FORM 2 THE PATENTS ACT 1970
(39 OF 1970)
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(SECTION 10)
NOVEL PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF APIXABAN AND INTERMEDIATES THEREOF
UNICHEM LABORATORIES LIMITED, A COMPANY
REGISTERED UNDER THE INDIAN COMPANIES ACT, 1956,
HAVING ITS REGISTERED OFFICE LOCATED AT UNICHEM
BHAVAN, PRABHAT ESTATE, S. V. ROAD, JOGESHWARI
(WEST), MUMBAI - 400 102,
MAHARASTRA, INDIA

NOVEL PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF APIXABAN
AND INTERMEDIATES THEREOF
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention is related to Novel process for the preparation of Apixaban and to a process to prepare intermediates to be used therein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Apixaban, l-(4-methoxyphenyl)-7-oxo-6-[4-(2-oxopiperidin-l-yl)phenyl]-4,5,6,7-
tetrahydro-lH-pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridine-3-carboxamide i.e. compound of formula (1), a factor Xa inhibitor, marketed as ELIQUIS® reduces the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)..

US 6,413,980 by Bristol-Mayer first disclosed Apixaban, but is silent on process to prepare Apixaban. The process is disclosed in US 6,967,208. It teaches use of multiple bases, triethyl amine (TEA) as acid scavenger and potassium ter/-butoxide as strong condensing agent to produce iodo-lactam compound of formula (4) with 81% yield which is dichlorinated with phosphorus pentachloride (PCI5) in presence of chloroform (CHCI3) to obtain morpholine compound of formula (5) with 63% yield and then to obtain iodo compound of formula (7) in 18 % yield. Compound of formula (7) undergoes Ullmann reaction with piperidine-2-one catalyzed by copper or bivalent copper ions in presence of base at 130°C for 24hrs to obtain ester of compound of formula (8) followed by aminolysis in presence of ethylene glycol at 125°C to obtain Apixaban compound of formula (1) with 68% yield.
PCT application 2012/168364 described process to prepare Apixaban by reacting Para-Iodo ketolactam compound of formula (19) with trimethyl silyl chloride to obtain diene compound of formula (20). On cycloaddition with hydrazono compound of formula (6), it produces iodo compound of formula (7) in 63% yield. It on Ullmann reaction with

Pipyridin-2-one in presence of Copper produces ester compound of formula (8) in 67% yield followed by aminolysis with aq. Ammonia to obtain Apixaban compound of formula
(1).
US'980 and WO' 364 teach use of costly Iodo-compounds. Ullmann reaction/
condensation involves use of copper besides drawbacks of harsh reaction conditions, need
of high reaction temperature, long reaction time, high metal loading and the reaction has a
reputation for erratic yields.
PCT application no. 2007/001385 discloses process to prepare of Apixaban by reacting 4-
nitroaniline compound of formula (9) with compound of formula (3) in presence of
K2CO3/KOH in the mixture of THF and chlorobenzene to obtain nitrolactam compound of
formula (10). It on dichlorination with PCI5 produces dichloro compound of formula (11).
On dehydrohalogenation in presence of lithium carbonate, it produced mono chloro
intermediate compound of formula (12). It on reaction with hydrazono compound of
formula (6) produced compound of formula (13). It is reduced to compound of formula
(14) in presence of Pd/C in THF. Its reaction with, compound of formula (3) produces
compound of formula (15). On cyclization and aminolysis with ammonia in presence of
propylene glycol it produces Apixaban compound of formula (1).
WO'385 discloses use of expensive compound of formula (3), withmixture of
chlorobenzene and THF during chlorination of compound of formula (10) with PC15. Work
up procedure for isolation of compound of formula (11) is tedious and required expensive
and hygroscopic strong base such as potassium ethoxide for the cyclization of compound
of formula (15).
Jian'an Jiang Synthetic communication, 2013, 43, 72-79 disclosed preparation of
Apixaban using key intermediate compound of formula (18). The starting material 4-
nitroaniline compound of formula (9) is reacted with compound of formula (3) in presence
of TEA /THF and cyclization is carried out in presence of potassium tert-butoxide to
obtain compound of formula (10) which on chlorination with PCI5, followed by the
condensation-elimination process with excessive morpholine produced nitro-morpholine of
formula (16) in 78% yield followed by reduction of nitro group in presence of sodium
sulfide to obtain aniline-morpholine compound of formula (17). Similarly second acylation
/cyclization of compound of formula (17) with compound of formula (3") in two steps,
produced key intermediate having lactam compound of formula (18), wherein acylation is

carried out in presence of TEA/THF and cyclization is carried out in presence of potassium
tert-butoxide. The compound of formula (18) is reacted with hydrazono compound of
formula (6) to obtain ester compound of formula (8) which by aminolysis in 25% ammonia
water in methanol (MeOH) produced Apixaban compound of formula (1).
Above non-patent literature discloses the use of TEA as an acid scavenger in the acylation
reaction and then potassium tert-butoxide as a strong condensing agent in the subsequent
cyclization during the preparation of compound of formula (10) and (18). It uses large
volume of THF for preparation of (10) and (18) and Potassium ter/-butoxide is
hygroscopic, corrosive in nature; The chlorination of compound of formula (10) requires
overall undesirable 25 volumes of CHCb with PCI5. It uses, a potentially environmentally
hazardous Na2S for reducing nitro group; and uses TEA and Potassium tert-butoxide in
one pot acylation/cyclization sequence to prepare compound of .formula (10) and (18). The
overall process is costly.
CN 103626689 patent application discloses the reaction of aniline with compound of
formula (3') in presence of organic base in organic solvent to obtain compound of formula
(24), which is then reacted with inorganic base to obtain compound of formula (21).
Nitrating compound of formula (21) by cone, sulfuric acid and nitric acid produces
compound of formula (10). The process to prepare (21) needs two bases, organic base for
acylation and inorganic base for cyclization. This multiplied material requirement has
disadvantages associated with it. Reported yields in some stages are poor and it is silent on
purity aspects.
U.S. Patent No. 7,396,932 discloses complicated process to prepare the Apixaban N-l
crystalline form and H2-2 crystalline form.
US'980 disclosed the aminolysis of compound of formula (8) in presence of ammonia in
ethylene glycol. Whereas WO'364 and Syn. Comm. 2013 disclosed aminolysis in aqueous
ammonia in MeOH which produces acid impurity (8a). The acid impurity (8a) directly
effect on yield of the final product and also involves extra purification process.
Above prior arts disclosed the use of expensive nitro aniline compound for the preparation
of compound of formula (10).
Indian patent application no IN2833/MUM/2014 covers different inventive aspects to
prepared Apixaban.

