -35 °C under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. The Grignard solution (26.4 mL, 0.85M, 1.1 eq) was then added at a rate of 0.5 mL/min while maintaining a reaction temperature of <-30°C. The progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC). Upon completion the reaction was neutralized by the addition of a 14.6 wt% AcOH/water solution (24 mL). The reaction was then warmed to -10 °C, then to 0 °C. A 20% aqueous NH4CI solution (10.3 g) was added followed by a pH adjustment with 1 M HCI (14 mL), then with 6M HCI to an endpoint of pH 1. The reaction mixture was transferred to a separatory funnel with the aid of 25 ml of THF. The phases were separated and the organic layer washed with saturated aqueous NaCI solution (16 g). The organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure at <50°C to afford a crude product solution (19.4 g).

The crude product solution was transferred to a clean 100 mL EasyMax reactor and was heated to 35 °C. Heptane (20 mL) was then added over about 30 sec. The mixture was cooled to 10°C and held for about 30 min. The solids were filtered, washed twice with 2: 1 heptane/MTBE mixture (14 mL) and dried to constant weight to afford 4.147 g (47%) of the title compound.

Description 1e: Methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-((fert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate (Die) (Flow Process using Intermittent Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor)

Reactor 1 was charged with 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene (145 g (1.0 eq)) and the reactor was flushed with nitrogen. THF (490 g) was added and solids were dissolved at 20 - 30 °C by agitation; the solution was kept under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen.

Reactor 2 was charged with Mg (13.66 g (1.02 eq relative to reactor 1 charge)) and the reactor was flushed with nitrogen. Iodine (0.14 g (0.001 eq relative to the 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene charge)) was charged followed by addition of 5% of the prepared 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene - THF solution. The contents of the reactor were warmed to 50 - 65 °C and after color dissipation, the remainder of the prepared 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene - THF solution (Reactor 1) was added while maintaining a reaction temperature of 50 - 70 °C. The contents of the reactor were stirred at 60 - 70 °C for about 1 h, cooled to 20 - 30 °C and held under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen.

Grignard Solution Batch 1

Reactor 3 was charged with 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene (2.755 kg (1.0 eq)) and the reactor was flushed with nitrogen. THF (9.29 kg) was added and solids were dissolved at 20 - 30 °C by gentle agitation; the solution was kept under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. Reactor 4 was charged with Mg (259.2 g (1.02 eq relative to the reactor 3 charge)) and the reactor was flushed with nitrogen. The contents of Reactor 2 were charged and the mixture was warmed to 50 - 65 °C. The prepared 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene - THF solution in Reactor 3 was added while maintaining a reaction temperature of 50 - 70 °C. The contents of the reactor were stirred at 60 - 70 °C for about 1 h and cooled to 20 - 30 °C. About 95% of this Grignard solution was transferred into Reactor 5 and held under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. A sample was pulled from Reactor 5 for analysis (residual 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene (HPLC); Grignard reagent concentration). The remaining 5% of this Grignard solution was held in Reactor 4 under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen.

Grignard Solution Batch 2

Reactor 3 was charged with 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene (2.90 kg (1.0 eq)) and the reactor was flushed with nitrogen. THF (9.78 kg) was added and solids were dissolved at 20 - 30 °C by gentle agitation; the solution was kept under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen.

Reactor 4 was charged with Mg (273.1 g (1.02 eq relative to the reactor 3 charge)) and the mixture was warmed to 50 - 65 °C. The prepared 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene - THF solution in Reactor 3 was added while maintaining a reaction temperature of 50 - 70 °C. The contents of the reactor were stirred at 60 - 70 °C for about 1 h and cooled to 20 - 30 °C. About 95% of this Grignard solution was transferred into Reactor 6 and held under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. A sample was pulled from Reactor 6 for analysis (residual 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene (HPLC); Grignard reagent concentration). The remaining 5% of this Grignard solution was held in Reactor 4 under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen.

Grignard Solution Batch 3

Reactor 3 was charged with 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene (2.90 kg (1.0 eq)) and the reactor was flushed with nitrogen. THF (9.78 kg) was added and solids were dissolved at 20 - 30 °C by gentle agitation; the solution was kept under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen.

Reactor 4 was charged with Mg (273.2 g (1.02 eq relative to the reactor 3 charge)) and the mixture was warmed to 50 - 65 °C. The prepared 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene - THF solution in Reactor 3 was added while maintaining a reaction temperature of 50 - 70 °C. The contents of the reactor were stirred at 60 - 70 °C for about 1 h, cooled to 20 - 30 °C and held under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. A sample was pulled for analysis (residual 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene (HPLC); Grignard reagent concentration).

Reaction of Grignard Reagent with l-(ferf-butyl) 2-methyl (S)-5-oxopyrrolidine 1 ,2-dicarboxylate

The reaction was performed in 12 cycles; a representative cycle is described below. In total, 6.46 kg of 1-(te/f-butyl) 2-methyl (S)-5-oxopyrrolidine 1 ,2-dicarboxylate was processed forward to the title compound.

Reactor 7 was charged with 1-(te/f-butyl) 2-methyl (S)-5-oxopyrrolidine 1 ,2-dicarboxylate (2.21 kg) and THF (5.89 kg) and the solids were dissolved at 20 - 30 °C by gentle agitation under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen.

Reactor 8 was charged with THF (0.98 kg) and the solvent was cooled to about -10 °C under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. Solutions of the Grignard reagent (3.2 kg) in Reactor 6 and the 1-(te/f-butyl) 2-methyl (S)-5-oxopyrrolidine 1 ,2-dicarboxylate - THF solution (2.0 kg) in Reactor 7 were simultaneously pumped into Reactor 8 over 15 min while maintaining a reaction temperature of <30 °C. The contents of Reactor 8 were stirred for an additional 15 min; the final reaction temperature was 0 - 10 °C. The contents of Reactor 8 were transferred to Reactor 9, cooled to about -5 °C and the reaction was quenched by addition of 1 M aqueous H2SO4 solution (1.20 equiv) while maintaining a reaction temperature of <10 °C. The mixture was stirred for 30 min, was transferred to Reactor 10 and was heated to 25 - 30 °C. The mixture was transferred to Reactor 1 1 , toluene (2.39 kg) was charged and the mixture was agitated. The mixture was transferred to Settler 1 and the organic layer was transferred to Reactor 12 using a metering pump. Water (1.65 kg) wash charged to Reactor 12, the mixture was agitated, transferred to Settler 2 and the organic layer was transferred to a storage container using a metering pump.

Product Isolation

The contents of the storage container (organic streams from 12 reaction cycles) was concentrated in Reactor 13 to an endpoint of 65 °C (pot temperature) at 200 torr. The contents of the reactor were cooled to 30 °C, then to 0 to -10 °C and aged for 0.5 - 2 h. The solids were isolated by filtration, washed with toluene (7.50 kg) and dried in vacuo at 50 °C and < 10 torr to give 8.76 kg (77%) of the title compound.

