FORM 2
THE PATENT ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
"A one-pot process for the preparation of antiemetic agent, l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methyl)-lH-imidazole-l-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one"
2. APPLICANT (S): '.
(a) NAME: IPCA LABORATORIES LIMITED
(b) NATIONALITY: Indian Company incorporated under the Indian
Companies ACT, 1956
(c) ADDRESS: 48 Kandivli Industrial Estate, Mumbai - 400 067,
Maharashtra, India
3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION:
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

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Technical field of invention
This invention relates to an industrial one-pot process for the preparation of 3,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methyl)-lH-imidazole-l-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one (Ondansetron) starting from l,2,3,9-tetrahydroclarbzole-4-one, in high yield and purity.
Background and Prior art
Ondansetron is a pharmaceutically active agent commonly used for the treatment of nausea and vomiting, particularly associated with chemotherapy in cancer treatments. In currently marketed pharmaceutical compositions, ondansetron is used as free base in rapidly dissolvable tablets and as hydrochloride salt in injections, tablets and oral solutions. The chemical name of Ondansetron is l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methyl)-lH-imidazole-l-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazoll-4-one and is represented by the structural formula given below:

Formula I
Because Ondansetron molecule has a chiral carbon atom, it exists in two enantiomeric forms; however, racemic ondansetron is marketed so far. The molecule was first disclosed in the United States patent No.4695578 in 1987. The '578 patent discloses many ways to prepare Ondansetron starting from a compound of general Formula II which in turn is prepared from l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazole.

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A one-pot process for the preparation of antiemetic agent, l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methyl)-lH-imidazole-]-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one
Technical field of invention
This invention relates to an industrial one-pot process for the preparation of 1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methyl)-1 H-imidazole-1 -yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one (Ondansetron) starting from l,2,3,9-tetrahydrodarbzole-4-one, in high yield and purity.
Background and Prior art
Ondansetron is a pharmaceutically active agent commonly used for the treatment of nausea and vomiting, particularly associated with chemotherapy in cancer treatments. In currently marketed pharmaceutical compositions, ondansetron is used as free base in rapidly dissolvable tablets and as hydrochloride salt in injections, tablets and oral solutions. The chemical name of Ondansetron is l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methyl)-l H-imidazole-l-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one and is represented by the structural formula given below:

Because Ondansetron molecule has a chiral carbon atom, it exists in two enantiomeric forms; however, racemic ondansetron is marketed so far. The molecule was first disclosed in the United States patent No.4695578 in 1987. The '578 patent discloses many ways to prepare Ondansetron starting from a compound of general Formula II which in turn is prepared from l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazole.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

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In another alternative, Ondansetron is prepared by N-methylation of 1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-3- [(2-methyl-lH-imidazol-l-yl) methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-VI with strong base like sodium hydride
O Me
A
Formula VI
and dimethylsulfate in solvents such as dimethyl formamide, THF or an aromatic hydrocarbon, toluene etc. The yield of this reaction is only about 21% since the activation of the ring nitrogen atom is difficult.
Yet another alternative preparation of Ondansetron is by Michael-type addition reaction of 2-methylimidazole to 9-methyl-3-methylene-l, 2,3,9 -tetrahydro-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-VIII which according to this patent is prepared from 3-[(trimethylamino)-methyl]-l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one iodide (Formula VII) (Scheme II).

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Z is a reactive species Formula II
In one alternative, Ondansetron was prepared from hydrochloride salt of 3-[(dimethylamino)-methyl]-1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-Ill by treating it with 2-methyl imidazole in a medium of solvent such as water or an alcohol or their mixture thereof at reflux temperatures for longer period of time like 20 to 47 hours. (Scheme 1)

Formula IV
paraformaldehyde dimethylamine hydrochloride Glacial acetic acid



H2Q
H
I
)-CH3 N
Formula V

Scheme 1 The Starting compound of Formula-Ill was prepared by a Mannich reaction of 1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazole with N,N-dimethylamine hydrochloride and paraformaldehyde in a medium of glacial acetic acid at reflux temperature for long duration to give Formula III in very poor yields.

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Scheme II
This particular reaction is carried out in solvent systems such as water, ethyl acetate, ketone e.g. acetone, MIBK and amides over a period of 20 hours resulting in 44% yield.
Yet another process disclosed in '578 is a substitution of chlorine in 3-(chloromethyl)-l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula IX using 2-methyl-imidazole in presence of strong bases. This reaction was carried out in solvents such as dimethyl formamide, alcohols etc. resulting in about 72% yield.

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The '578 patent also talks about the oxidation of 2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4-hydroxy-3- [(2-methyl-lH-imidazole-l-yl) methyl}-lH carbazol maleate of Formula-XI using 2,3-dichloro-5, 6-dicyano-l, 4-benzoquinone (DDQ) in dry THF for the preparation of Ondansetron which according to the patent resulted in about 55% yield.


S
COOH
"COOH

Formula XI
US Patent No. 5478949 discloses a multi-step process for preparing Ondansetron by providing a novel intermediate compound of Formula XII which activates die methyl group which is alpha to the oxo group of the carbazolone to facilitate introduction of imidazole heterocyclic ring with 2-methylimidazole to give a compound of Formula XIII which is in-turn converted into ondansetron in 75 to 87.3 % yields according to the patent. Although the reaction proceeds well according to the patent, the process suffers from increased number of stages and the overall yields were not significant in comparison with the product patent ('578 patent) process.

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Formula XII

Formula I
US Patent 6388091 discloses an improvement for preparing Ondansetron wherein a Silyl enol ether of l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula XIV is alkylated with l-(N,N-dialkylaminomethyl)-2-methylimidazole of Formula-XV (Scheme III) in presence of an organic solvent such as MDC, chloroform, acetonitrile, THF, dioxane, toluene, DMF, ethanol or mixture thereof resulting in an yield range of 81 to 86%. The process improves the yield of ondansetron but it lacks industrial applicability. One of the reasons being Silyl reagents are costly. Apart from this; the 1-(N, N-dialkylaminomethyl)-2-methylimidazole reagent has to be prepared, since it is not a commercially available reagent and therefore increases the number of steps in the process.

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Formula XIV

CH3
H3C—-N-H CH3
Formula XV

Formula I

Scheme III
In another prior art, US Patent No.4957609, Ondansetron is prepared by a different route of synthesis wherein the last step is the closure of the central ring of 1,2,3,9-tetrahydrocarbazol-4-one ring system starting with a compound .pf Formula XVI where X is a hydrogen or a halogen atoms using copper or palladium catalyst. The solvent system used for the reaction includes DMF, N-methylpyrrolidone, HMPA, nitriles and alcohols. This process suffers from many disadvantages such as reaction specificity/regio-specificity in amino-methylation reaction and other side reactions and decomposition; accordingly the process is not suitable for industrial preparation of this pharmaceutical.


S^V

\,
\Afi
CH3 Formula XVI

Palladium catalyst
»-
Scheme IV

Yet another US Patent 4739072 describes another cyclization process for preparing Ondansetron wherein the catalyst is different than '609 patent. In this process, the

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cyclization of the starting material, a hydrazine of a Formula-XVII, is induced with a Lewis acid in an aqueous or an organic solvent medium. This process also has disadvantages from the point of view of industrial applicability similar to those discussed in the above prior art.