Various processes are disclosed in CN101967145, CN102675314 and WO2013119328 for the preparation of Apixaban which are quite complicated.
In view of prior art methods available for the preparation Apixaban and its intermediates, there is a need for simple and cost effective processes as well as industrial and environmental friendly improved process for preparing Apixaban. Industry needs a simpler process that uses relatively inexpensive starting materials to provide significant economic advantages yet produces Apixaban in high yield.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:
The main object of the invention is to provide a simple and improved process to prepare
Apixaban starting from Aniline and the intermediates required in the process.
Another object of the invention is to provide the process to prepare intermediate
compounds of the formula (21), (25), (10), amino- morpholine compound of the formula
(17) and intermediate lactam compound of the formula (18).
Yet another object of the invention is to provide the improved process for the preparation
of Apixaban from compound of formula (8).
Yet another object of the invention is to provide the novel processes to prepare the N-l
crystalline form of Apixaban.
The present invention is to provide a process for the preparation of Apixaban which
ameliorate the problems of the prior art.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a process to prepare Apixaban
with high yields of Apixaban compound of formula (1) and which can be carried out under
milder conditions.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide industrially scalable, cost effective,
environment friendly and robust process for the preparation of Apixaban and intermediates
thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

The invention provides a simple and improved process to prepare Apixaban from starting from Aniline and the intermediates required in the process. Accordingly provided process to prepare compound of the formula (21) comprising steps of:

a. reacting aniline with compound of formula (22) in presence of inorganic base or
aqueous solution of inorganic base or absence of any base to obtain compound of
formula (24) wherein X is leaving group;
b. optionally isolating the compound of formula (24);
c. cyclizing compound of formula (24) in presence of inorganic base or aqueous
solution of inorganic base to obtain compound of formula (21).
The invention provides a single step process to prepare compound of the formula (10) comprising steps of;
a. reacting aniline with compound of formula (22) in presence of inorganic base or
aqueous solution of inorganic base or absence of any base to obtain compound of
formula (24) wherein X is leaving group;
b. optionally isolating the compound of formula (24);
c. nitrating compound of formula (24) to obtain compound of formula (25) using
Nitric acid in Sulphuric acid or Acetic acid;
d. optionally isolating the compound of formula (25);
e. cyclizing compound of formula (25) in presence of inorganic base or aqueous
solution of inorganic base to obtain compound of formula (10);

According to one aspect of the invention is provided the process to prepare amino-morpholine compound of the formula (17) comprising steps of:


a. reacting a compound of formula (10) with chlorinating agent in presence of non-
halogenated solvent to obtain compound of formula (11);
b. reacting compound of formula (11) with morpholine in presence of solvent to
obtain nitro-morpholine of formula (16);
c. optionally isolating and purifying the nitro-morpholine of formula (16) obtained
in step b.;
d. reducing nitro-morpholine of formula (16) in presence of a metal catalyst/reagent
to obtain compound of formula (17).
According to one aspect of the invention is provided the single step process to prepare compound of the formula (18). The process comprises steps of:
a. reacting amino-morpholine compound of formula (17) with compound of formula
(22) in presence of inorganic base or aqueous solution of inorganic base or
absence of any base to obtain amide- compound of formula (23) wherein X is
leaving group;
b. optionally isolating the amide-compound of formula (23);
c. cyclizing amide-compound of formula (23) in presence of inorganic base or
aqueous solution of inorganic base to obtain a lactam compound of formula (18).

According to one aspect of the invention is provided an improved process for the preparation of Apixaban from compound of formula (8) to control the formation of acid impurity (8a).
According to one aspect of the invention is provided a novel processes for preparation of N-l crystalline form of Apixaban.

According to one aspect of the invention is provided a process for the preparation of Apixaban as described in the scheme 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
The invention mainly provides simple and improved process to prepare Apixaban starting from Aniline and the intermediates required in the process.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an improved process to
prepare compound of the formula (21) comprising steps of: ,

a. reacting aniline with compound of formula (22) in presence of inorganic base or
aqueous solution inorganic base or absence of any base to obtain compound of
formula (24) wherein X is leaving group;
b. optionally isolating the compound of formula (24);
c. cyclizing compound of formula (24) in presence of inorganic base or aqueous
solution thereof to obtain compound of formula (21).
The compound of formula (22) is selected from bromovalerylchloride (BVC) or chlorovalerychloride (CVC), more preferably chlorovaleryl chloride. The example of leaving group may include but not limited CI, Br, I, F ,methane sulfate, mesylate, triflate, tosylate and tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy group.