Description 1f: Methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-((fert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate (D1f) (Flow Process using Plug Flow Reactor)

A flow reactor with two reagent inputs, ¾ inch tubing for reagent transfer, and two ½ inch jacketed static mixers connected in series (35 mL volume) was assembled. Gear pumps were used to transfer reagents to the flow reactor. Mass flow meters were used to measure the flow rates of the reagents. Thermocouples were placed to monitor the temperature of the (4-benzyloxy)phenylmagnesium bromide (Grignard) and l-(terf-butyl) 2-methyl (S)-5-oxopyrrolidine 1 ,2-dicarboxylate solutions prior to entering the tube-in-tube mixer T, as well as the out-flowing reaction stream from the static mixers. A fourth thermocouple measured the

temperature of the collection vessel. A peristaltic pump was used to transfer an aqueous acetic acid quench solution to the reaction stream as it exited from the static mixers. A standard T-mixer was used to join these reaction streams. The quenched reaction mixture flowed through a cooled coil into a jacketed collecting vessel. The approximate residence time through the static mixers was calculated to be -4.5 seconds.

Solution A: 0.57M (4-benzyloxy)phenylmagnesium bromide (Grignard) solution in THF (1.3 equiv used).

Solution B: 0.44M l-(ferf-butyl) 2-methyl (S)-5-oxopyrrolidine 1 ,2-dicarboxylate (0.750 kg) in THF (6.5 L)

Solution C: 2.9M glacial acetic acid (517 g) in water (3.013 L) to provide a 2.9 M solution. The quenched reaction mixture flowed into a collecting vessel containing 20% aqueous NH4CI (1.465 kg) at 0 °C.

The pre-cooling loop for Solution B was set to a bath temperature of -20 to -22 °C. The static mixer jacket coolant was set to a temperature of -25 °C. The pre-cooling loop for Solution A was set to a jacket temperature of -5 °C. The continuous quench tube reactor was set to a bath temperature of 0 °C.

After the jacket temperatures and cooling baths were allowed to reach desired temperatures, Solution A was pumped at a rate of -250 mL/min through the outside tube of the tube-in-tube mixer and met the Solution B that was pumped through the inner tube at a rate of 250 mL/min. Simultaneously to the reagent streams, the flow rate of the 2.9M aqueous acetic acid solution was initiated and set to approximately 130 mL/min. Reagent flow rates were measured with mass flow meters and temperatures were measured with thermocouples.

The reaction was run for about 20 min; a total of 5.663 kg of Solution B, 6.237 kg of Solution A and 3.530 kg of 2.9M aqueous acetic acid solution were charged during the reaction. The lines were rinsed with THF (1.252 kg) immediately after the reaction was finished.

The pH of the aqueous layer in the collection vessel was measured at 6.08. The pH was adjusted to 5.05 with 1 N HCI (2.05 kg) followed by the addition of 1V: 1V AcOH/water (162 g). The reactor jacket temperature was set to 10 °C and the contents of the reactor were stirred for 12 h. The pH of the mixture was further adjusted to 2.06 by adding 37% HCI (0.301 kg) and the mixture was stirred at 0 - 10 °C for 15 to 30 min.

The aqueous layer was separated and the organic layer was stirred for 20 min with a 25% brine solution (1.995 kg). The aqueous layer was separated; the organic layer was held at 10 °C overnight. The organic layer was concentrated at 35 - 40 °C (jacket temperature) and 25-30 mm Hg. Upon reaching a volume of about 9.5 L, a well developed slurry was noted. The concentration was continued to a volume of about 4.5 L. The slurry was warmed to 31 °C and heptane (3.145 kg) was added. The slurry was heated to 35 °C, stirred for 30 min, and was cooled to and held at 20 to 22 °C. The slurry was cooled to 10 °C and stirred for at least 2 h. Solids were collected by filtration and washed with 2: 1 heptane/MTBE (2 x 1.5 L). The solids were dried to constant weight in vacuo to yield 990 g (86.8%) of the title compound.

Description 1g: methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate

A reactor was charged with degassed THF (1 199 kg) and 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene (450 kg). The solids were dissolved at 20 - 25 °C with agitation and under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. The mixture was heated to reflux for 15 min, then cooled to 20 - 30 °C.

A reactor was charged with Mg turnings (43.6 kg) and degassed THF (399 kg) under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. To this mixture, a solution of DIBAL-H (25% in toluene, 6.2 kg) was added followed by addition of toluene (3.7 L) into the reactor through the charging line. The mixture was heated to reflux for 10 - 15 minutes followed by charging of 5% of the 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene - THF solution. The contents of the reactor were held for 1 h under reflux; reaction initiation was confirmed. The remainder of the 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene - THF solution was added over 3 - 4 h. Following the charge, the temperature was adjusted to 20 - 30 °C.

A reactor was charged with degassed THF (760 kg) and 1-(te/f-butyl) 2-methyl (S)-5-oxopyrrolidine 1 ,2-dicarboxylate (284.9 kg), and the resulting solution was heated to reflux under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen, maintained at reflux for 10 - 15 min, then cooled to -60 °C to -70 °C. To this solution was added the Grignard solution while maintaining a reaction temperature of <-50 °C. The reactor which contained the 1-(benzyloxy)-4-bromobenzene -THF solution was rinsed with degassed THF (22 kg) and the rinse was charged into the reaction. The contents of the reactor were aged at -60 to -70 °C for about 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored for completion (HPLC).

A reactor was charged with 2-propanol (285 L) and THF (253 kg). With good agitation the reaction was quenched into this THF - 2-propanol solution while keeping the temperature between -20 °C and 0 °C. The reactor was rinsed forward with THF (53 kg), and the mixture was stirred vigorously for 5 - 10 min. Water (712 L) was added while maintaining a reaction temperature of <20 °C; the pH of the mixture was adjusted to 6.0 - 7.0 by addition of 50 wt% acetic acid in water (-170 kg) while controlling the temperature below 20 °C. The reaction mixture was warmed to 20 - 30 °C, stirred for 20 - 30 min and the phases were separated. Sodium chloride (42 kg) and water (255 L) were charged, the mixture was stirred for 55 - 65 min, and the phases were separated. THF (125 kg) was charged and the solution was concentrated by distillation under vacuum at a temperature of 40 - 45 °C. The distillation was stopped when the weight of the reaction mixture was between 5.5 - 6. OX the weight of the input mass of 1-(te/f-butyl) 2-methyl (S)-5-oxopyrrolidine 1 ,2-dicarboxylate. The reaction mixture was heated to 35 - 45 °C. Heptane (994 kg) was charged to the reaction mixture, the contents of the reactor were maintained at 35 - 45 °C, aged for 1 - 2 h, cooled to 15 - 25 °C over 2 - 3 h, cooled to 0 - 5 °C and aged for 3 - 5 h. The solids were isolated by centrifugation in three portions; each portion was washed with heptane (97 kg) followed by acetonitrile (59 kg) to give 389 kg of wet product. Based on LOD measurements, 375.3 kg (76.6 %) of the title compound was obtained.

Description 1 h: benzyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate

A reactor was charged with 1-benzyl 2-methyl (S)-5-oxopyrrolidine 1 ,2-dicarboxylate (69.3 g) and anhydrous THF (450 g) and the resulting solution was cooled to about -65 °C under an

inert atmosphere of nitrogen. A solution of 0.8M (4-benzyloxy)phenylmagnesium bromide in THF (1.1 eq) was added over about 2 h, and the progress of the reaction was monitored by HPLC. Upon completion, the reaction was quenched by simultaneous addition of 1 M sulfuric acid (1.1 eq) and toluene (264 g) over about 30 min. The resulting mixture was warmed from -10 °C to ambient temperature and was aged for about 30 min. The phases were separated, and the organic layer was washed with 10 wt% brine (180 g) and water (180 g). The organic solution was concentrated to about 6V at about 50 °C and <170 mbar (distillate: 650 g / 710 ml_). The resulting solution was heated to about 65 °C and a solution of toluene (105 g) and methylcyclohexane (200 g) was added dropwise while maintaining a temperature of about 65 °C. The solution was cooled to 0 - 5 °C and aged for about 1 h. The solids were isolated by filtration, washed with cold (0 - 5 °C) methylcyclohexane (200 g in 6 portions) and dried at 45 °C in vacuo to constant weight to give 76.6 g (66%) of the title compound.