Formula XVII

Lewis acid
>■

Scheme V
The alpha amino-methylation of 4-oxogroup of l,2,3,9-tetrahydroclarbzole-4-one still remains a major difficulty and Patent No. CN 1105364 addresses this problem and discloses a preparative method for Ondansetron by activation of alpha-position of 4-oxo positions by enamine formation (Formula-XIX) and subsequent reaction with 2-methylimidazole, again increasing the number of stages in the production of ondansetron.

Formula XIX
Although various routes of synthesis available to a skilled synthetic chemist are disclosed in the product patent ('586 patent), several other prior arts( EP 59511,

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US4983621, EP191562, US4822881, KR923064, KR9832228, GB2152153821, ES2043535, RU2162695, RU2041876, CN1161966, CN1115760, CN1110970, CN1113239, CN1105364, CN1113913, CN1145902 etc.) are published and discuss improvements over the route disclosed in the said product patent and continued to work on to find improved process for Ondansetron of high purity in high yields.
WO 03093281 Al discloses an improved process for preparation of Ondansetron over the processes disclosed in the '586 patent by introducing a solvent combination of water and dimethyl formamide instead of water alone in the trans-amination of compound of Formula-Ill with 2-methylimidazole and claimed to increase the yield from 80% to 96% but based on the penultimate intermediate 3-[(dimethylamine) methyl)]-l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one as starting material. Therefore the overall yield from the l,2,3,9-tetrahydrocarbazole-4-one remains low.
It is apparent from the above discussion that considerable research is being carried out
by synthetic chemists to develop a suitable industrial process for the preparation of
Ondansetron to increase the yield and purity for which most of the synthetic routes were
disclosed in the product patent itself. It can be understood that the major challenge in
the preparative method is the introduction of side chain (methyl group) to the alpha
position of the 4-oxo group of l,2,3,9-tetrahydrocarbazole-4-one and the subsequent N-
alkylation of 2-methylimidazole since most of the prior art patents concentrate their
efforts on the final stage of the preparation of Ondansetron. The major drawback of
most of the reported processes is that the Ondansetron prepared from the said
intermediates of Formula-Ill, VIII and IX, results in lower yield having higher ratio of
exomethylene impurity apart from the difficulty in stirrablilty of reaction mass due to
tarry mass formation in amino-methylation reaction. Moreover the isolation of pure
3-[(dimethylarnine)methyl)]-1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9 ■methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one is
considerably difficult due to the complex nature of the reaction mass resulting from the reported prior art processes. This ultimately leads to very poor yield and quality of the

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intermediate resulting in lower overall yield / purity of the Ondansetron from the compound of Formula-IV. The maneuvering of the amino-methylation reaction on an industrial scale is also a major concern. The present inventors have invested considerable efforts to tackle the problems associated with preparative methods of Ondansetron and have come up with an improved process which is the subject of the present invention.
Objective of the invention
Without limiting, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a simple, one pot industrial process for preparing Ondansetron of superior quality with high yield.
Summary of the present invention
Accordingly, there is provided a one-pot process for the preparation of Ondansetron starting from l,2,3,9-tetrahydrocarbazole-4-one of Formula IV without isolating the intermediate of Formula-Ill and Formula-VIII, improving the rate of reaction, yield, selectivity, quality, scalability and the ease with which Ondansetron can be separated from the reaction mixture.
In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a solvent system for the Mannich amino-methylation of l,2,3,9-tetrahydrocarbazole-4-one, which includes a combination of acetic acid and hydrocarbon solvents such as toluene, hexane, cyclohexane, etc wherein the reaction proceeds at increased rate, giving high yield, without the formation of polymeric tarry materials. The reaction under the new conditions results into a mixture of intermediate compounds of Formula-Ill and Formula-VIII.

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Another embodiment of the process is that it obviates the need for the isolation of these intermediates after distillation of the reaction medium/solvent mixture.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the crude reaction mass containing intermediates of Formula-Ill and Formula-VIII are reacted without isolation in a single pot where, the trans-amination of compound of Formula III and Michael addition reaction of compound of Formula VIII with 2-methylimidazole are integrated to give ondansetron in a reaction medium chosen from combination solvents. The reaction proceeds at a rapid pace and completes in 5 to 8 hours under the given conditions. The integration of the two stages of reaction in a single pot is one of the special features of the present invention, which result in higher yield of Ondansetron in the range of 90 to 92 % on the basis of starting l,2,3,9-tetrahydrocarbazole-4-one . Further one pot process is easy from the operational point of view.
Yet another embodiment of the reaction, according to the invention, is the simple isolation of Ondansetron substantially free of exo-methylene and other impurities in a one-pot reaction by purification with solvents such as dimethyl formamide, acetonitrile, acetonitrile-water, dimethyl formamide-water systems, in higher yield.
Detailed description of the invention
The One-pot process of the present invention is described herein after in more details substantiating various embodiments and conditions of reaction for better understanding of the invention.
One-pot or single-pot reaction is hereinafter synonymous and means two or more processes are conducted in a single reaction vessel without isolating or purifying the resulting intermediates.

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Mannich reaction herein refer to reactions where a secondary amine, formaldehyde and acid reacted to give a reactive species called Mannich base which is added to the alpha position of keto functional group.
Trans-amination herein after means, amination of acid addition salt of tertiary amine with another amine like imidazole, which forms more stable amino bond.
Exo-methylene impurity wherever entered in this specification is referred to 9-methyl-3-methylene-1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-4H-carbazol-4-one.
The present invention provides a one-pot process: for preparing Ondansetron (I) starting from l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one. The l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one used in the present invention is prepared according to the process disclosed in Journal of Organic Chemistry, 1980,45,2938 - 2942.
In one aspect of the present invention, the Mannich reaction of l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-IV with paraformaldehyde and N, N-dialkylamine hydrochloride is performed in a solvent system wherein the formation of polymeric tarry materials/impurity formation are limited / avoided to make the reaction mass easily stirrable, proceeds in a rapid pace and completes in 5 to 6 hours time. The reaction is carried out at elevated temperature ranging from 90° to 120 °C, preferably in the range of 100° to 105° C.
According to the prior art, when this reaction is conducted in glacial acetic acid, reaction is sluggish and leads to formation of sticky polymeric material/impurities which necessitates the isolation, purification of 3-[(dimethylamine) methyl)]-1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one in order to carry out the subsequent reaction resulting into poor yield of the penultimate intermediate apart from problems of maneuvering on large scale. The reaction time is very high in the order of 40 to 47 hours for its completion.

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An advantage of the present solvent system is that the reaction mass is homogeneous making easy operation on large scale, the rate of reaction and the reaction specificity are significantly increased. The purity of the intermediates is considerably high to make the process to be integrated for the final molecule formation in the same pot without isolation/purification in the preceding step.
In the process of the present invention, it is observed that the reaction yields two intermediates namely, 3-[(dimethylamine) methyl)]-l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-Ill and 9-methyl-3-methylene-l, 2,3,9-tetradydro-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-VIII devoid of any major impurity and can be used as such for subsequent transformation. On completion of the reaction, i.e. disappearance of l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one, the reaction solvents are conveniently distilled to obtain concentrated reaction mass containing the said intermediates in a ratio from 70:30 to 50:50 as analyzed by TLC. (Scheme VI)