The inorganic base used in step a) and step c) is selected from sodium carbonate,
potassium carbonate, lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide (NaOH),
potassium hydroxide (KOH), ammonium hydroxide, lithium hydrate, potassium hydrate,
sodium hydrate, lithium hydrogen carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium
hydrogen carbonate or aqueous solution thereof and mixture(s) thereof. Preferred base
used is KOH or NaOH.
The reaction in step a) and step c) can be conveniently carried out in presence of a solvent.
The example of solvent in step a) and step c) may include but not limited to
dichloromethane (MDC), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), methyl acetate, CHCI3, toluene,
chlorobenzene, dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone,
acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dioxane, ethanol (EtOH), MeOH
and mixture(s) thereof, preferably used are DMF or MDC.
In step a) reaction of aniline with compound of formula (22) is carried out without using
any base i.e. in absence of any base to provide compound of formula (24).
The reaction in step a) and step c) can be conveniently and optionally carried out in
presence of a phase transfer catalyst. The examples of phase transfer catalyst is selected
from quaternary ammonium and phosphonium salts such as methyitridecyl ammonium
chloride, trimethyl ammonium chloride, tetrabutyl ammonium bromide, dimethylethyl
hexadecyl ammonium bromide, ethyltripentyl ammonium iodide,
hexadecyltributylphosphonium bromide benzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, and the
like.
The reaction is successfully carried out optionally isolating compound of the formula (24)
and can be isolated by method known in the art such as cooling, filtration, centrifugation,
washing, drying and combination thereof.
The molar equivalent of compound of formula (22) used in step a) from 1.0, 1.05, 1.1,
1.25, 1.35, to 1.5 equivalents, preferably between 1.1 to 1.5 equivalents and more
preferably between 1.1 to 1.2 equivalents.
The molar equivalent of base used in step a) from 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3,
1.4 to 1.5 and in step c) from 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 to 4.0, more preferably 3.0 equivalents. The
reaction of step a) and c) is performed preferably in a temperature range between 0°C to
ambient temperature.

Inventive step of the present invention resides in use of single inorganic base as against two bases (organic and inorganic) used in CN 103626689. Inherent limitations of CN 103626689 forced the use of inorganic base in next part of reaction, as is evident from the claim 1. Prior art discloses acylation/cyclization reaction in presence of multiple bases such as TEA and potassium ter/-butoxide which is hygroscopic and corrosive in nature. In the present invention acylation / cyclization reaction for the preparation of compound of formula (21) is performed in the presence of single inorganic base or aqueous solution of inorganic base such as KOH instead of use of multiple bases. Further, the inventive step resides not only in improved purity and better yields but also in flexibility to use more than one inorganic base to carry out the same reaction.
Prior art teaches or discloses reaction of Aniline with compound of the formula (22) in presence of base. Inventive step of the present invention also resides in reaction of the Aniline with compound of formula (22) without using base.
Present invention provides a cleaner method free of tedious and cumbersome procedures for isolation of product. Surprisingly the yields of acylation and cyclization are far better than the yields disclosed by CN 103626689.
According to one aspect of the invention is provided the single step process to prepare compound of the formula (10) comprising steps of;
a. reacting aniline with compound of formula (22) in presence of inorganic base or aqueous solution of inorganic base or absence of any base to obtain compound of formula (24) wherein X is leaving group; . b. optionally isolating the compound of formula (24);
c. nitrating compound of formula (24) to obtain compound of formula (25) using Nitric
acid in Sulphuric acid or Acetic acid;
d. optionally isolating the compound of formula (25);
e. cyclizing compound of formula (25) in presence of inorganic base or aqueous solution
of inorganic base to obtain compound of formula (10);


The preparation of compound of formula (24) is carried out as described above. The nitration of compound of formula (21) and (24) are carried out with a nitrating agent, such as nitric acid in presence of sulfuric acid or acetic acid. The molar equivalent of nitrating agent used is from 0.9. 1.0. 1.05 0.9, 1.0 1.05, 1.1 to 1.2, more preferably 1.05 equivalents. The amount of sulfuric acid used from 1.0, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.8 to 2.0 Vol wrt the compound of formula (21) and (24) accordingly, preferred being 1.6 Vol. The nitration of compound of formula (21) and (24) can be performed in a temperature between -10°C to ambient temperature, more preferably at temperature in between -5°C to 10°C. Present invention provides a simple and cost effective process for the preparation of compound of formula (10) by using very cheap aniline as starting material as compared to expensive nitro aniline described in prior art. The reaction is successfully carried out optionally isolating compound of the formula (24) and (25). Isolation of compound of formula (24) and (25) can be carried out by any method known in the art such as cooling, filtration, centrifugation, washing, drying and combination thereof. Cyclisation of compound of formula (25) is carried out under same reaction conditions as used for cyclising compound of formula (24).
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a process for the preparation of amino- morpholine compound of formula (17) comprising steps of:


a. reacting a compound of formula (10) with chlorinating agent in presence of.non-
halogenated solvent to obtain compound of formula (11);
b. reacting compound of formula (11) with morpholine in presence of solvent to obtain
nitro-morpholine of formula (16);
c. optionally isolating and purifying the nitro-morpholine of formula (16) obtained in
step b.;
d. reducing nitro-morpholine of formula (16) in presence of a metal catalyst/reagent to
obtain compound of formula (17).
Inventive step of the invention also resides in use of non halogenated solvents and mixtures thereof in step a) as shown in one preferred embodiment of the invention, the chlorination of compound of formula (10) in step a).
Chlorinating agents selected from group consisting of thionyl chloride (SOCh), phosphorous trichloride (PCI3) or PCI5. The molar equivalent of chlorinating agent used from 2.5, 2.7, 2.9, 3.0, 3.2, 3.4, to 3.5 more preferably 3.0 equivalents. The said chlorination can be performed in a temperature between 45°C to 90°C more preferably at temperature 65°C-75°C.
Non limiting examples of non-halogenated solvents include toluene, xylene, benzene, acetic acid, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, methyl t-butyl ether, methyl ethyl ketone; dioxane and mixture(s) thereof preferably used toluene.
The prior art process for the preparation of nitro-morpholine of formula (16) involves exothermic reaction of dissolving compound of formula (11) in morpholine and refluxing it. Present invention minimizes exothermic reaction using solvent and morpholine in preparation of nitro-morpholine.
The solvent used in step (b) may include N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone or DMF. The morpholine is used from 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 to 5.0 volumes, more preferably 1.5 to 2.0 volumes wrt. the compound of formula (11).
The reaction can be performed at a temperature 60°C to 130°C. The obtained product can be optionally recrystallized in presence of suitable solvent selected from the group of alcohols, ketones, esters, ethers, nitriles and mixture(s) thereof. Preferably recystallized in presence of MeOH.
The amino-morpholine compound of formula (17) of step d) is obtained by reducing nitro-morpholine of formula (16).