Description 1 i: methyl (S)-2-(((benzyloxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)ph oxopentan

Solution A: 0.8M (4-benzyloxy)phenylmagnesium bromide solution in THF

Solution B: 0.88M 1 -benzyl 2-methyl (S)-5-oxopyrrolidine 1 ,2-dicarboxylate (25.0 g) solution in anhydrous THF

Solution C: 1 M aqueous sulfuric acid

Equipment: plug flow reactor with a Y-mixer; 10 ml_ reaction loop

Reaction conditions:

· reagent flow rates:

o solution A: 5.27 ml_ / min (1.3 eq)

o solution B: 4.72 ml_ / min (1.0 eq)

o solution C: 5.75 ml_ / min (1.5 eq)

• residence time: 1 min

· reaction temperature: 25 °C

• collection time: 2 h (theory: 0.36 mol title product)

• the quenched reaction mixture flowed into a collecting vessel

Following collection of the quenched reaction mixture, the phases were separated and the upper organic layer was concentrated to dryness in vacuo. The solids were dissolved in fresh THF (5.5V) at 45 °C. The solution was cooled to -5 °C over about 160 min and was aged overnight. The solids were collected by filtration, washed with heptane (5.5V, total) and dried to constant weight at 55 °C in vacuo to afford 18.61 g (45%) of the title product.

The combined filtrate and wash containing additional solids was transferred to a reactor, cooled to -5 °C over 2 h and aged for an additional 4 h. The solids were collected by filtration, washed with heptane (2 X 2V) and dried to constant weight at 55 °C in vacuo to afford 1 1.37 g (27%) of the title product.

Description 1j: methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate - flow chemistry procedure

The CSTR flow setup consists of one 1 L stirred tank for reaction, one 1 L settling tank and one 10L Schlenk type collection vessel. The stirred tank was equipped with a solid addition device, a reflux condenser, and a dip-tube (set to a 500 ml_ working volume) with an inner transfer line.

Step 1 : A stirred tank reactor was pre-charged with THF (70 ml), and magnesium (50.8 g, 5 eq), and stirred at room temperature overnight. The solid addition device was filled with magnesium. The reaction was initiated by adding (4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)magnesium bromide 0.77M solution (7.7 g, 5.9 mmol). The jacket temperature was increased to 55 °C. A solution of 1-bromo-4-benzylphenol (0.85 M in THF) was added at a rate of 7.8 ml/min to the stirred reaction vessel. After seven minutes, solid addition of magnesium started at a rate of 0.161 g/min. The total amount of magnesium for the entire run was (175 g, 7.18 mol,

1 equiv) and was calculated to keep 5 eq of magnesium in the stirred tank reactor over the course of the run. When the liquid level in the tank reached the level of the dip tube, a pump activated pulling material to the settling tank at a rate to maintain the 500 mL filling level in the CSTR. The approximate residence time of the solution in the jacketed reactor was 62 minutes. The product was transferred into the settling tank (unstirred), held for another residence time (1 hour), and subsequently transferred to a final collection vessel. The entire process was run for 18 hours.

Step 2: Grignard Addition: The equipment consists of tubular pipe reactor, heat exchanger, and a series of centrifugal phase separators. The tubular reactor accommodates mixing of two reagents for the conversion to methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate and quenching of the product solution with an acid solution. The centrifugal phase separators separate the product containing organic phase from the waste aqueous phase. The reagent (methyl-N-boc-pyroglutamate, Grignard, and sulfuric acid solutions were transferred continuously at controlled flowrates from their respective storage tank to pass through the tubular pipe reactor, heat exchanger and finally to the centrifugal extractors.

Reaction/Quench/Work-up: The 0.82 M Grignard solution was fed continuously from the storage tank at a flow rate of 32.6 mL/min (1.19 eq), simultaneously a 0.817 M methyl N-boc-pyroglutamate solution stream was fed continuously at 27.4 ml/min through a heat exchanger to pre-cool it to -8°C. The tubular reactor where the reaction between the reagent N-boc-pyroglutamate and Grignard solution occurred was attached to a heat exchange unit with chiller fluid set at 10°C. After passing through the reaction zone, 1.0 M sulfuric acid was introduced at a rate 22.4 ml/min. The residence time of the solution from reagent introduction to acid quench was 8 seconds. From sulfuric acid introduction to phase split the residence time was ca. 80 seconds. The quenched mixture passed through another heat exchanger to increase the temperature to 30°C for phase split. This material was directly fed into a centrifugal extractor to remove the aqueous component. The obtained organic layer was subsequently mixed with a solution of brine and sodium bicarbonate (14.5 ml/min) in a second centrifugal extractor. The final product containing organic layer was collected into a glass bottle. The process was run for 3.7 hours.

Crystallization: The product-containing organic layer above was transferred to a 10 L reactor for solvent switch to a lower water content THF-Heptane solvent system by vacuum distillation. A total of 6867 mL THF (appx. 9.5% v/v) in Heptane was added to the reactor and

subsequently distilled in appx. 2 equal portions maintaining distillation under reduced pressure (appx. 600-700 mbar) at temperature within 60-65°C to replace the original solvent (water-containing THF).3 The final solution obtained (appx. 11.5L) was cooled to 0-5°C with a cooling rate 0.5C/min and the resulting slurry was filtered, washed with Heptane and dried under vacuum at 60°C to obtain 1.765 kg of product.

Description 2a: Methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate

A reactor was charged with methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-((te/f-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate (180 kg) and ACN (486 kg) and the slurry temperature was adjusted to 10 - 15 °C. A solution of methanesulfonic acid (117.5 kg (2.9 eq)) in ACN (75 kg) was added while maintaining a reaction temperature of <25 °C. The reaction temperature was adjusted to 22 - 26 °C and the contents of the reactor were stirred for 1 - 1.5 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC). Upon completion, the contents of the reactor were cooled to 10 - 15 °C and a solution of 4. ON NH4OH (299 kg) was added to a pH of 7 - 8 while maintaining a reaction temperature of <25 °C. The phases were separated and the upper organic layer was heated to 30 - 40 °C. While maintaining a reaction temperature of 30 - 40 °C, 2-propanol (101 kg) and water (430 kg) were added to the reactor. The solution was cooled to 17 - 19 °C and was seeded (1.8 kg). The slurry was stirred for 1 - 2 h at 14 - 19 °C, cooled to 7 - 12 °C, aged for 1 - 2 h and cooled to 2 - 7 °C. Water (890 kg) was added and the slurry was aged for 2 - 3 h at 2 - 7 °C. The solids were isolated by filtration, washed with a solution composed of 2-propanol (61 kg) and water (270 kg) and dried in vacuo at 50 - 60 °C to constant weight to afford 1 19.6 kg (90%) of the title compound.

