Bracco Imaging S.p.a.

Silvia Ceragioli

Giovanni Luca Ciarciello

Fulvio Uggeri

Luciano Lattuada

Pier Lucio Anelli

Carlo Felice Viscardi

Roberta Fretta

Pierfrancesco Morosini

Alfonso Nardelli

Pietro Delogu

Stefano Sguassero

Salvatore Incandela

Aurelia Ferrigato

Armando Mortillaro

Rosario Velardi

Pietro Minotti

Luciano Castiglia

Giovanni Ciarciello

Pier Francesco Morosini

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 discloses a process for the preparation of gadobenate dimeglumine complex in a solid form. In particular, said solid form is conveniently obtained by spray-drying a corresponding liquid suspension at a given temperature and concentration. The present invention is particularly advantageous for the industrial scale as the solid form may be obtained by employing water as a solvent, which is a non-toxic solvent, easy to handle and basically not requiring troublesome health or safety precautions.

Process for the preparation of gadobenate dimeglumine complex in a solid form

The present invention relies on a process for the preparation of non ionic iodinated contrast agents and, in more details, it relates to a process for the preparation of Iopamidol in high yields and with a high degree of purity. In more details, the invention discloses a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (III) comprising the condensation reaction a compound of formula (II) with 2-amino-1,3-propandiol, being said reaction carried out in an aprotic dipolar solvent and in the presence of an alkaline or alkaline rare earth metal oxide or hydroxide.

Process for the preparation of iodinated contrast agent

The present invention refers to a process for preparing a compound of formula (I) through a carboxymethylation reaction occurring in the presence of a suitable alkylating agent and of a base, without the need of monitoring the pH of the reaction environment. The compound of formula (I) is a useful intermediate in the preparation of diagnostic contrast agents for MRI techniques. 

Process for the preparation of contrast agents

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Milan, Italy

Silvia Ceragioli