Prior art disclose the reduction of nitro group of compound of formula (16) in presence of
potentially environmentally hazardous Na2S, in the presence of expensive metals like
palladium, platinum, ruthenium etc. and requires precautions, due to their flammable
nature in the air. It also required highly diffusible and flammable compressed hydrogen
gas, besides reflux temperatures and longer hours. Procedures of prior art are complicated.
Present invention is devoid of Na2S.
Present invention reduces of nitro group of nitro-morpholine by drop wise addition of
hydrazine hydrate to the solution of nitro-morpholine , EtOH, water and catalytic amount
of Raney Nickel at temperature in between 50°C to 75°C.
Solvent is selected from water, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), EtOH, MeOH, n-propanol or aq.
solution thereof and mixture(s) thereof or aqueous solutions thereof.
The molar equivalent of hydrogenating agent is used from 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, to 6.0
equivalents more preferably 4.0 mole equivalent. The mole ratio of catalyst includes 2%,
3%, 4% to 5%'more preferably around 4%.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a single step process for the
preparation of intermediate lactam compound of formula (18) comprising steps of:

a. reacting amino-morpholine compound of formula (17) with compound of formula (22)
in presence of inorganic base or aqueous solution of inorganic base or absence of any
base to obtain amide-compound of formula (23), wherein X is leaving group;
b. optionally isolating the amide- compound of formula (23);
c. cyclizing amide- compound of formula (23) in presence of inorganic base or aqueous
solution of inorganic base to obtain lactam compound of formula (18).
Inventive step resides in using single base to complete the reaction. The reaction is successfully carried out with or without the isolation of compound of the formula (23). This is strikingly different from the prior art where in multiple solvents are used in addition to use of base e.g. Synthetic communication, Jiairan Jiang 2013, 43, 72-79.

Inherent limitations of these disclosures necessitate use of multiple hygroscopic and corrosive bases. Inventive step of the present invention resides in the use of single inorganic base or aqueous solution of inorganic base achieves acylation and cyclization and thereby eliminates disadvantages of material procurement, inventories besides technical drawbacks. Further, invention disclosed in the present invention provides flexibility to use more than 1 inorganic base.
The non-limiting examples of inorganic base used in step a) and step c) include sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, NaOH, KOH, ammonium hydroxide, lithium hydrate, potassium hydrate, sodium hydrate, lithium hydrogen carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate or aqueous solution of inorganic bases and mixture(s) thereof. Preferred base used is KOH. The example of leaving group may include but not limited CI, Br, I, F or methane sulfate, mesylate, triflate, tosylate and tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy group.
The reaction in step a) wherein reaction of amino-morpholine compound of formula (17) with compound of formula (22) is carried out without using any base i.e. in absence of any base to provide compound of formula (23).
The reaction in step a) and step c) is conveniently carried out in presence of a solvent. Non limiting examples of solvent in step a) and step c) include MDC, toluene, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, CHCb, chlorobenzene, DMF, diemthylacetamide, N-methylpyroolidone, acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide, THF, dioxane and mixture(s) thereof, preferred are DMF or MDC.
The reaction in step a) and step c) can be conveniently and optionally carried out in presence of a phase transfer catalyst. The examples of phase transfer catalyst mat include quaternary ammonium and phosphonium salts such as methyltridecyl ammonium chloride, methyltridecyl ammonium chloride, trimethyl ammonium chloride, tetrabutyl ammonium bromide, dimethylethyl hexadecyl ammonium bromide, ethyltripentyl ammonium iodide, benzyltrimethylammonium chloride , hexadecyltributylphosphonium bromide and the like. The molar equivalent of compound of formula (22) used in step a) from 1.0, 1.05, 1.1, 1.25, 1.35, to 1.5 equivalents, preferably between 1.1 to 1.5 equivalents and more preferably between 1.1 to 1.2 equivalents.
The molar equivalent of base used in step a) from 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 to 1.5 and in step c) from 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 to 4.0, more preferably 3.0 equivalents.

The reaction of step a) and b) is can be performed preferably in a temperature between 0°C to ambient temperature.
According to the present invention acylation /cyclization reaction for the preparation of compound of formula (18) can be performed in the presence of single inorganic base such asKOH.
The said amide compound, of formula (23) can be converted in-situ to the lactam
compound of formula (18). This simultaneous amide and lactam formation can be
achieved with base in a solvent. The example of base may include KOH, NaOH, and
lithium hydroxide, more preferably NaOH and KOH. The example of solvent may include
THF, DMF, dimethyl acetamide, CHCI3, chlorobenzene, toluene, MDC, water and the like
or mixture(s) thereof or aqueous solution thereof, preferably aqueous solution of MDC.
During formation of the lactam compound of formula (18); amide-compound of formula
(23) can be optionally isolated and purified by common purification processes such as
recrystallization, leaching or slurry washing, or by co-precipitation with a suitable
solvent(s) and anti-solvent(s). The solvent essentially refers to a media in which is
compound is readily soluble and the anti-solvent essentially refers to a media in which is
compound is insoluble or poorly soluble. . ,
The amount of solvent used is from about 5 vol to about 15 vol with respect to compound of formula (17) and said reaction can be performed in a temperature between 5°C to 35°C. more preferably at temperature between 10°C 30°C. Preparation of hydrazono compound of formula (6):
The process for the preparation of hydrazono compound of formula (6) comprising 1 reacting p-anisidine with sodium nitrite and hydrochloric acid, followed by reaction with ethyl-2-chloroacetoacetate it is well known in the art.
Preparation of ester compound of formula (8):
The 1,3-cycloaddition involves reaction of hydrazono compound of formula (6) with Lactam compound of formula (18) in presence of organic solvent and base at ambient temperature to reflux temperature to obtain ester compound of formula (8).