Description 2b: Methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate (D2b) (Alternative Procedure)

A reactor was charged with methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate (532 kg) and ACN (1670 kg) and the slurry temperature was adjusted to 20 - 25 °C. Methanesulfonic acid (346 kg (2.9 eq)) was added while maintaining a reaction temperature of <26 °C. The contents of the reactor were stirred for 1 h; the progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC). Upon completion, the contents of the reactor were cooled to <10 °C and a solution of 4.6N NH40H (773 kg) was added until a pH of 7 - 8 was reached while maintaining a reaction temperature of <25 °C. The phases were separated and the upper organic layer was heated to 30 - 35 °C. The organic layer was filtered through a plate filter to remove small particulates. While maintaining a reaction temperature of 30 - 35 °C, 2-propanol (301 kg) and water (1277 kg) were added to the reactor. The solution was cooled to 18 - 22 °C and precipitation occurred. The slurry was stirred for at least 30 minutes at 18 - 22 °C and then cooled to 0 - 10 °C. While maintaining a temperature of 0 - 10 °C, water (2128 kg) was added and the reaction mixture was aged for not less than 2 hours at 0 - 10 °C. The solids were isolated by filtration, washed with a solution composed of 2-propanol (188 kg) and water (798 kg) and dried in vacuo at 50 - 55 °C to constant weight to afford 319 kg (83%) of the title compound.

Description 2c: methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate - flow chemistry procedure with MsOH/ACN

Solution A: 0.79M methanesulfonic acid in anhydrous ACN

Solution B: 0.25M l-(terf-butyl) (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate solution in anhydrous THF

Solution C: 4.6N NH4OH solution in water

Equipment: plug flow reactor with a Y-mixer; 10 ml_ stainless steel reaction loop

Reaction equivalents:

· solution A: 3.0 (3.764 mL / min)

• solution B: 1.0 (3.946 mL / min)

• solution C: 2.7 (0.579 mL / min)

Residence time: 1.3 min

Reaction temperature: 130 °C

After reaching steady state, the reaction stream was collected for 102 min in a 1 L flask immersed in an ice water bath. The base solution from pump C and the reaction stream

were simultaneously collected with good stirring. Following the run, the pH was adjusted to 7 with by charging additional 4.6N ammonium hydroxide solution (about 15 mL). The phases were split, and the organic layer was concentrated to dryness by rotary evaporation in vacuo. The resulting residue was dissolved in ACN (120 mL) and distilled water (5 mL) at 25 °C and 500 rpm in a 100 mL EZMax reactor. The solution was cooled to 22 °C and water - I PA solution (2/1 (v/v), 80 mL) was added over about 30 min. The solution was further cooled to 18 °C, seeded (5 wt%) and cooled to about 0 °C over 2 h. Water (139 mL) was added to the slurry over about 30 min, and the mixture was aged for about 20 min. The temperature of the slurry was raised to 20 °C, held for about 40 min, re-cooled to about 0 °C over 90 min and aged for an additional 90 min. The solids were collected by filtration and dried to constant weight in vacuo at 55 °C to give 28.9 g (92%, corrected for seed) of the title compound.

Description 2d: methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate - flow chemistry procedure with H2SO4/ACN

Three solutions were prepared for the flow reaction. Solution A: 0.25M l-(terf-butyl) (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate solution in anhydrous THF; Solution B: 0.75M sulfuric acid in anhydrous ACN;

A plug flow reactor with a Y-mixer and a 10 mL reaction loop was used with 1 reaction equivalent of solution A, and 2 reaction equivalents of solution B; a residence time of 7.5 minutes; a reaction temperature of 95 °C; and a collection time: 73.7 minutes (theory: 22.1 mmol title product).

The collected product stream was neutralized to pH 7 - 8 using 4.6N NH4OH solution in water. HPLC analysis of the organic layer showed it contained 98.0 area% of the desired product. The lower organic layer was removed, and the organic layer was cooled to about 22 °C, aged for about 30 min and cooled to 0 - 5 °C over about 1 h. Water (38 mL) was added over 10 min, and the resulting slurry was filtered, and was washed with a solution composed of IPA (0.45V) and water (1.5V). The solids were dried in vacuo at 55 °C to yield 2.62 g (38%) of the title compound.

Description 2e: methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate - flow chemistry procedure with MsOH/THF-PhMe

Solution A: 1.5M methanesulfonic acid in 1 : 1 (v/v) anhydrous THF - anhydrous PhMe Solution B: 0.25M l-(terf-butyl) (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate solution in anhydrous THF

Solution C: 4.6N NH4OH solution in water

Equipment: plug flow reactor with a Y-mixer; 10 ml_ PFA coil reactor

Reaction equivalents:

• solution A: 3.0 (1.667 mL / min)

· solution B: 1.0 (3.333 mL / min)

• solution C: 6.0 (1.087 mL / min)

Residence time: 2.0 min

Reaction temperature: 150 °C

After reaching steady state, the reaction stream was collected for 1 17 min in a 1 L flask immersed in an ice water bath. The base solution from pump C and the reaction stream were simultaneously collected with good stirring for the first 60 min; for the remainder of the collection time, only the reaction stream was collected. Following the run, the pH was adjusted to 7 with by charging additional 4.6N ammonium hydroxide solution. The phases were split, and the organic layer was concentrated to dryness by rotary evaporation in vacuo. The resulting residue was transferred to a 400 mL EZMax reactor using ACN (120 mL) and the temperature of the mixture was raised to 35 °C. To the mixture was added water - IPA solution (2/1 (v/v), 78 mL) over about 10 min. The resulting solution was cooled to 18 °C over about 30 min, seeded (208 mg), further cooled to about 0 °C over 2 h and aged overnight. Water (135 mL) was added to the slurry over about 1 h, and the mixture was aged for about 4 h. The temperature of the slurry was raised to 13 °C, re-cooled to about 0 °C over 3 h and aged overnight. The solids were collected by filtration and dried to constant weight in vacuo at 55 °C to give 8.18 g (27%, corrected for seed) of the title compound.

Description 2f: methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate - method A

A reactor was charged with methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-((te/f-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate (100.0 g) and ACN (400 ml_) and the reaction temperature was adjusted to about 25 °C. Concentrated sulfuric acid (45.3 g) was added over about 10 min while maintaining a reaction temperature of <50 °C. The contents of the reactor were stirred at 40 - 50 °C; the progress of the reaction was monitored for completion (HPLC). Upon completion, the reaction was cooled to about 25 °C. A solution of 4.6N NH4OH (215 ml_) was added with good stirring to a pH of about 7. The phases were separated, and the organic layer was split into two equal portions of about 256 ml_ for product isolation studies.

Portion A

To one portion was added a solution composed of 2-propanol (36.5 ml_) and water (120 ml_) with good stirring at about 22 °C. The resulting slurry was aged briefly at 22 °C, then cooled to 5 °C over about 1 h. Water (100 ml_) was added to the slurry while maintaining a reaction temperature of <10 °C. The solids were filtered, washed with a solution composed of 2-propanol (27.5 ml_) and water (75 ml_) and dried to constant weight in vacuo to give 30.87 g (85%) of the title compound.

Portion B

To one portion was added water (150 ml_) with good stirring at about 22 °C. The resulting slurry was aged briefly at 22 °C, then cooled to 5 °C over about 1 h. Water (100 ml_) was added to the slurry while maintaining a reaction temperature of <10 °C. The solids were filtered, washed with a solution composed of 2-propanol (27.5 ml_) and water (75 ml_) and dried to constant weight in vacuo to give 31.90 g (88%) of the title compound.