Paraformaldehyde
►•
N,ridimethylamlne.HCI
acetic acid * toluene

Scheme VI

2-methylimidazole water - acetonitrile

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The secondary amine used in the mannich reaction is selected from a compound of general Formula HNR1R2 wherein Rl and R2 are independently alkyl groups, R1R2 together are cyclic alkyl groups. Examples of secondary amines are N, N-dimethylamine, N, N-diethylamine, N, N-diisopropylamine, piperidine, morpholine, pyrrolidine etc. The secondary amine preferably and advantageously used in the invention are N, N-dimethylamine and N, N-diisopropylamine. The secondary amine may be used as free base or its salt such as hydrochloride. If the amine in the free form is used then a molar equivalent of an inorganic acid like hydrochloric acid is used along with paraformaldehyde. The hydrochloric acid may be introduced in the gaseous form by purging or in its solution form.
The solvent system for the above reaction is selected from the group consisting of acetic acid - toluene, acetic acid - hexane, acetic acid - cyclohexane, acetic acid - heptane, acetic acid - xylene, etc. The ratio of the solvent system i.e. acetic acid to hydrocarbon solvents is in the range of 90:10 to 60:40, preferable range is 80:20. The preferable solvent system is acetic acid-toluene in a ratio of 80:20. In the process the reactants and the intermediate products formed are in a homogeneous condition thereby facilitating a rapid reaction without forming considerable impurities. In the process, the solvent system may be previously prepared before addition of the reactants or the reactants may be suspended / dissolved in one of the solvents and the second solvent may be added subsequently before heating reaction mass. The reactants may be added into the solvents system at ambient conditions or at elevated temperatures. The reaction can also be performed in a pressurized vessel at a lower temperature than the one that is carried out at ambient pressure.
In the process conditions of the present invention the reaction of paraformaldehyde, N, N-dimethylamine hydrochloride and l,2,3,9-tetrahydroclarbzole-4-one results into two compounds namely 3-[(dimethylamine) methyl)]-l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-Ill and 9-methyl-3-methylene-l,2,3,9-tetradydro-4H-

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carbazol-4-one of Formula-VIII which is advantageously integrated to the transamination and Michael addition reaction with 2-methylimidazole to give the same product i.e. Ondansetron, in higher yield in the same pot without isolation / purification of the preceding reaction mass. The said intermediates undergo transamination and Michael type addition reaction respectively with 2-methylimidazole in the same pot in a suitable solvent system at elevated temperatures. The reaction proceeds at an accelerated rate to form ondansetron from both the intermediates and completes in 5 to 8 hours as compared to the longer duration, viz: 20 to 47 hours, reported in prior art.
The 2-methylimidazole is preferably used in excess relative to the starting material, l,2,3,9-tetrahydrocarbazole-4-one (IV), preferably in a molar excess of about 5-6 molar equivalent with respect to starting material.
The advantage of the present invention is increased rate of reaction achieved without sacrificing yield or producing new side products. The exo-methylene compound is almost consumed in the reaction so that the exo-methylene impurity is limited in the final Ondansetron hydrochloride salt to an amount of less than 0.1 %.
In the above reaction process of the present invention wherein compound of Formula-Ill and VIII are reacted with 2-methylimidazole, the preferable solvents used are selected from acetonitrile, water, dimethyl formamide, dimethylacetamide, acetonitrile-water, dimethylformamide-water, dimethyl acetamide-water etc. The basic need of the reaction medium is that both reactants and products should be soluble in the reaction medium so that reaction is rapid and no undue side reaction take place during the reaction. The preferable solvent system is acetonitrile-water, or dimethylformamide-water. The ratio of water to the organic solvent is selected from a range of 10 to 60 % organic solvent and 90 to 40 % water.

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The reaction of compound of Formula-Ill and VIII with 2-methylimidazole is carried out at a temperature range of 90-110°C, preferably 95-100°C and the reaction completes in 5 to 8 hours. On completion of the reaction, crude ondansetron is isolated conveniently from the reaction medium by cooling to precipitate the product. The yield of ondansetron based on the starting material l,2,3,9-tetrahydrocarbazole-4-one (IV) is considerably significant and is in the range of 90 to 92 %.
The crude Ondansetron is purified by crystallization procedure from suitable solvents. The solvents for crystallization are selected from aprotic polar solvents such as N, N-dimethyl formamide, acetontrile, N-methylpyrrolidone. The preferred solvent is dimethyl formamide. The crude Ondansetron is dissolved in the crystallizing solvents at elevated temperature like 90 to 95° C and progressively cooled to crystallize the pure product. The preferable concentration of ondansetron relative to the solvent is in an amount of about 5 to 25 ml. per gram of Ondansetron and more preferably about 10 ml. per gram. In the process crude Ondansetron is dissolved in DMF at 90-95°C to get clear solution, optionally filtering to remove insoluble, which upon slow cooling accelerated the crystallization of the said product. The crystal form of ondansetron free base so prepared is identical with Form B reported in WO-2004063189.
The Ondansetron obtained by the crystallization according to this procedure is almost free from exomethylene carbazolone impurity i.e. less than 0.1% (based on HPLC analysis) complying to the pharmacopoeia specifications. The isolated Ondansetron also may be converted to a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt preferably a hydrochloride salt using techniques well known in the art like purging hydrochloric acid gas or providing an alcoholic solution of dry HC1 into a solution of ondansetron free base in alcoholic solvents such as isopropyl alcohol to precipitate pure Ondansetron hydrochloride salt.

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The following non-limiting examples presented to illustrate the best mode of carrying out the process of the present invention. The examples are not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein but include the permutations, which are obvious set forth in the description.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
50 Kg l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one, 25 kg N, N-dimethylamine hydrochloride and 10 kg paraformaldehyde were charged into a reaction vessel containing a combination of acetic acid 400 litre and toluene 100 litre. Under stirring, the mass was heated to a temperature of 100 to 105° C for a period of 3 .5 hours. On disappearance of l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one on TLC analysis, the acetic acid - toluene was distilled under vacuum at 60 - 65°C. To the concentrated reaction mass, 104 kg 2-methylimidazole, 100 litre acetonitrile, 400 litre water were added and heated to 80 to 85°C for 6 hours. The reaction mass was then slowly cooled to 20 to 25°C. Filtered and washed with 500 litre water which upon drying gave 68 kg ondansetron base. Melting point 229 to 231°C.
Example 2
50 Kg l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one, 25 kg N, N-dimethylamine hydrochloride and 10 kg paraformaldehyde were charged into a reaction vessel containing a combination of acetic acid 400 litre and toluene 100 litre. Under stirring the mass was heated to a temperature of 100 to 105°C for a period of 3 .5 hours. On disappearance of l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one on TLC analysis, the acetic acid-toluene was distilled under vacuum at 60 - 65°C. To the concentrated reaction ma§§, 104 kg 2-methylimidazole, 50 litre acetonitrile, 450 litre water were

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added and heated to 80 to 85°C for 6 hours. The reaction mass was then slowly cooled to 20 to 25°C. Filtered and washed with 500 litre water which upon drying gave 68.5 kg ondansetron base. Melting point 229 to 231°C
Example 3
50 Kg l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one, 25 kg N, N-dimethylamine hydrochloride and 10 kg paraformaldehyde were charged into a reaction vessel containing a combination of acetic acid 400 litre and toluene 100 litre. Under stirring the mass was heated to a temperature of 100 to 105°C for a period of 3 .5 hours. On disappearance of l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one on TLC analysis, the acetic acid-toluene was distilled under vacuum at 60 - 65°C. To the concentrated reaction mass, 104 kg 2-methylimidazole, 100 litre N,N- dimethylformamide, 400 litre water were added and heated to 90 to 95°C for 6 hours. The reaction mass was then slowly cooled to 20 to 25°C. Filtered and washed with 500 litre water which upon drying gave 67 kg ondansetron base. Melting point 229 to 231°C
Example 4
50 Kg l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one, 25 kg N,N-dimethylamine hydrochloride and 10 kg paraformaldehyde were charged into a reaction vessel containing a combination of acetic acid 400 litre and toluene 100 litre. Under stirring the mass was heated to a temperature of 100 to 105° C for a period of 3 .5 hours. On disappearance of l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one on TLC analysis, the acetic acid-toluene was distilled under vacuum at 60 - 65°C. To the concentrated reaction mass, 104 kg 2-methylimidazole, 50 litre N,N- dimethylformamide, 400 litre water were added and heated to 90 to 95 °C for 6 hours. The reaction mass was then slowly cooled to 20 to 25°C. Filtered and washed with 500 litre water which upon drying gave 68 kg ondansetron base. Melting point 229 to 231°C