The example of organic solvents may include ethyl acetate, M DC and mixture(s) thereof, more preferably MDC. The example of base may include TEA, diisopropylethylamine more preferably TEA.
The reaction can be carried out at temperature of between 0°C to ambient temperature, more preferably at reflux temperature.
Preparation of Apixaban:
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide improved process for the preparation of Apixaban compound of formula (I) by aminolysis of compound of formula (8) in anhydrous Methnolic ammonia. The aminolysis of carried out at temperature range between 60°C to 70°C in a closed autoclave condition.
Further the present invention provides a novel process for the preparation of N-l crystalline form of Apixaban comprising steps of;
a. dissolving apixaban in mixture of MeOH and DMF;
b. optionally heating the solution at temperature range of 60°C to 70°C;
c. recovering N-l crystalline form of Apixaban.
Further aspect of the present invention is to provide another process for the preparation N-1 crystalline form of Apixaban comprising steps of;
a. dissolving Apixaban in polar solvent;
b. optionally heating the solution at temperature range of 60°C to 80°C;
c. add water to the solution;
d. recovering N-l crystalline form of Apixaban.
The example of polar solvent includes but not limited to alcohols, amides and sulfoxides or mixture(s) thereof. The examples of alcoholic solvents may include MeOH, EtOH, propanol, 1,2-propylene glycol, chlorobutanol. The example of amide solvents may

include DMF, diethylformamide diemthylacetamide, N-methylpyrroIidone. The example
of sulfoxide may include dimethyl sulfoxide.
The present invention provides a process for purification of Apixaban wherein apixaban is
dissolved in DMF and water is added as an anti-solvent.
The present invention provides a process for preparation of Apixaban wherein the
compound of formula (8), imp-A and imp-6 is less than 0.1% w/w of Apixaban, as
measured by HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography).
The product is isolated by conventional means e.g. either direct filtration of the solid
product or addition of antisolvent followed by filtration of the product, or complete or
partial solvent evaporation and recovering the product.
The obtained product can optionally be purified by conventional means, such as
recrystallization from a suitable solvent or mixture(s) of solvents, recrystallization using
solvent-anti-solvent mixture(s), reslurrying in solvent or mixture(s) of solvent, treatment
with a base or an acid.
Apixaban N-l form can be recovered by one of the known techniques, such as filtration or
centrifugation, preferably filtration.
In following examples, some synthesis products are listed as having been isolated as a
residue. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the term "residue"
does not limit the physical state in which the product was isolated and may include, for
example, a solid, oil, foam, a gum, syrup, and the like.
The following examples are set forth to aid the understanding of the invention, and should
not be construed to limit in any way the invention set forth in the claims which follow
thereafter. The present invention provides process for preparation of Apixaban which is
devoid of Ullmann reaction.
EXAMPLES:
Example -I: Synthesis of 5-ChIoro-pentanoic acid phenylamide (24)
A solution of 5-chlorovaleroyl chloride (CVC, 174gm, 1.12mol) in methylene dichloride
(MDC) (100ml) added to the suspension of aniline (lOOgm, 1.07mol), sodium hydroxide
(52gm, 1.3mol), TBAB (2gm) in MDC (900ml) and Water (112ml) at 0-5°C over 1 hrs
and was slowly brought to 25 to 30°C. Organic layer separated, washed with water
(200ml), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and distilled at 50°C to get a residue. The

residue was purified in hexane to get white crystals of 5-Chloro-pentanoic acid phenylamide (24). Yield: 222.4 gm, 97.84%
Example -IA: Synthesis of l-(phenyl) piperidin-2-one (21)
A solution of 5-chlorovaleroyl chloride (CVC, 174gm, 1.12mol) in methylene dichloride (100ml) was added to the suspension of aniline (lOOgm, 1.07mol), sodium hydroxide (52gm, 1.3 mol), TBAB (2gm) in methylene dichloride (900ml) and Water (112ml) at 0-5°C over lhrs. The mixture was slowly brought to 25 to 30°C and then aq. solution of KOH (200gm, 3.57mol in 310ml water) was added slowly in 10-15 min and stirred for 5-6hrs at-room temperature. Organic layer was separated, washed with water (200ml) and distilled out atmospherically at 50°C to get a residue. Toluene (200ml) and Hexane (600ml) were added to the residue and stirred at same temperature for 30min. The resulting slurry was gradually cooled to 0-5°C and filtered. Solid dried at about 50°C to afford the desired product as white crystals. Yield: 185 g, 97.36% Purity: 99.55% MP-98-100"C
Example -II: Preparation of l-(4-Nitrophenyl) piperidin-2-one (10)
Cold nitric acid (70%, 54g, 0.6mol) was added drop wise to the precooled solution of example-I (lOOgm, 0.57mol) in 160ml of Sulphuric acid at 0-5°C over 1-2 hrs. After complete addition, reaction mass was quenched over ice-water and stirred for 1 hr. Filtered off solid, washed with cold water (65ml x 3times), unloaded and dried at 50-60°C in hot air oven for about 5-6hrs. Pale yellow solid was obtained. Yield: 100.5 gin, 80%. The product can be optionally purified from IPA to give off white solid.
Example HA: 5-chloro-N-(4-nitrophenyl) pentanamide (25):
The compound of example IIa were prepared by a method analogous to that described in
Example No II by using 5-chloro-N-phenylpentana.mide as a Starting material.-
Example -TIB: Preparation of l-(4-Nitrophenvl) piperidin-2-one (10)
The compound of example lib were prepared by a method analogous to that described in Example No IA for cyclisation reaction by using 5-chloro-N-(4-nitrophenyl) pentanamide as a Starting material.