Description 2g: methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate - method B

A reactor was charged with methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-((te/f-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate (776.5 kg) and ACN (1743.5 kg) and the slurry temperature was adjusted to 15 - 25 °C. Methanesulfonic acid (482.1 kg) was added while maintaining a reaction temperature of <26 °C. The contents of the reactor were stirred at 20 - 25 °C for about 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC); while awaiting results, the contents of the reactor were cooled to 0 - 10 °C. A solution of 4.6N NH4OH (590 kg) was added over about 25 min to a pH of 2 - 3 while maintaining a reaction temperature of <30 °C. Additional 4.6N NH4OH solution (519 kg) was added to a final pH of 7 - 8 while maintaining a reaction temperature of <25 °C. The phases were separated and the upper organic layer was heated to 25 - 30 °C. The organic layer was filtered and the filtrate was cooled to 20 - 25 °C. While maintaining this temperature range, a solution of 2-propanol (362.8 kg) and water (924.3 kg) were added to the reactor. The solution was cooled to 15 -20 °C and was seeded (3.7 kg, 0.5 wt%). The slurry was cooled to 0 - 5 °C over at least 2 h and aged for at least 30 min. Water (2403.1 kg) was added while maintain a reaction temperature of <20 °C. The slurry was cooled to 0 - 5 °C and aged for 30 - 40 min. The slurry was warmed to 15 - 20 °C, aged for 30 - 40 min, cooled to 0 - 5 °C over at least 1 h and aged for at least 2 h. The solids were isolated by filtration, washed with a solution composed of 2-propanol (283.2 kg) and water (1079.5 kg) and dried in vacuo at 50 - 55 °C to constant weight to afford 466.0 kg (87%) of the title compound.

Description 3a: l-(ferf-butyl) 2-methyl (2S, 5 ?)-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyrrolidine-1 ,2-dicarboxylate (D3)

A hydrogenation reactor was charged with methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate (30 kg) and MeOH (120 kg), and the slurry was heated to solution at 30 - 40 °C. The solution was cooled to 15 - 25 °C followed by addition of d -tert-butyldicarbonate (21.8 kg, 1.03 eq) and water wet 20% Pd(OH)2/C (0.9 kg, 3 wt%). The

contents of the reactor were degassed under vacuum followed by pressurization with nitrogen. The contents of the reactor were degassed under vacuum followed by pressurization with hydrogen (3 - 4 bar). After 2 h at 22 - 27 °C, the reactor was vented and re-pressurized with hydrogen (3 - 4 bar). The progress of the reaction was monitored for completion (HPLC). After 4.5 h, the reactor was vented and MeOH (90 kg) was charged. The contents of the reactor were warmed to 32 - 42 °C and held for 20 - 30 min. The catalyst was removed by filtration through a bed of diatomite (13 kg) and the spent filter cake was washed with warm (40 - 45 °C) MeOH (25 kg). The combined filtrate and wash was concentrated in vacuo to 2 volumes at <40 °C and MeOH was charged (56 kg). The slurry was heated to 50 - 56 °C and the solution was aged for about 1.5 h. The solution was cooled to 20 - 30 °C, the slurry was aged for about 1 h, water (60 kg) was added and the slurry was aged for about 2 h. The slurry was cooled to about -5 °C and aged for about 8 h. The solids were isolated by centrifugation, washed with 1 :4 (v/v) MeOH - water (57.5 kg) and dried in vacuo at 50 - 60 °C to constant weight to afford 27.6 kg (88.5%) of the title compound.

Description 3b: 1 -(tert-butyl) 2-methyl (2S, 5R)-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyrrolidine-1,2-dicarboxylate - method A

A hydrogenation reactor was charged with 20% Pd(OH)2/C (water wet; 5.7 kg), methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate (186.4 kg), MeOH (8.85V), water (20 kg) and di-te/f-butyldicarbonate (132 kg). The reactor was pressurized with nitrogen followed by venting (three times). The reactor was pressurized with hydrogen followed by venting (three times). The reactor was pressurized with hydrogen (15 bar). After about 2 h at 25 °C, the reactor was vented and re-pressurized with hydrogen (15 bar). The progress of the reaction was monitored for completion (HPLC). After about 4.25 h, the reactor was vented and its contents were filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to about 4.4 volumes at about 35 °C and at about 240 mbar. The contents of the reactor were reheated to 55 - 60 °C, the solution was cooled to 20 - 30 °C over about 2 h and the slurry was aged for about 1 h. Water (285 kg) was added over about 1 h and the slurry was aged for about 1 h. The slurry was cooled to 3 - 7 °C over about 2 h and aged for about 3 h. The solids were isolated by filtration, washed with 1 :4 (v/v) MeOH - water (359 kg) and dried in vacuo at 50 - 55 °C to constant weight to afford 174.6 kg (90%) of the title compound.

Description 3c: l-(tert-butyl) 2-methyl (2S, 5R)-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyrrolidine-1 ,2-dicarboxylate - method B

A hydrogenation reactor was charged with 20% Pd(OH)2/C (water wet; 3 wt%), methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate (100 g), MeOH (4.5V), water (5 g) and 90 wt% di-te/f-butyldicarbonate in THF (1.00 eq). The reactor was pressurized with nitrogen followed by venting (three times). The reactor was pressurized with hydrogen followed by venting (three times). The reactor was pressurized with hydrogen (15 bar). After 1 h at 25 °C, the reactor was vented and re-pressurized with hydrogen (15 bar). The progress of the reaction was monitored for completion (HPLC). After 5 h, the reactor was vented and its contents were warmed to about 45 °C. The catalyst was removed by filtration through a warmed filter, and the filtrate was re-heated to 45 - 55 °C and held for about 30 minutes. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to about 4.4 volumes at 30 - 40 °C. The residue was cooled to 20 - 30 °C over at least 1 h, water (1.5V) was added over about 45 minutes and the slurry was aged for about 1 h. The slurry was cooled to 3 - 7 °C over about 2 h and aged for about 3 h. The solids were isolated by filtration, washed with 1 :4 (v/v) MeOH - water (2V) and dried in vacuo at 50 - 60 °C to constant weight to afford 88.9 g (86%) of the title compound.

Description 3d: 1 -(tert-butyl) 2-methyl (2S, 5R)-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyrrolidine-1,2-dicarboxylate - flow chemistry procedure

reaction 2

The flow direction was from top to bottom (feed solution and hydrogen); and the hydrogen flow rate was 50 ml_ / min (while maintaining desired reaction pressure).

A 25 ml_ tube was packed with glass wool, sand, spherical catalyst beads (3% Pd/0-AI203 (1.0 - 1.2 mm spherical pellets)), sand and glass wool to give a 10 ml_ packed bed volume. 4 wt% methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate and di-ferf- butyldicarbonate (1.2 eq) in MeOH at -5 °C (feed solution 1) was then passed through the flow reactor at 0.08 - 0.10 ml_ / min, at a temperature of 53 - 61 °C and at a pressure of 10 - 15 bar. The collected solution contained a mixture of 1-(te/f-butyl) 2-methyl (2S,5f?)-5-(4- (benzyloxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-1 ,2-dicarboxylate and 1-(te/f- butyl) 2-methyl (2S, 5f?)-5-(4- hydroxyphenyl)pyrrolidine-1 ,2-dicarboxylate in MeOH (feed solution 2) was passed through the flow reactor at 0.10 mL / min, at a temperature of 78 - 81 °C and at a pressure of 3 bar to produce about 600 g of a methanol solution primarily containing 1-(te/f-butyl) 2-methyl (2S, 5f?)-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyrrolidine-1 ,2-dicarboxylate. This solution was concentrated in vacuo at a temperature of about 40 °C to a net weight of about 3.6X the amount of the input methyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate. After stirring the mixture at ambient temperature for 15 - 20 min, water (2V) was added over about 30 min, the resulting mixture was aged for about 30 min, cooled to about 0 °C and aged for about 30 min. Solids were isolated by filtration, washed with ice cold 1 :4 (v/v) MeOH - water (2 X 1V) and dried to constant weight in vacuo at 55 °C to afford 23.51 g (88%) of the title compound.