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Example 5 Purification
100 kg ondansetron free base was charged into a reaction vessel, further 1000 litre dimethylformamide was added and the reaction mass was heated to 90°C for 1.0 hour. After complete dissolution of ondansetron the solution was cooled to a temperature of 30°C and further chilled to 0 to 5°C. The crystallized product was filtered and dried to give 80 kg ondansetron free base. A second crop of 5 - 7 kg was recovered from the mother liquor. The crystal structure is identical with Form B reported in WO-2004063189

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We claim
A one-pot industrial process for preparing l,2,3,9-tetrahyro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methyl-lH-imidazole-l-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-I from 1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-IV comprising: reacting the said compound of Formula IV with HNR1R2 salt and paraformaldehyde, where Ri, R2 are independent alkyl groups or together forms a cyclic alkyl group, in a solvent medium of acetic acid and hydrocarbon solvent to give a mixture of intermediate compounds of Formula III (Ri, R2 are as previously defined) and Formula VIII; and
reacting said mixture of intermediate compounds with 2-methyimidazole in a suitable solvent system to obtain ondansetron (Formula I) in the same pot.

CH3 Formula III
Formula IV
Formula VIII

The process of claim 1 wherein said HNR1R2 are selected from N, N-dimethylamine, N,N-diethylamine, N,N-diisopropylamine, morpholine, piperidine, pyrrolidine or their salts.
The process of claim 1 wherein said HNR1R2 is N, N-dimethylamine hydrochloride or N,N-diisopropylamine hydrochloride.

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4. The process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the solvent system of acetic acid and hydrocarbon solvents include acetic acid-toluene, acetic acid-hexane, acetic acid-heptane, acetic acid-xylene or acetic acid-cyclohexane.
5 The process as claimed in claim 4, wherein the ratio of solvents of acetic acid and hydrocarbon solvents of said solvent system is in the range of 60: 40 to 90: 10; preferably 80: 20.
6 The process as claimed in claim 4, wherein content of water in the reaction solvents are in the limit of 0.1 % to 0.2%.
7 The process as claimed in claim 2 to 6 wherein the reaction is performed in anhydrous condition.
8 The process as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the reaction is carried out at a temperature in the range of 90 to 120°C; preferably at 100 to l05°C.
9 The process as claimed any preceding claim, wherein the ratio of compound of Formula III to Formula VIII is in the range of 70:30 to 50:50.
10 The process as claimed any preceding claim, wherein the ratio of compound of Formula III to Formula VIII is in the range of 60:40.
11 The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein a crude mixture of compound of Formula-Ill and Formula VIII are reacted with 2-methyl imidazole to form Ondansetron.
12 The process as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein reaction of compound of Formula III and Formula VIII with 2-methylimidazole is carried out in organic

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solvent-water system such as acetonitrile, N,N-dimethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, acetonitrile- water, N,N-dimethyl formamide -water and N-methylpyrrolidone-water.
13 The process as claimed in claim 12, wherein reaction of compound of formula III and Formula VIII with 2-methylimidazole is preferably effected in acetonitrile-water and dimethyl formamide-water solvent system.
14 The process as claimed in claim 13, wherein the ratio of the organic solvent to water in said organic solvent-water solvent system is in the range of 10:90 to 20:80.
15 The process as claimed in claim 1 or 14, wherein the reaction of a crude mixture of Formula III and Formula VIII in a ratio of 70:30 to 50:50 with 2-methyl imidazole is performed in acetonitrile-water.
16 The process as claimed in claim 15, wherein the combination of solvents acetonitrile-water has a ratio of 20:80 to 10:90.
17 The process as claimed in claim 11 to 16, wherein the reaction of a crude mixture of Formula III and Formula VIII with 2-methylimidazole is performed at a temperature of 80 to 110°C.
18 The process as claimed in claim 1 or any preceding claim, wherein the reactant 2-methyl imidazole is used in molar excess relative to starting material of Formula IV preferably in the range of 2 to about 6 molar equivalent.
19 The process as claimed in claim 18, wherein the reactant 2-methyl imidazole is 5 molar equivalent relative to starting material of Formula IV.

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20 A process for the preparation of l,2,3,9-tetrahyro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methyl-lH-imidazole-l-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-I comprising reacting a mixture of compound of Formula III and VIII with 2-methylimidazole in a medium of dimethyl formamide-water or acetonitrile-water at elevated temperatures.
21 A process as claimed in claim 20, wherein the ratio of compound of Formula III to compound of Formula VIII is ranging between 70:30 to 50:50.
22 The process of claim 1 or 20 further comprising; separating the 1,2,3,9-tetrahyhydro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methylimidazole-1-yl) methyl]- 4H-carbazol-4-one from the reaction mass by cooling, filtering to remove ondansetron free base, forming a solution of the said base in an aprotic polar solvent such as DMF, acetonitrile, N-methylpyrrolidone etc., and progressively cooling to crystallize the said free base from the solution as polymorph Form B.
23 The process as claimed in any of the claim 1 or 22, wherein the Ondansetron prepared is substantially free from 9-methyl-3-methylene-1, 2,3,9-tetrahydro-4H-carbazol-4-one impurity or at least less than 0.1 %.
24 The process of claim 1 or 22, wherein the ondansetron free base is further converted to ondansetron hydrochloride salt.
25 Ondansetron prepared according to any of the preceding claim in a one-pot procedure from l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one.
26 Ondansetron hydrochloride prepared according to a one-pot procedure from 1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one.

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27 Ondansetron prepared from a mixture of compound of Formula III and compound of Formula VIII in a ratio of 70:30 to 50:50 in solvent systems selected from dimethyl formamide- water or acetonitrile-water.
28 A one-pot industrial process for preparing l,2,3,9-tetrahyro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methy-1H-imidazole-l-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one as substantially described herein with reference to the foregoing examples 1 to 5.
29 Ondansetron prepared according to the process as substantially described with reference to the forgoing examples 1 to 5
Dated this 3rd day of May 2007

GNA 1404 WO 26

Abstract:
A one-pot industrial process for preparing l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methyl-lH-imidazole-l-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-I from l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-IV involves reaction of Formula IV with HNR1R2 salt and paraformaldehyde, where R1, R2 are independently alkyl groups or together forms a cyclic alkyl group, in a solvent system of acetic acid and hydrocarbon solvent to form a crude mixture of intermediate compounds of Formula III and VIII, which is converted to ondansetron (Formula I) without isolation by reaction with 2-methyimidazole in a suitable solvent system in the same pot.