Example-III: Synthesis of 3-MorphoIino-l-(4-NitrophenyI)-5,6-diliydro pyridin-2(lH)-one (16)
PC15 (212.5 g, 1.02 mol) was slowly added to a solution of the product of example-II (75 g, 0.340mol) in Toluene (225 mL) at 25-30°C. The resulting mixture was gradually heated to 75-80°C for lh and poured into ice water (IL), maintaining temperature below I0°C. The quenched mass was stirred at 0-5°C for lh and filtered under suction. The pale yellow colored product was dried in air oven at 55°-60°G for 6-8 hrs. The dried product was dissolved in DMF (130ml) and morpholine (130 ml) and refluxed for 1 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to 60°C and water was added to the reaction mass at the same temperature. The resulting slurry was filtered under suction, washed with water to get a yellow solid. Recrystallization of the solid from MeOH afforded the desired product as an off-white solid. Yield: 85.73 g, 83.0%; MP 158-160°C
Example -IV: l-(4-AminophenyI)-3-morpholino-5,6-dihydropyridin-2(lH)-one (17) Hydrazine hydrate 80% (60gm, 1.19mol) was added drop wise at around 60-65°C to the solution containing product of example-Ill (50gm, 0.16mol), Raney nickel (lgm, 2%) in EtOH (750ml) and water (150ml). After completion of addition, stirred for 30min at same temperature and brought to room temperature. The reaction mass was filtered through celite bed, concentrated under vacuum, added EtOAc (100ml) and filter under suction. Dried the wet cake in air oven to afford the desired product as a cream colored solid. Yield: 43 gm; 95.55%
Example-V: Synthesis of 5-Chloro-pentanoic acid [4-(5-morphoIin-4-yl-6-oxo-3,6-dihydro-2H-pyridin-l-yl)-phenyI]-amidc (23)
A solution of 5-chlorovaleroyl chloride (CVC, 82gm , 0.5273 mol) in MDC (100ml). was added to the suspension of product of example-IV (125gm, 0.4573 mol), sodium hydroxide (22gm, 0.55mol), TBAB (3.75gm) in MDC (1150ml) and Water (49ml) at 0-5°C over 1 hrs. The mixture was slowly brought to 25 to 30 °C, 300 ml water was added to the reaction mass and stirred for lOmin. Organic layer was separated and washed with water (200 ml), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and distilled atmospherically at 50°C to get a residue. The residue was purified in EtOAc to get pale yellow solid. Yield: 172 gm, 96.08%

Example-VA: Synthesis of 3-Morpholino-l-(4-(2-oxopiperidin-l-yl)phenyI)-5,6-dihydro pyridin-2(lH)-one (18)
A solution of 5-chlorovaleroyl chloride (CVC, 82gm , 0.5273 mol) in MDC (100ml) was added to the suspension of product of example-IV (125gm, 0.4573 mol), sodium hydroxide (22gm, 0.55 mol), TBAB (3.75gm) in MDC (1150 ml) and Water (49ml) at 0-5°C over 1hr. The mixture was slowly brought to 25 to 30°C, and then the aq. solution of KOH (187 gm, 3.33mol in 311ml water) was added slowly in 10-15 min and stirred for 8-10 hrsat room temperature. 300 ml water was added to the reaction mass and stirred for 10 min. Organic layer was separated, washed with water (300ml) and distilled at 50°C to get a solid product. Recrystallization of the solid from EtOAc afforded the desired product as a buff colored solid. Yield: 153gm, 94.27% Purity: 98+%; MP 204-206 °C.
Example-VI:(Z)-Ethvl 2-Chloro-2-(2-(4-methoxyphenyI) hydrazono)aectate (6)
Hydrochloric acid (35—36%, 60 ml, 0.6 mol) was added to a solution of 4-methoxyaniline (24.6 g, 0.2 mol) in water (120 ml) at -5 to 0°C. A solution of sodium nitrite (16.6 g, 0.24 mol) in water (80 mL) was added to the mixture drop wise below 0°C. Then, the reaction solution was stirred for 30 min at 0°C, followed by the addition of sodium acetate (32.8 g, 0.40 mol) until pH 5-6. To this, a solution of ethyl 2- chloroacetoacetate (28 mL, 32.8 g, 0.2 mol) in MeOH (300 mL) was added drop wise maintaining temperature between 0 -5°C. The resulting solution was stirred at 25-30°C for 4-6 h; concentrated in vacuum at low pressure, and the residue so obtained was dissolved in water (100 mL) and EtOAc (200 ml). Organic layer was separated. Aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (2 X 100: ml). The combined organic phase was washed with water (2 X 100 ml) and brine (2 X 100 ml), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtrated, and concentrated till residual stage. Recrystallization of the product from EtOAc afforded the pure product as a pale yellow solid. Yield: 39.4 g, 77%
Example-VII: EthyI-l-(4-Mcthoxyphenyl)-7-oxo-6-(4-(2-oxopiperidin-l-yl) phenyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-lH-pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridine-3-carboxylate (8)
Product of example-V(14.2 g, 0.04mol), TEA (17mL, 0.12 mol), and potassium iodide (KI) (0.64 g,0.004mol) were added to a solution of the product of example-Vl (11.3 g,

