Ucb S.a.

Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.

Vincent Zimmermann

Emile Cavoy

Michel Hamende

Michel Deleers

Jean-Pierre Canvat

Tooru Futagawa

The present invention relates to a process for preparing (S)-2-[4-(4-chlorobenzhydryl)piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxyacetamide and (R)-2-[4-(4-chlorobenzhydryl)piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxyacetamide by separation of a racemic mixture using multiple column chromatography.

Process for preparing (S) and (R)-2-[4-(4-chlorobenzhydryl)piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxyacetamide

The present invention relates to a process for preparing (S)- and (R)-.alpha.-ethyl-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetamide and (R)-.alpha.-ethyl-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetamide. According to this process, the enantiomeric resolution of the racemic mixture of .alpha.-ethyl-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetamide is carried out by simulated mobile bed chromatography, using at least three columns filled with chiral stationary phase. This process makes it possible to achieve good production efficiency on the industrial scale.

Process for preparing (s)- and

Levetiracetam is prepared by optical resolution of etiracetam by means of preparative high performance liquid chromatography or continuous simulated moving bed chromatographic system using silica gel supporting amylose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) as a packing material.

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Brussels, Belgium

Vincent Zimmermann