^^N
CH3 Formula IV

^^N
CH3 Formula II

I CH3
Formula VIII

CH3 Formula
FORM 2
THE PATENT ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
"A one-pot process for the preparation of antiemetic agent, l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methyl)-lH-imidazole-l-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one"
2. APPLICANT (S): '.
(a) NAME: IPCA LABORATORIES LIMITED
(b) NATIONALITY: Indian Company incorporated under the Indian
Companies ACT, 1956
(c) ADDRESS: 48 Kandivli Industrial Estate, Mumbai - 400 067,
Maharashtra, India
3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION:
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

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Technical field of invention
This invention relates to an industrial one-pot process for the preparation of 3,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methyl)-lH-imidazole-l-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one (Ondansetron) starting from l,2,3,9-tetrahydroclarbzole-4-one, in high yield and purity.
Background and Prior art
Ondansetron is a pharmaceutically active agent commonly used for the treatment of nausea and vomiting, particularly associated with chemotherapy in cancer treatments. In currently marketed pharmaceutical compositions, ondansetron is used as free base in rapidly dissolvable tablets and as hydrochloride salt in injections, tablets and oral solutions. The chemical name of Ondansetron is l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methyl)-lH-imidazole-l-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazoll-4-one and is represented by the structural formula given below:

Formula I
Because Ondansetron molecule has a chiral carbon atom, it exists in two enantiomeric forms; however, racemic ondansetron is marketed so far. The molecule was first disclosed in the United States patent No.4695578 in 1987. The '578 patent discloses many ways to prepare Ondansetron starting from a compound of general Formula II which in turn is prepared from l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazole.

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A one-pot process for the preparation of antiemetic agent, l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methyl)-lH-imidazole-]-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one
Technical field of invention
This invention relates to an industrial one-pot process for the preparation of 1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methyl)-1 H-imidazole-1 -yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one (Ondansetron) starting from l,2,3,9-tetrahydrodarbzole-4-one, in high yield and purity.
Background and Prior art
Ondansetron is a pharmaceutically active agent commonly used for the treatment of nausea and vomiting, particularly associated with chemotherapy in cancer treatments. In currently marketed pharmaceutical compositions, ondansetron is used as free base in rapidly dissolvable tablets and as hydrochloride salt in injections, tablets and oral solutions. The chemical name of Ondansetron is l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methyl)-l H-imidazole-l-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one and is represented by the structural formula given below:

Because Ondansetron molecule has a chiral carbon atom, it exists in two enantiomeric forms; however, racemic ondansetron is marketed so far. The molecule was first disclosed in the United States patent No.4695578 in 1987. The '578 patent discloses many ways to prepare Ondansetron starting from a compound of general Formula II which in turn is prepared from l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazole.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

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In another alternative, Ondansetron is prepared by N-methylation of 1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-3- [(2-methyl-lH-imidazol-l-yl) methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-VI with strong base like sodium hydride
O Me
A
Formula VI
and dimethylsulfate in solvents such as dimethyl formamide, THF or an aromatic hydrocarbon, toluene etc. The yield of this reaction is only about 21% since the activation of the ring nitrogen atom is difficult.
Yet another alternative preparation of Ondansetron is by Michael-type addition reaction of 2-methylimidazole to 9-methyl-3-methylene-l, 2,3,9 -tetrahydro-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-VIII which according to this patent is prepared from 3-[(trimethylamino)-methyl]-l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one iodide (Formula VII) (Scheme II).

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Z is a reactive species Formula II
In one alternative, Ondansetron was prepared from hydrochloride salt of 3-[(dimethylamino)-methyl]-1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-Ill by treating it with 2-methyl imidazole in a medium of solvent such as water or an alcohol or their mixture thereof at reflux temperatures for longer period of time like 20 to 47 hours. (Scheme 1)

Formula IV
paraformaldehyde dimethylamine hydrochloride Glacial acetic acid



H2Q
H
I
)-CH3 N
Formula V

Scheme 1 The Starting compound of Formula-Ill was prepared by a Mannich reaction of 1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazole with N,N-dimethylamine hydrochloride and paraformaldehyde in a medium of glacial acetic acid at reflux temperature for long duration to give Formula III in very poor yields.

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Scheme II
This particular reaction is carried out in solvent systems such as water, ethyl acetate, ketone e.g. acetone, MIBK and amides over a period of 20 hours resulting in 44% yield.
Yet another process disclosed in '578 is a substitution of chlorine in 3-(chloromethyl)-l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula IX using 2-methyl-imidazole in presence of strong bases. This reaction was carried out in solvents such as dimethyl formamide, alcohols etc. resulting in about 72% yield.

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The '578 patent also talks about the oxidation of 2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4-hydroxy-3- [(2-methyl-lH-imidazole-l-yl) methyl}-lH carbazol maleate of Formula-XI using 2,3-dichloro-5, 6-dicyano-l, 4-benzoquinone (DDQ) in dry THF for the preparation of Ondansetron which according to the patent resulted in about 55% yield.


S
COOH
"COOH

Formula XI
US Patent No. 5478949 discloses a multi-step process for preparing Ondansetron by providing a novel intermediate compound of Formula XII which activates die methyl group which is alpha to the oxo group of the carbazolone to facilitate introduction of imidazole heterocyclic ring with 2-methylimidazole to give a compound of Formula XIII which is in-turn converted into ondansetron in 75 to 87.3 % yields according to the patent. Although the reaction proceeds well according to the patent, the process suffers from increased number of stages and the overall yields were not significant in comparison with the product patent ('578 patent) process.

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Formula XII

Formula I
US Patent 6388091 discloses an improvement for preparing Ondansetron wherein a Silyl enol ether of l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula XIV is alkylated with l-(N,N-dialkylaminomethyl)-2-methylimidazole of Formula-XV (Scheme III) in presence of an organic solvent such as MDC, chloroform, acetonitrile, THF, dioxane, toluene, DMF, ethanol or mixture thereof resulting in an yield range of 81 to 86%. The process improves the yield of ondansetron but it lacks industrial applicability. One of the reasons being Silyl reagents are costly. Apart from this; the 1-(N, N-dialkylaminomethyl)-2-methylimidazole reagent has to be prepared, since it is not a commercially available reagent and therefore increases the number of steps in the process.

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Formula XIV

CH3
H3C—-N-H CH3
Formula XV

Formula I

Scheme III
In another prior art, US Patent No.4957609, Ondansetron is prepared by a different route of synthesis wherein the last step is the closure of the central ring of 1,2,3,9-tetrahydrocarbazol-4-one ring system starting with a compound .pf Formula XVI where X is a hydrogen or a halogen atoms using copper or palladium catalyst. The solvent system used for the reaction includes DMF, N-methylpyrrolidone, HMPA, nitriles and alcohols. This process suffers from many disadvantages such as reaction specificity/regio-specificity in amino-methylation reaction and other side reactions and decomposition; accordingly the process is not suitable for industrial preparation of this pharmaceutical.


S^V

\,
\Afi
CH3 Formula XVI

Palladium catalyst
»-
Scheme IV

Yet another US Patent 4739072 describes another cyclization process for preparing Ondansetron wherein the catalyst is different than '609 patent. In this process, the

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cyclization of the starting material, a hydrazine of a Formula-XVII, is induced with a Lewis acid in an aqueous or an organic solvent medium. This process also has disadvantages from the point of view of industrial applicability similar to those discussed in the above prior art.


Formula XVII

Lewis acid
>■

Scheme V
The alpha amino-methylation of 4-oxogroup of l,2,3,9-tetrahydroclarbzole-4-one still remains a major difficulty and Patent No. CN 1105364 addresses this problem and discloses a preparative method for Ondansetron by activation of alpha-position of 4-oxo positions by enamine formation (Formula-XIX) and subsequent reaction with 2-methylimidazole, again increasing the number of stages in the production of ondansetron.