0.044 mol) in EtOAc (200mL) at room temperature. The mixture was stirred for 6 h under
reflux and then cooled to 0°C. To. the resulting mixture was added 4.ON hydrochloric acid
(50mL, 0.02mol) drop wise and stirred at room temperature for 2 h. Thereafter water (100
mL) was added to the mixture to separate the organic layer. The aqueous layer was
extracted with EtOAc (3x100 mL), and then the combined organic extracts were washed
with brine (2x100 mL), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and concentrated to dryness.
Recrystallization of the residue from EtOAc and drying in vacuum afforded as cream
colored solid. Yield: 14.6 g, 75%
Example-VIII: Synthesis of Ethyl-l-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-7-oxo-6-(4-(2-oxopiperidin-l-yl) phenyl)-4, 5,6,7- tetrahydro-lH-pyrazo!o[3,4-c]pyridine-3-carboxylate (8)
Product of example-V(14.2 g, 0.04 mol), TEA (17mL, 0.12 mol), and KI (0.64-g,0.004mol) were added to a solution of the product of example-Vl (11.3 g, 0.044 mol) in MDC (80mL) at room temperature. The mixture was stirred at 42-45°C for 12-15 hrs and then cooled to 0°C. To the resulting mixture was added 4.ON hydrochloric acid (50mL, 0.02 mol) drop wise and stirred at room temperature for 2-4hrs. Thereafter water (100 mL) was added to the mixture to separate the organic layer. The aqueous layer was extracted with MDC, 50 mL and then the combined organic extracts were washed with brine (2x100 mL), and concentrated to dryness. Recrystallization of the residue from EtOAc and drying in vacuum afforded product as cream colored solid. Yield: 16.58 g, 85%. Purity: 99.5+% Example-IX: Synthesis of compound of formula (I) : l-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-7-oxo-6-(4-(2-oxopiperidin-l-yl)phenyI)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-lH-pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridine-3-carboxamide : [Apixaban] (1)
The Mixture of product of example-VII (25 g, 0.051 mol) and Methanolic solution of ammonia (200ml, 15-18%,w/w) were heated at 65-70°C in a Autoclave for.24hrs. The solvent was evaporated under low pressure and solid residue obtained was suspended in 175ml water and left under stirring for 2 hr. solid filtered through Buchner funnel and washed with water (50mlX 2), dried in vacuum at 60°C to afford the desired product. Yield: 21.5 g, 91.48%;
Example-X: Preparation of Apixaban of formula (I), crystalline form N-l: The obtained Apixaban (25gm) was dissolved in mixture of MeOH and DMF [(7:3), 650ml] at

about 70°C. After cooling the reaction mass the crystallized product was collected by filtration and dried under vacuum at 70°C for 12hrs to afford 20gm Apixaban. XRPD: main peaks in 29: 8.4, 10.0, 10.50, 11.2, 12.3, 12.8, 13.9, 15.16, 16.2, 16.9, 18.4, 18.8, 19.5, 21.1, 21.5, 22.2, 24.7, 25.3, 25.9, 26.9, 27.7, 28.6, 29.2, 29.9, 30.6, 31.7, 32.7 and 34.9° in 2 theta value. As in Fig No. 1.
Example-XI: Preparation of Apixaban of formula (I), crystalline form N-l:
Apixaban (25gm) was dissolved in DMF (200ml) at a temperature of about 70-75°C. To this water (300ml) was added as anti-solvent. The product crystallized was collected by filtration and dried under vacuum at 70°C for 12hrs to afford 22.5gm Apixaban. Purity: 99.7+%, single max impurity NMT 0.05 w/w. XRPD: main peaks in 28 : 8.4, 10.0, 10.50, 11.2, 12.3, 12.8, 13.9, 15.16, 16.2, 16.9, 18.4, 18.8, 19.5, 21.1, 21.5, 22,2, 24.7, 25.3, 25.9, 26.9, 27.7, 28.6, 29.2, 29.9, 30.6, 31.7, 32.7 and 34.9 ° in 2 theta value. As in Fig No. 1.
WE CLAIM:
1. A process for preparation of compound of formula (21) comprising steps of;
a. reacting aniline with compound of formula (22) in presence of inorganic base
or aqueous solution of inorganic base or absence of any base to obtain
compound of formula (24) wherein X is leaving group;
b. optionally isolating the compound of formula (24);
c. cyclizing compound of formula (24) in presence of inorganic base or aqueous
solution of inorganic base to obtain compound of formula (21);
2. A process for preparation of compound of formula (.10) comprising steps of;
a. reacting aniline with compound of formula (22) in presence of inorganic base or aqueous solution of inorganic base or absence of any base to obtain compound of formula (24) wherein X is leaving group;

b. optionally isolating the compound of formula (24);
c. nitrating compound of formula (24) to obtain compound of formula (25) in
presence of Nitric acid in Sulphuric acid or Acetic acid;
d. optionally isolating the compound of formula (25);
e. cyclizing compound of formula (25) in presence of inorganic base or aqueous
solution of inorganic base to obtain compound of formula (10).
3. A process for preparation of amino- morpholine compound of the formula(17) comprising steps of:
a. reacting a compound of formula (10) with chlorinating agent in presence of
non- halogenated solvent to obtain compound of formula (11);
b. reacting compound of formula (11) with morpholine in presence of solvent to
obtain nitro-morpholine of formula (16);
c. optionally isolating and purifying the nitro-morpholine of formula (16)
obtained in step b;
d. reducing nitro-morpholine of formula (16) in presence of a hydrazine hydrate
with catalytic amount of Raney Nickel to obtain compound of formula (17).
4. A process for preparation of compound of formula (18) comprising steps of;
a. reacting amino-morpholine compound of formula (17) with compound of
formula (22) in presence of inorganic base or aqueous solution of inorganic
base or absence of any base to obtain amide- compound of formula (23)
wherein X is leaving group;
b. optionally isolating the amide-compound of formula (23);