Description 4a: iert-butyl (2S, 5/?)-2-carbamoyl-5-(4-((2- fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (D4a) (K2CO3 / ACN procedure using 2-fluorobenzyl bromide)

A reactor was charged with 1-(te/f-butyl) 2-methyl (2S, 5f?)-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyrrolidine- 1 ,2-dicarboxylate (1 10 kg), powdered K2CO3 (71.5 kg (1.5 equiv)) and ACN (429 kg). With good stirring, 2-fluorobenzyl bromide (68.2 kg (1.05 equiv)) and ACN (15 kg) were charged and the mixture was heated to 86 - 94 °C; the progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC). Upon completion, the slurry was cooled to 40 - 50 °C, filtered and the spent filter cake was washed with fresh ACN (175 kg).

To the ACN filtrate was charged powdered K2CO3 (94.6 kg (2.0 equiv)) and formamide (308 kg (20 equiv)) and the mixture was heated to 86 - 94 °C; the progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC). Upon completion, the slurry was cooled to 70 - 75 °C and water (1 150 kg) was added while maintaining a reaction temperature of >70 °C. Following the addition the solution was aged for about 30 min, cooled to 65 - 70 °C, seeded (0.55 kg) and aged for 3 - 4 h. The slurry was cooled to 50 - 60 °C, aged 3 - 4 h, cooled to 20 - 30 °C and aged for 3 - 4 h. The solids were isolated by centrifugation, washed twice with water (220 kg) and dried in vacuo at 30 - 40 °C for 4 - 8 h and at 50 - 60 °C for 4 - 8 h to yield 128.75 kg (87.5%) of the title compound.

Description 4b: iert-butyl (2S, 5 ?)-2-carbamoyl-5-(4-((2- fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (D4b) (NaOMe - MeOH procedure using 2-fluorobenzyl bromide in DMF)

A reactor was charged with 1-(te/f-butyl) 2-methyl (2S, 5f?)-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyrrolidine- 1 ,2-dicarboxylate (1.0 kg), anhydrous DMF (2.9 L), 2-fluorobenzyl bromide (430 mL (1.12 equiv)) and anhydrous DMF (0.1 L). The solution was cooled to about 15 °C. With good stirring, 741 mL (1.05 equiv) 4.4M NaOMe-MeOH solution was added while maintaining a temperature of <20 °C. Following the charge, the contents of the reactor were warmed to about 25 °C, aged for about 1 h and 44 mL (0.06 equiv) 4.4M NaOMe-MeOH solution was added over about 5 min. The progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC).

Upon completion, formamide (2.5 L) was charged followed by addition of 81 1 mL (1.15 equiv) 4.4M NaOMe-MeOH solution while maintaining a temperature of <25 °C. The contents of the reactor were aged for about 1 h and 516 mL (0.73 equiv) 4.4M NaOMe-MeOH solution was added while maintaining a temperature of <25 °C. The progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC). Upon completion, a solution of glacial acetic acid (350 mL (2.0 equiv) in water (2.2 L)) was added over about 10 min. The slurry was heated to about 70 °C and aged for about 1 h. Water (1.8 L) was added over about 1 h and the slurry was cooled to about 3 °C over 3 h and aged for about 10 h. The solids were isolated by filtration, washed twice with water (2 L) and dried to constant weight in vacuo at 80 °C to afford 1.21 kg (94%) of the title compound.

Description 4c: iert-butyl (2S, 5 ?)-2-carbamoyl-5-(4-((2- fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (D4c) (NaOMe - MeOH procedure using 2-fluorobenzyl bromide in DMF) (Alternative Procedure)

A reactor was charged with 1-(te/f-butyl) 2-methyl (2S, 5f?)-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyrrolidine- 1 ,2-dicarboxylate (100 g), anhydrous DMF (290 mL), 2-fluorobenzyl bromide (42.2 mL (1.10 equiv)) and anhydrous DMF (10 mL). The solution was cooled to about 15 °C. With good stirring, 75 mL (1.06 equiv) 4.4M NaOMe-MeOH solution was added over a period of approximately 30 min while maintaining a temperature of <20 °C. Following the charge, the contents of the reactor were warmed to about 25 °C and aged for about 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC).

Upon completion, formamide (250 mL) was charged followed by addition of 133 mL (1.88 equiv) 4.4M NaOMe-MeOH solution over approximately 45 min while maintaining a temperature of <25 °C. The contents of the reactor were aged for about 4 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC). Upon completion, a solution of glacial acetic acid (35 mL (2.0 equiv) in water (100 mL) was added over about 30 min. The slurry was heated to about 60 °C. Water (300 mL) was then charged to the reactor over about 1 h, and the slurry was aged for about 1 h. The slurry was cooled to about 3 °C over 3 h and aged for about 1 h. The solids were isolated by filtration, washed twice with water (200 mL) and dried to constant weight in vacuo at 80 °C to afford 120.0 g (93%) of the title compound.

Description 4d: iert-butyl (2S, 5/?)-2-carbamoyl-5-(4-((2- fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (D4d) (NaOMe - MeOH procedure using 2-fluorobenzyl chloride in DMF)

A reactor was charged with 1-(te/f- butyl) 2-methyl (2S, 5R)-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyrrolidine- 1 ,2-dicarboxylate (7.50 g), anhydrous DMF (22.5 mL) and 2-fluorobenzyl chloride (3.20 mL (1.15 equiv)). The solution was cooled to about 15 °C. With good stirring, 5.6 mL (1.06 equiv) 4.4M NaOMe-MeOH solution was added while maintaining a temperature of <25 °C. Following the charge, the contents of the reactor were warmed to about 45 °C over 20 min. The progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC).

Upon completion, the contents of the reactor were cooled to about 25 °C over about 10 min. Formamide (19 mL) was charged followed by addition of 5.8 mL (1.1 equiv) 4.4M NaOMe- MeOH solution while maintaining a temperature of <25 °C. The contents of the reactor were aged for about 1 h and 3.7 mL (0.7 equiv) 4.4M NaOMe-MeOH solution was added while maintaining a temperature of <25 °C. The progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC). Upon completion, a solution of glacial acetic acid (2.6 mL (2.0 equiv)) in water (7.5 mL) was added over about 25 min. The slurry was heated to about 65 °C and water (22.5 mL) was added to the solution over about 1 h. The slurry was aged for about 30 min, was cooled to 0 - 5 °C over about 3 h and aged for about 30 min. The solids were isolated by filtration, washed twice with water (7.5 mL) and dried to constant weight in vacuo at 80 °C to afford 8.39 g (90%) of the title compound.

Description 4e: iert-butyl (2S, 5/?)-2-carbamoyl-5-(4-((2- fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (D4e) (NaOMe - MeOH procedure using 2-fluorobenzyl chloride in DMSO)

A reactor was charged with 1-(te/f- butyl) 2-methyl (2S, 5R)-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyrrolidine-1 ,2-dicarboxylate (7.50 g), anhydrous DMSO (22.5 mL) and 2-fluorobenzyl chloride (3.20 mL (1.15 equiv)). The solution was cooled to about 15 °C. With good stirring, 5.5 mL (1.06 equiv) 4.5M NaOMe-MeOH solution was added while maintaining a temperature of <25 °C. Following the charge, the contents of the reactor were warmed to about 25 °C over 5 min. The progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC).