Formula XIX
Although various routes of synthesis available to a skilled synthetic chemist are disclosed in the product patent ('586 patent), several other prior arts( EP 59511,

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US4983621, EP191562, US4822881, KR923064, KR9832228, GB2152153821, ES2043535, RU2162695, RU2041876, CN1161966, CN1115760, CN1110970, CN1113239, CN1105364, CN1113913, CN1145902 etc.) are published and discuss improvements over the route disclosed in the said product patent and continued to work on to find improved process for Ondansetron of high purity in high yields.
WO 03093281 Al discloses an improved process for preparation of Ondansetron over the processes disclosed in the '586 patent by introducing a solvent combination of water and dimethyl formamide instead of water alone in the trans-amination of compound of Formula-Ill with 2-methylimidazole and claimed to increase the yield from 80% to 96% but based on the penultimate intermediate 3-[(dimethylamine) methyl)]-l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one as starting material. Therefore the overall yield from the l,2,3,9-tetrahydrocarbazole-4-one remains low.
It is apparent from the above discussion that considerable research is being carried out
by synthetic chemists to develop a suitable industrial process for the preparation of
Ondansetron to increase the yield and purity for which most of the synthetic routes were
disclosed in the product patent itself. It can be understood that the major challenge in
the preparative method is the introduction of side chain (methyl group) to the alpha
position of the 4-oxo group of l,2,3,9-tetrahydrocarbazole-4-one and the subsequent N-
alkylation of 2-methylimidazole since most of the prior art patents concentrate their
efforts on the final stage of the preparation of Ondansetron. The major drawback of
most of the reported processes is that the Ondansetron prepared from the said
intermediates of Formula-Ill, VIII and IX, results in lower yield having higher ratio of
exomethylene impurity apart from the difficulty in stirrablilty of reaction mass due to
tarry mass formation in amino-methylation reaction. Moreover the isolation of pure
3-[(dimethylarnine)methyl)]-1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9 ■methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one is
considerably difficult due to the complex nature of the reaction mass resulting from the reported prior art processes. This ultimately leads to very poor yield and quality of the

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intermediate resulting in lower overall yield / purity of the Ondansetron from the compound of Formula-IV. The maneuvering of the amino-methylation reaction on an industrial scale is also a major concern. The present inventors have invested considerable efforts to tackle the problems associated with preparative methods of Ondansetron and have come up with an improved process which is the subject of the present invention.
Objective of the invention
Without limiting, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a simple, one pot industrial process for preparing Ondansetron of superior quality with high yield.
Summary of the present invention
Accordingly, there is provided a one-pot process for the preparation of Ondansetron starting from l,2,3,9-tetrahydrocarbazole-4-one of Formula IV without isolating the intermediate of Formula-Ill and Formula-VIII, improving the rate of reaction, yield, selectivity, quality, scalability and the ease with which Ondansetron can be separated from the reaction mixture.
In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a solvent system for the Mannich amino-methylation of l,2,3,9-tetrahydrocarbazole-4-one, which includes a combination of acetic acid and hydrocarbon solvents such as toluene, hexane, cyclohexane, etc wherein the reaction proceeds at increased rate, giving high yield, without the formation of polymeric tarry materials. The reaction under the new conditions results into a mixture of intermediate compounds of Formula-Ill and Formula-VIII.

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Another embodiment of the process is that it obviates the need for the isolation of these intermediates after distillation of the reaction medium/solvent mixture.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the crude reaction mass containing intermediates of Formula-Ill and Formula-VIII are reacted without isolation in a single pot where, the trans-amination of compound of Formula III and Michael addition reaction of compound of Formula VIII with 2-methylimidazole are integrated to give ondansetron in a reaction medium chosen from combination solvents. The reaction proceeds at a rapid pace and completes in 5 to 8 hours under the given conditions. The integration of the two stages of reaction in a single pot is one of the special features of the present invention, which result in higher yield of Ondansetron in the range of 90 to 92 % on the basis of starting l,2,3,9-tetrahydrocarbazole-4-one . Further one pot process is easy from the operational point of view.
Yet another embodiment of the reaction, according to the invention, is the simple isolation of Ondansetron substantially free of exo-methylene and other impurities in a one-pot reaction by purification with solvents such as dimethyl formamide, acetonitrile, acetonitrile-water, dimethyl formamide-water systems, in higher yield.
Detailed description of the invention
The One-pot process of the present invention is described herein after in more details substantiating various embodiments and conditions of reaction for better understanding of the invention.
One-pot or single-pot reaction is hereinafter synonymous and means two or more processes are conducted in a single reaction vessel without isolating or purifying the resulting intermediates.

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Mannich reaction herein refer to reactions where a secondary amine, formaldehyde and acid reacted to give a reactive species called Mannich base which is added to the alpha position of keto functional group.
Trans-amination herein after means, amination of acid addition salt of tertiary amine with another amine like imidazole, which forms more stable amino bond.
Exo-methylene impurity wherever entered in this specification is referred to 9-methyl-3-methylene-1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-4H-carbazol-4-one.
The present invention provides a one-pot process: for preparing Ondansetron (I) starting from l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one. The l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one used in the present invention is prepared according to the process disclosed in Journal of Organic Chemistry, 1980,45,2938 - 2942.
In one aspect of the present invention, the Mannich reaction of l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-IV with paraformaldehyde and N, N-dialkylamine hydrochloride is performed in a solvent system wherein the formation of polymeric tarry materials/impurity formation are limited / avoided to make the reaction mass easily stirrable, proceeds in a rapid pace and completes in 5 to 6 hours time. The reaction is carried out at elevated temperature ranging from 90° to 120 °C, preferably in the range of 100° to 105° C.
According to the prior art, when this reaction is conducted in glacial acetic acid, reaction is sluggish and leads to formation of sticky polymeric material/impurities which necessitates the isolation, purification of 3-[(dimethylamine) methyl)]-1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one in order to carry out the subsequent reaction resulting into poor yield of the penultimate intermediate apart from problems of maneuvering on large scale. The reaction time is very high in the order of 40 to 47 hours for its completion.

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An advantage of the present solvent system is that the reaction mass is homogeneous making easy operation on large scale, the rate of reaction and the reaction specificity are significantly increased. The purity of the intermediates is considerably high to make the process to be integrated for the final molecule formation in the same pot without isolation/purification in the preceding step.
In the process of the present invention, it is observed that the reaction yields two intermediates namely, 3-[(dimethylamine) methyl)]-l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-Ill and 9-methyl-3-methylene-l, 2,3,9-tetradydro-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-VIII devoid of any major impurity and can be used as such for subsequent transformation. On completion of the reaction, i.e. disappearance of l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one, the reaction solvents are conveniently distilled to obtain concentrated reaction mass containing the said intermediates in a ratio from 70:30 to 50:50 as analyzed by TLC. (Scheme VI)