c. cyclizing amide-compound of formula (23) in presence of inorganic base or aqueous solution of inorganic base to obtain a lactam compound of formula
5. A process for the preparation of Apixaban compound of formula (I) comprising steps of;
a. reacting aniline with compound of formula (22) in presence of inorganic base
or aqueous solution of inorganic base or absence of any base to obtain
compound of formula (24) wherein X is leaving group;
b. optionally isolating the compound of formula (24);
c. cyclizing compound of formula (24) in presence of inorganic base or aqueous
solution inorganic base to obtain compound of formula (21);
or
nitrating compound of formula (24) with Nitric acid in Sulphuric acid or Acetic acid to obtain compound of formula (25) followed by cyclisation in presence of inorganic base or aqueous solution of inorganic base or absence of any base to obtain compound of formula (10);
d. nitrating compound of formula (21) using Nitric acid in Sulphuric acid or
Acetic acid to obtain compound of formula (10);
e. reacting compound of formula (10) with chlorinating agent in presence of non-
halogenated solvent to obtain compound of formula (11);
f. reacting compound of formula (11) with morpholine optionally in presence of
solvent to obtain nitro-morpholine of formula (16);
g. optionally isolating and purifying the obtained nitro-morpholine of formula .
(16);
h. reducing nitro-morpholine of formula (16) in presence of hydrazine hydrate with catalytic amount of Raney Nickel to obtain compound of formula (17);

i. reacting amino-morpholine compound of formula (17) with compound of
formula (22) in presence of inorganic base or aqueous solution of inorganic
base or absence of any base to obtain an amide-compound of formula (23)
wherein X is leaving group; j. optionally isolating the amide-compound of formula (23); k. cyclizing amide-compound of formula (23) in presence of inorganic base or
aqueous solution of inorganic base to obtain a lactam compound of formula
(18); I. m 1,3-cycloaddition reaction of hydrazono compound of formula (6) with
lactam compound of formula (18) in presence of a solvent and base to obtain
ester compound of formula (8); m. converting ester compound of formula (8) into the Apixaban compound of
formula (1) in presence of anhydrous methanolic ammonia.
6. The process according to claim 1, 2(a), 2(e), 4 (a), 4 (c), 5 (a), 5 (c), 5(i) and 5(k), wherein inorganic base is selected form the group consisting of sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, lithium hydrate, potassium hydrate, sodium hydrate, lithium hydrogen carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate thereof or aqueous solution thereof and mixture(s).
7. The process according to claim I, 2(a), 2(e), 4 (a), 4 (c), 5 (a), 5 (c), 5(i) and 5(k), wherein the reaction is carried out in presence of a solvent selected from group consisting of MDC, toluene, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, CHCI3, chlorobenzene, DMF, diemthylacetamide, N-methylpyroolidone, acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide, THF, dioxane and mixture(s) thereof.
8. The process according to claim I , 2 (a), 2 (e), 4, 5 (a), 5 (c), 5(i) and 5(k), wherein the reaction is optionally carried out in presence of a phase transfer catalyst selected from group consisting of methyltridecyl ammonium chloride, trimethyl ammonium chloride, tetrabutyl ammonium bromide, dimethylethyl hexadecyl ammonium bromide, ethyltripentyl ammonium iodide, benzyltrimethylammonium chloride, hexadecyitributylphosphonium bromide.
9. The process according to claim 3 and 5 , wherein non-halogenated solvent is selected from the group consisting of toluene, xylene, benzene, acetic acid, ethyl

acetate, THF, methyl t-butyl ether, methyl ethyl ketone, dioxane and mixture(s) thereof.
10. The process according to claim 3 and 5, wherein chlorinating agent selected form group consisting of SOCI2, PCI3, PC15.
11. The process according to claim 3 (d) and 5 (h), wherein the reaction is carried out in presence of a solvent selected from water, IPA, EtOH, MeOH, n-propanol and mixture(s) thereof or aqueous solutions thereof at temperature range of 50°C to 75°C.
12. The process according to claim 5 (1), wherein solvent is selected form the group consisting of ethyl acetate, MDC, THF, acetonitrile and mixture(s) thereof.
13. The process according to claim 5 (I), wherein base is selected form the group consisting of TEA, diisopropylethylamine.
14. The process according to claim 5 (m), wherein reaction is carried out at temperature range of 60°C to 70°C in an autoclave.
15. The process according to 1, 2, 4 and 5, leaving group is selected from group consisting of CI, Br, I, F or methane sulfate, mesylate, triflate, tosylate or tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy group.
16. An improved process for the preparation of Apixaban by aminolysis of compound of formula (8) in anhydrous methanolic ammonia.
17. A novel process for preparation of N-l crystalline form .of Apixaban comprising steps of;
a. dissolving apixaban in mixture of MeOH and DMF;
b. optionally heating the solution at temperature range of 60°C to 7.0°C;
c. recovering N-l crystalline form of Apixaban.
18. A novel process for preparation of N-l crystalline form of Apixaban comprising •
steps of;
a. dissolving Apixaban in polar solvent;
b. optionally heating the solution at temperature range of 60°C to 80°C;
c. add water to the solution;
d. recovering N-l crystalline form of Apixaban.

19. The process according to claim 18; polar solvent selected from group consisting of MeOH, EtOH, propano), 1,2-propylene glycol, chlorobutanoJ, DMF, diethylformamide dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, dimethyl sulfoxide or mixture(s) thereof.