Bracco Imaging S.p.a.

Armando Mortillaro

Luciano Lattuada

Pier Lucio Anelli

Carlo Felice Viscardi

Marino Brocchetta

Roberta Fretta

Valeria Boi

Sonia Gazzetto

Pietro Delogu

Alfonso Nardelli

Stefano Sguassero

Silvia Ceragioli

Laura Orio

Aurelia Ferrigato

Rosario Velardi

Andrea Barale

Sylvia Ceragiolli

Massimo Verani

Daniela Giardina-Papa

The present invention relates to a continuous method for the preparation of (S)-2-acetyloxypropionic acid from an aqueous solution of lactic acid and acetic anhydride, in acetic acid. (S)-2-acetyloxypropionic acid is used for the preparation of (S)-2-acetyloxypropionic acid chloride, an essential intermediate compound for the preparation of lopamidol and has to be industrially produced with high purity and suitable quality for producing lopamidol according to the Pharmacopoeia requirements. The continuous process according to the invention, comprises therefore also the chlorination steps of (S)-2-acetyloxypropionic acid with thionyl chloride to give the corresponding (S)-2-acetyloxypropionic acid chloride which is further distilled to give the suitable purity characteristics for its use for the preparation of non-ionic iodinated contrast agents as lopamidol.

Continuous process for the preparation of (S)-2-acetyloxypropionic acid chloride

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of given carboxamido compounds, in particular of 2,4,6-triiodoisophthalic acid derivatives, as useful intermediates for the preparation of X-ray contrast media among which is iopamidol. The said process comprises reacting suitable N-sulfinyl intermediate compounds with a commercially available &#x3b1;-hydroxyacid or a salt thereof.

Process for the preparation of triiodinated carboxylic aromatic derivatives

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Borgofranco d'Ivrea, Italy

Armando Mortillaro