Paraformaldehyde
►•
N,ridimethylamlne.HCI
acetic acid * toluene

Scheme VI

2-methylimidazole water - acetonitrile

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The secondary amine used in the mannich reaction is selected from a compound of general Formula HNR1R2 wherein Rl and R2 are independently alkyl groups, R1R2 together are cyclic alkyl groups. Examples of secondary amines are N, N-dimethylamine, N, N-diethylamine, N, N-diisopropylamine, piperidine, morpholine, pyrrolidine etc. The secondary amine preferably and advantageously used in the invention are N, N-dimethylamine and N, N-diisopropylamine. The secondary amine may be used as free base or its salt such as hydrochloride. If the amine in the free form is used then a molar equivalent of an inorganic acid like hydrochloric acid is used along with paraformaldehyde. The hydrochloric acid may be introduced in the gaseous form by purging or in its solution form.
The solvent system for the above reaction is selected from the group consisting of acetic acid - toluene, acetic acid - hexane, acetic acid - cyclohexane, acetic acid - heptane, acetic acid - xylene, etc. The ratio of the solvent system i.e. acetic acid to hydrocarbon solvents is in the range of 90:10 to 60:40, preferable range is 80:20. The preferable solvent system is acetic acid-toluene in a ratio of 80:20. In the process the reactants and the intermediate products formed are in a homogeneous condition thereby facilitating a rapid reaction without forming considerable impurities. In the process, the solvent system may be previously prepared before addition of the reactants or the reactants may be suspended / dissolved in one of the solvents and the second solvent may be added subsequently before heating reaction mass. The reactants may be added into the solvents system at ambient conditions or at elevated temperatures. The reaction can also be performed in a pressurized vessel at a lower temperature than the one that is carried out at ambient pressure.
In the process conditions of the present invention the reaction of paraformaldehyde, N, N-dimethylamine hydrochloride and l,2,3,9-tetrahydroclarbzole-4-one results into two compounds namely 3-[(dimethylamine) methyl)]-l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-Ill and 9-methyl-3-methylene-l,2,3,9-tetradydro-4H-

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carbazol-4-one of Formula-VIII which is advantageously integrated to the transamination and Michael addition reaction with 2-methylimidazole to give the same product i.e. Ondansetron, in higher yield in the same pot without isolation / purification of the preceding reaction mass. The said intermediates undergo transamination and Michael type addition reaction respectively with 2-methylimidazole in the same pot in a suitable solvent system at elevated temperatures. The reaction proceeds at an accelerated rate to form ondansetron from both the intermediates and completes in 5 to 8 hours as compared to the longer duration, viz: 20 to 47 hours, reported in prior art.
The 2-methylimidazole is preferably used in excess relative to the starting material, l,2,3,9-tetrahydrocarbazole-4-one (IV), preferably in a molar excess of about 5-6 molar equivalent with respect to starting material.
The advantage of the present invention is increased rate of reaction achieved without sacrificing yield or producing new side products. The exo-methylene compound is almost consumed in the reaction so that the exo-methylene impurity is limited in the final Ondansetron hydrochloride salt to an amount of less than 0.1 %.
In the above reaction process of the present invention wherein compound of Formula-Ill and VIII are reacted with 2-methylimidazole, the preferable solvents used are selected from acetonitrile, water, dimethyl formamide, dimethylacetamide, acetonitrile-water, dimethylformamide-water, dimethyl acetamide-water etc. The basic need of the reaction medium is that both reactants and products should be soluble in the reaction medium so that reaction is rapid and no undue side reaction take place during the reaction. The preferable solvent system is acetonitrile-water, or dimethylformamide-water. The ratio of water to the organic solvent is selected from a range of 10 to 60 % organic solvent and 90 to 40 % water.

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The reaction of compound of Formula-Ill and VIII with 2-methylimidazole is carried out at a temperature range of 90-110°C, preferably 95-100°C and the reaction completes in 5 to 8 hours. On completion of the reaction, crude ondansetron is isolated conveniently from the reaction medium by cooling to precipitate the product. The yield of ondansetron based on the starting material l,2,3,9-tetrahydrocarbazole-4-one (IV) is considerably significant and is in the range of 90 to 92 %.
The crude Ondansetron is purified by crystallization procedure from suitable solvents. The solvents for crystallization are selected from aprotic polar solvents such as N, N-dimethyl formamide, acetontrile, N-methylpyrrolidone. The preferred solvent is dimethyl formamide. The crude Ondansetron is dissolved in the crystallizing solvents at elevated temperature like 90 to 95° C and progressively cooled to crystallize the pure product. The preferable concentration of ondansetron relative to the solvent is in an amount of about 5 to 25 ml. per gram of Ondansetron and more preferably about 10 ml. per gram. In the process crude Ondansetron is dissolved in DMF at 90-95°C to get clear solution, optionally filtering to remove insoluble, which upon slow cooling accelerated the crystallization of the said product. The crystal form of ondansetron free base so prepared is identical with Form B reported in WO-2004063189.
The Ondansetron obtained by the crystallization according to this procedure is almost free from exomethylene carbazolone impurity i.e. less than 0.1% (based on HPLC analysis) complying to the pharmacopoeia specifications. The isolated Ondansetron also may be converted to a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt preferably a hydrochloride salt using techniques well known in the art like purging hydrochloric acid gas or providing an alcoholic solution of dry HC1 into a solution of ondansetron free base in alcoholic solvents such as isopropyl alcohol to precipitate pure Ondansetron hydrochloride salt.

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The following non-limiting examples presented to illustrate the best mode of carrying out the process of the present invention. The examples are not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein but include the permutations, which are obvious set forth in the description.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
50 Kg l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one, 25 kg N, N-dimethylamine hydrochloride and 10 kg paraformaldehyde were charged into a reaction vessel containing a combination of acetic acid 400 litre and toluene 100 litre. Under stirring, the mass was heated to a temperature of 100 to 105° C for a period of 3 .5 hours. On disappearance of l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one on TLC analysis, the acetic acid - toluene was distilled under vacuum at 60 - 65°C. To the concentrated reaction mass, 104 kg 2-methylimidazole, 100 litre acetonitrile, 400 litre water were added and heated to 80 to 85°C for 6 hours. The reaction mass was then slowly cooled to 20 to 25°C. Filtered and washed with 500 litre water which upon drying gave 68 kg ondansetron base. Melting point 229 to 231°C.
Example 2
50 Kg l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one, 25 kg N, N-dimethylamine hydrochloride and 10 kg paraformaldehyde were charged into a reaction vessel containing a combination of acetic acid 400 litre and toluene 100 litre. Under stirring the mass was heated to a temperature of 100 to 105°C for a period of 3 .5 hours. On disappearance of l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one on TLC analysis, the acetic acid-toluene was distilled under vacuum at 60 - 65°C. To the concentrated reaction ma§§, 104 kg 2-methylimidazole, 50 litre acetonitrile, 450 litre water were

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added and heated to 80 to 85°C for 6 hours. The reaction mass was then slowly cooled to 20 to 25°C. Filtered and washed with 500 litre water which upon drying gave 68.5 kg ondansetron base. Melting point 229 to 231°C
Example 3
50 Kg l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one, 25 kg N, N-dimethylamine hydrochloride and 10 kg paraformaldehyde were charged into a reaction vessel containing a combination of acetic acid 400 litre and toluene 100 litre. Under stirring the mass was heated to a temperature of 100 to 105°C for a period of 3 .5 hours. On disappearance of l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one on TLC analysis, the acetic acid-toluene was distilled under vacuum at 60 - 65°C. To the concentrated reaction mass, 104 kg 2-methylimidazole, 100 litre N,N- dimethylformamide, 400 litre water were added and heated to 90 to 95°C for 6 hours. The reaction mass was then slowly cooled to 20 to 25°C. Filtered and washed with 500 litre water which upon drying gave 67 kg ondansetron base. Melting point 229 to 231°C
Example 4
50 Kg l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one, 25 kg N,N-dimethylamine hydrochloride and 10 kg paraformaldehyde were charged into a reaction vessel containing a combination of acetic acid 400 litre and toluene 100 litre. Under stirring the mass was heated to a temperature of 100 to 105° C for a period of 3 .5 hours. On disappearance of l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one on TLC analysis, the acetic acid-toluene was distilled under vacuum at 60 - 65°C. To the concentrated reaction mass, 104 kg 2-methylimidazole, 50 litre N,N- dimethylformamide, 400 litre water were added and heated to 90 to 95 °C for 6 hours. The reaction mass was then slowly cooled to 20 to 25°C. Filtered and washed with 500 litre water which upon drying gave 68 kg ondansetron base. Melting point 229 to 231°C