Upon completion, formamide (19 mL) was charged followed by addition of 9.73 mL (1.88 equiv) 4.5M NaOMe-MeOH solution over about 45 min. The progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC). Upon completion, a solution of glacial acetic acid (2.6 mL (2.0 equiv)) in water (7.5 mL) was added over about 25 min. The slurry was heated to about 65 °C and water (22.5 mL) was added to the solution over about 1 h. The slurry was aged for about 30 min, was cooled to 0 - 5 °C over about 3 h and aged for about 30 min. The solids were isolated by filtration, washed twice with water (7.5 mL) and dried to constant weight in vacuo at 80 °C to afford 8.72 g (90%) of the title compound.

Description 4f: iert-butyl (2S, 5/?)-2-carbamoyl-5-(4-((2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (D4f) (f-BuOK procedure using 2-fluorobenzyl bromide in ACN - formamide)

f-BuOK 

A reactor was charged with 1-(te/f- butyl) 2-methyl (2S, 5R)-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyrrolidine-1 ,2-dicarboxylate (10.0 g), anhydrous ACN (30 mL), 2-fluorobenzyl bromide (4.18 mL (1.05 equiv)) and formamide (10 mL). The solution was cooled to 0 - 5 °C. With good stirring, 3.67 g (1.05 equiv) f-BuOK was added followed by warming the contents of the reactor to about 15 °C. The progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC).

Upon completion, the contents of the reactor were cooled to 0 - 5 °C and 4.71 g (1.35 equiv) f-BuOK was added followed by warming the contents of the reactor to about 15 °C. The progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC). Upon completion, the contents of the reactor were warmed to about 65 °C and a solution of glacial acetic acid (4.14 mL (2.3 equiv)) in water (10 mL) was added. Additional water (40 mL) was added over about 30 min. The contents of the reactor were cooled to 0 - 5 °C and filtered. The filter cake was washed twice with water (10 mL) and dried to constant weight in vacuo at 80 °C to afford 10.93 g (85%) of the title compound.

Description 4g: iert-butyl (2S, 5 ?)-2-carbamoyl-5-(4-((2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (D4g) (f-BuONa procedure using 2-fluorobenzyl bromide in ACN - formamide)

f-BuONa-THF

A reactor was charged with 1-(te/f- butyl) 2-methyl (2S, 5R)-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyrrolidine-1 ,2-dicarboxylate (10.0 g), anhydrous ACN (30 mL), 2-fluorobenzyl bromide (4.18 mL (1.05 equiv)) and formamide (1.5 mL). The solution was cooled to 0 - 5 °C. With good stirring, 16.4 mL (1.05 equiv) 2M f-BuONa - THF solution was added followed by warming the contents of the reactor to about 15 °C. The progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC).

Upon completion, the contents of the reactor were cooled to 0 - 5 °C and formamide (8.5 mL) was added, followed by 21 mL (1.35 equiv) 2M f-BuONa - THF solution, and the contents of the reactor were warmed to about 15 °C. The progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC). Upon completion, the contents of the reactor were warmed to about 65 °C and a solution of glacial acetic acid (4.14 mL (2.3 equiv)) in water (10 mL) was added. Additional water (40 mL) was added over about 30 min. The contents of the reactor were cooled to 0 - 5 °C and filtered. The filter cake was washed twice with water (10 mL) and dried to constant weight in vacuo at 80 °C to afford 11.06 g (86%) of the title compound.

Description 4h: tert-butyl (2S, 5S)-2-carbamoyl-5-(4-((2-

A reactor was charged with 1-(te/f-butyl) 2-methyl (2S, 5f?)-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyrrolidine-1 ,2-dicarboxylate (264 Kg), anhydrous DMF (748 kg) and 2-fluorobenzyl bromide (171 Kg (1.10 eq)). The solution was cooled to about 15 °C. With good stirring, 157 Kg (1.06 eq) 30% NaOMe-MeOH solution was added over at least 30 min while maintaining a temperature between 20 - 30 °C. Following the charge, the line was rinsed forward with MeOH (18 kg), and the batch was maintained at about 25 °C for at least 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored for completion (HPLC).

Upon completion, formamide (749 Kg) was charged followed by a line rinse with MeOH (18 kg). 279 Kg (1.88 eq) 30% NaOMe-MeOH solution was added over at least 45 min while maintaining a temperature of about 25 °C followed by a line rinse with MeOH (18 kg). The contents of the reactor were maintained at about 25 °C with agitation for about 4 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored for completion (HPLC). Upon completion, the batch was transferred to a second reactor and the equipment was rinsed forward with MeOH (155 Kg). Glacial acetic acid (97 Kg) was added to the batch over at least 15 min while maintaining a temperature of 20 - 30 °C followed by the addition of water (264 Kg). The batch was heated to 60 °C and water (792 Kg) was added over at least 2 h with good agitation. The batch was maintained at 60 °C with agitation for at least 1 h. The batch was cooled to about 2 °C over at least 3 h and aged for at least 1 h. The solids were isolated by filtration and washed twice with water (528 Kg per wash). The wet cake was dried to constant weight in vacuo at 67 °C to afford 315.4 kg (93%) of the title compound.

Description 4i: tert-butyl (2S, 5S)-2-carbamoyl-5-(4-((2-

A reactor was charged with 1-(te/f-butyl) 2-methyl (2S, 5f?)-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyrrolidine-1 ,2-dicarboxylate (70 g), anhydrous DMF (198.2 g) and 2-fluorobenzyl bromide (45.3 g (1.10 equiv)). With good agitation, 41.4 g (1.06 equiv) 30% NaOMe-MeOH solution was added over about 60 min while maintaining a temperature of 20 - 30 °C. The addition funnel was rinsed forward into the reactor with MeOH (2.4 g). The batch was maintained at about 25 °C for at least 1 h; the progress of the reaction was monitored for completion (HPLC).

Upon completion, formamide (238.1 g) was charged followed by rinsing forward the charging equipment with MeOH (2.4 g). 30% NaOMe-MeOH solution (66.5 g (1.70 equiv)) was added over 45 min while maintaining temperature at about 25 °C. The addition funnel was rinsed forward into the reactor with MeOH (2.4 g). The batch was stirred for about 4 h at 25 °C; the progress of the reaction was monitored for completion (HPLC). Upon completion, the batch was transferred to a second reactor and the equipment was rinsed forward with MeOH (20.6 g). Glacial acetic acid (25.7 g) was added while maintaining a temperature of 20 - 30 °C. Water (70 g) was added over about 20 min and the batch was heated to 60 °C. Water (280 g) was added over at least 2 h with good agitation. The batch was maintained at 60 °C with agitation for at least 1 h, cooled to 0-3 °C over at least 3 h and aged for at least 1 h. The solids were isolated by filtration, washed with water/MeOH 70:30 v/v (140 ml_) and water (140 g). The wet cake was dried to constant weight in vacuo at 80 °C to afford 83.7 g (93%) of the title compound.