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Example 5 Purification
100 kg ondansetron free base was charged into a reaction vessel, further 1000 litre dimethylformamide was added and the reaction mass was heated to 90°C for 1.0 hour. After complete dissolution of ondansetron the solution was cooled to a temperature of 30°C and further chilled to 0 to 5°C. The crystallized product was filtered and dried to give 80 kg ondansetron free base. A second crop of 5 - 7 kg was recovered from the mother liquor. The crystal structure is identical with Form B reported in WO-2004063189

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We claim
A one-pot industrial process for preparing l,2,3,9-tetrahyro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methyl-lH-imidazole-l-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-I from 1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-IV comprising: reacting the said compound of Formula IV with HNR1R2 salt and paraformaldehyde, where Ri, R2 are independent alkyl groups or together forms a cyclic alkyl group, in a solvent medium of acetic acid and hydrocarbon solvent to give a mixture of intermediate compounds of Formula III (Ri, R2 are as previously defined) and Formula VIII; and
reacting said mixture of intermediate compounds with 2-methyimidazole in a suitable solvent system to obtain ondansetron (Formula I) in the same pot.

CH3 Formula III
Formula IV
Formula VIII

The process of claim 1 wherein said HNR1R2 are selected from N, N-dimethylamine, N,N-diethylamine, N,N-diisopropylamine, morpholine, piperidine, pyrrolidine or their salts.
The process of claim 1 wherein said HNR1R2 is N, N-dimethylamine hydrochloride or N,N-diisopropylamine hydrochloride.

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4. The process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the solvent system of acetic acid and hydrocarbon solvents include acetic acid-toluene, acetic acid-hexane, acetic acid-heptane, acetic acid-xylene or acetic acid-cyclohexane.
5 The process as claimed in claim 4, wherein the ratio of solvents of acetic acid and hydrocarbon solvents of said solvent system is in the range of 60: 40 to 90: 10; preferably 80: 20.
6 The process as claimed in claim 4, wherein content of water in the reaction solvents are in the limit of 0.1 % to 0.2%.
7 The process as claimed in claim 2 to 6 wherein the reaction is performed in anhydrous condition.
8 The process as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the reaction is carried out at a temperature in the range of 90 to 120°C; preferably at 100 to l05°C.
9 The process as claimed any preceding claim, wherein the ratio of compound of Formula III to Formula VIII is in the range of 70:30 to 50:50.
10 The process as claimed any preceding claim, wherein the ratio of compound of Formula III to Formula VIII is in the range of 60:40.
11 The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein a crude mixture of compound of Formula-Ill and Formula VIII are reacted with 2-methyl imidazole to form Ondansetron.
12 The process as claimed in claim 1 or 11, wherein reaction of compound of Formula III and Formula VIII with 2-methylimidazole is carried out in organic

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solvent-water system such as acetonitrile, N,N-dimethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, acetonitrile- water, N,N-dimethyl formamide -water and N-methylpyrrolidone-water.
13 The process as claimed in claim 12, wherein reaction of compound of formula III and Formula VIII with 2-methylimidazole is preferably effected in acetonitrile-water and dimethyl formamide-water solvent system.
14 The process as claimed in claim 13, wherein the ratio of the organic solvent to water in said organic solvent-water solvent system is in the range of 10:90 to 20:80.
15 The process as claimed in claim 1 or 14, wherein the reaction of a crude mixture of Formula III and Formula VIII in a ratio of 70:30 to 50:50 with 2-methyl imidazole is performed in acetonitrile-water.
16 The process as claimed in claim 15, wherein the combination of solvents acetonitrile-water has a ratio of 20:80 to 10:90.
17 The process as claimed in claim 11 to 16, wherein the reaction of a crude mixture of Formula III and Formula VIII with 2-methylimidazole is performed at a temperature of 80 to 110°C.
18 The process as claimed in claim 1 or any preceding claim, wherein the reactant 2-methyl imidazole is used in molar excess relative to starting material of Formula IV preferably in the range of 2 to about 6 molar equivalent.
19 The process as claimed in claim 18, wherein the reactant 2-methyl imidazole is 5 molar equivalent relative to starting material of Formula IV.

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20 A process for the preparation of l,2,3,9-tetrahyro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methyl-lH-imidazole-l-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-I comprising reacting a mixture of compound of Formula III and VIII with 2-methylimidazole in a medium of dimethyl formamide-water or acetonitrile-water at elevated temperatures.
21 A process as claimed in claim 20, wherein the ratio of compound of Formula III to compound of Formula VIII is ranging between 70:30 to 50:50.
22 The process of claim 1 or 20 further comprising; separating the 1,2,3,9-tetrahyhydro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methylimidazole-1-yl) methyl]- 4H-carbazol-4-one from the reaction mass by cooling, filtering to remove ondansetron free base, forming a solution of the said base in an aprotic polar solvent such as DMF, acetonitrile, N-methylpyrrolidone etc., and progressively cooling to crystallize the said free base from the solution as polymorph Form B.
23 The process as claimed in any of the claim 1 or 22, wherein the Ondansetron prepared is substantially free from 9-methyl-3-methylene-1, 2,3,9-tetrahydro-4H-carbazol-4-one impurity or at least less than 0.1 %.
24 The process of claim 1 or 22, wherein the ondansetron free base is further converted to ondansetron hydrochloride salt.
25 Ondansetron prepared according to any of the preceding claim in a one-pot procedure from l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one.
26 Ondansetron hydrochloride prepared according to a one-pot procedure from 1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one.

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27 Ondansetron prepared from a mixture of compound of Formula III and compound of Formula VIII in a ratio of 70:30 to 50:50 in solvent systems selected from dimethyl formamide- water or acetonitrile-water.
28 A one-pot industrial process for preparing l,2,3,9-tetrahyro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methy-1H-imidazole-l-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one as substantially described herein with reference to the foregoing examples 1 to 5.
29 Ondansetron prepared according to the process as substantially described with reference to the forgoing examples 1 to 5
Dated this 3rd day of May 2007

GNA 1404 WO 26

Abstract:
A one-pot industrial process for preparing l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-3-[(2-methyl-lH-imidazole-l-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-I from l,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-4H-carbazol-4-one of Formula-IV involves reaction of Formula IV with HNR1R2 salt and paraformaldehyde, where R1, R2 are independently alkyl groups or together forms a cyclic alkyl group, in a solvent system of acetic acid and hydrocarbon solvent to form a crude mixture of intermediate compounds of Formula III and VIII, which is converted to ondansetron (Formula I) without isolation by reaction with 2-methyimidazole in a suitable solvent system in the same pot.

^^N
CH3 Formula IV

^^N
CH3 Formula II

I CH3
Formula VIII

CH3 Formula