Description 5a: (2S,5 ?)-5-(4-((2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (E1)

A reactor was charged with te/f-butyl (2S, 5f?)-2-carbamoyl-5-(4-((2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (which may be prepared as described in Description 4) (375.1 kg) and ACN (825.6 kg). With good agitation, methanesulfonic acid (1 14.8 kg (1.3 equiv) was added while maintaining a reaction temperature of 20 - 25 °C followed by ACN (50 kg). The contents of the reactor were warmed to 40 - 50 °C and aged for 2 - 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC). Upon completion, a solution of 1.0N NH4OH (377 kg) was added while maintaining a reaction temperature of 40 - 50 °C. The reaction temperature was raised to 48 - 52 °C and 1.0N NH4OH (1495 kg) was added slowly with good stirring while maintaining the reaction temperature within this range. The slurry was cooled to -3 to 3 °C over 3 - 4 h and was aged for 1 - 2 h. The solids were isolated by centrifugation (3 drops) and each portion was washed twice with water (182 - 189 kg). The solids were dried in vacuo at 30 °C for 4 h, at 50 °C for 4 h and to constant weight at 80 °C (10 h) to afford 256.4 kg (90.5%) of the title compound.

Description 5b: (2S,5 ?)-5-(4-((2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide hydrochloride (1 :1 ) (E2)

A reactor was charged with 2-propanol (672 kg) and the solvent was cooled to -10 to 0 °C. With good agitation, HCI (90 kg) was introduced while maintaining a reaction temperature of -10 - 0 °C. A sample of the solution was removed for concentration determination.

A reactor was charged with te/f-butyl (2S, 5f?)-2-carbamoyl-5-(4-((2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (which may be prepared as described in Description 4) (160 kg) and 2-propanol (1280 kg). Wth good agitation, the prepared HCI - 2- propanol solution (5.3 eq) was added while maintaining a reaction temperature of 20 - 30 °C. The contents of the reactor were warmed to 30 - 35 °C and aged for 12 - 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored (HPLC). Upon completion, the contents of the reactor were cooled to 0 - 10 °C, concentrated and aged for 2 - 3 h at 0 - 10 °C. The solids were filtered, washed with 2-propanol (105 kg) and dried in vacuo at 60 - 70 °C for 15 - 20 h to afford 132 kg (96%) of the title compound.

Description 5c: (2S,5R)-5-(4-((2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide - method A

A reactor was charged with terf-butyl (2S, 5S)-2-carbamoyl-5-(4-((2- fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (307 Kg) and acetonitrile (612 Kg). With good agitation, methanesulfonic acid (30 Kg (1.28 equiv)) was added over at least 30 min while maintaining a reaction temperature of 20 - 30 °C. The batch was warmed to 30 °C, aged for about 30 min and heated to 45 °C over about 30 min. The batch was maintained at 45°C for 2 h; the progress of the reaction was monitored for completion (HPLC). Upon completion, the batch was transferred to a second reactor, rinsed forward with acetonitrile (108 Kg) and 1.7% aqueous NH4OH solution (304 Kg) was added while maintaining a temperature of about 40 - 50 °C. The reaction temperature was raised to about 46 - 52 °C and 1.7% NH4OH solution (1216 Kg) was added slowly over 2 h with good stirring while maintaining the reaction temperature within this range. The batch was aged at 50 °C for about 1 h, cooled to 0 °C over at least 3 h and aged for about 1 h. The solids were isolated by filtration and washed twice with water (614 Kg per wash). The solids were dried in vacuo at 70 °C to constant weight to afford 218 Kg (94%) of the title compound.

Description 5d: (2S,5R)-5-(4-((2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide - meth

A reactor was charged with terf-butyl (2S, 5S)-2-carbamoyl-5-(4-((2- fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (100 g) and ACN (199.5 g). With good agitation, methanesulfonic acid (29.7 g (1.28 equiv)) was added while maintaining a reaction temperature of 20 - 30 °C. The batch was warmed to 30 °C, aged for at least 30 min and heated to 45 °C over at least 30 min. The batch was maintained at 45 °C for 2 h; the progress of the reaction was monitored for completion (HPLC). Upon completion, the batch was transferred to a second reactor; the first reactor was rinsed forward with ACN (35.4 g). A solution of 1.7% aqueous NH4OH (99.0 g) was added at 40 - 50 °C over at least 15 min. The reaction temperature was raised to 49 °C and 1.7% NH4OH solution (396.0 g) was added slowly over at least 2 h with good stirring while maintaining the reaction temperature at about 49 °C. The slurry was aged for 30 - 90 min, cooled to 0°C over 3 h and aged for at least 1 h. The solids were isolated by filtration and washed with water/acetonitrile 90: 10 v/v (200 mL) and water (200 g). The solids were dried in vacuo at 70 °C to constant weight to afford 71.6 g (94%) of the title compound.

Description 5e: (2S,5R)-5-(4-((2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide hydrochloride

A reactor was charged with terf-butyl (2S, 5S)-2-carbamoyl-5-(4-((2-fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (160 kg) and isopropanol (1280 kg) at 20 -30 °C. A solution of 2.6M HCI in isopropanol (5.3 eq) was added over about 2 h at 20 - 35 °C. The contents of the reactor were warmed to 30 - 35 °C, and the progress of the reaction was monitored for completion (HPLC). The contents of the reactor were cooled to about 10 °C over about 3 h, concentrated in vacuo for about 1 h and aged at 5 - 10 °C for about 2 h under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. Solids were filtered, washed with isopropanol (125 kg) and dried to constant weight in vacuo at 60 - 70 °C to give 132.05 kg (96%) of the title compound.

Description 6a: l-(tert-butyl) 2-methyl (2S, 5R)-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyrrol

dicarbo

A hydrogenation reactor was charged with 10% Pd(OH)2/C (water wet; 1.06 g), benzyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate (23 g), MeOH (140

ml_) and di-te/f-butyldicarbonate (1 1.3 g, 1.02 eq). The reactor was pressurized with hydrogen (8 bar) and stirred (300 rpm) for 3 h at ambient temperature followed by stirring at 50 °C for an additional 5 h. The contents of the reactor were cooled to ambient temperature and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated to dryness and the residue was reconstituted in warm MeOH (30 ml_). The contents of the flask were cooled to ambient temperature. The solids were isolated by filtration and dried in vacuo at 60 °C to constant weight to afford 9.6 g (60%) of the title compound.

Description 6b: 1 -(tert-butyl) 2-methyl (2S, 5R)-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyrrolidine-1,2-dicarbo

A hydrogenation reactor was charged with 20% Pd(OH)2/C (water wet; 2.25 g), benzyl (S)-5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-((terf-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate (74.59 g (71.00 g activity)), di-terf-butyldicarbonate (35.27 g, 1.01 eq) and MeOH (415 g). Following three vacuum / nitrogen break cycles, the reactor was pressurized with hydrogen (4 bar) and stirred (-2200 rpm) for about 105 min at 25 °C, then heated to 35 °C and held for an additional 1 h. The reactor was vented, additional MeOH (59 g) was charged, and the reduction was continued at 35 °C, 4 bar and -2200 rpm. The progress of the reaction was monitored for completion (HPLC). Celite® (2.5 g) was added, and the mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite® (2.5 g) and the spent pad was washed with warm MeOH (59 g). The filtrate was concentrated at 40 °C and 200 mbar to a net weight of about 179 g. The contents of the flask were warmed to solution at about 55 °C, slowly cooled to ambient temperature and aged for about 30 min. Water (100 g) was added over about 1 h, and the mixture was aged overnight at ambient temperature. The mixture was cooled to 0-5 °C, aged for about 3 h and filtered. The solids were washed with cold 1 :4 (v/v) MeOH - water (2 X 48 g) and dried in vacuo at 55 °C to constant weight to afford 43.98 g (89%) of the title compound.

///////////VIXOTRIGINE, NEW PATENT, WO-2019071162, BIOGEN INC