(R)-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-[1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]piperidin-4-yl]methanol

Conditions: temp:0.00; pressure:0.00; stir:; See reaction.notes.procedure_details.

Procedure: Silica gel (EM Sciences, 230-400 mesh, 215 g) was added to a solution of (R)-enriched α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, butyrate ester (5a) (72 g, 0.16 mol, 82% ee) in t-BuOMe (320 mL). The resulting slurry was concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to give a light yellow powder. A mixture of the powder, partially purified Candida cylindracea lipase (17.1 g, equivalent to 522 g of crude enzyme from Sigma) in phosphate buffer (0.1M, pH 7, 5.2 L) was stirred at 45° C. for 4 days. EtOAc (4 L) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Solid material was removed by filtration, and the two phases in the filtrate were separated. Both the solid and aqueous layer were extracted with EtOAc (2 L). The combined organic solutions were concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to a residue which was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, 10 cm×15 cm, eluted with 1:1 EtOAc; hexane (8 L) and 1:19 EtOAc: MeOH (8 L)). The desired fractions (TLC, Rf 0.16, acetone) were combined and concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to a residue which was dissolved in methylene chloride (800 mL). The solution was washed with 0.5N NaOH (2×600 mL), brine (600 mL) and dried (MgSO4). The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated (30° C./20 torr) to give a solid which was recrystallized from cyclohexane (2 L) to give (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3) as a white solid (31 g, 52% yield, 99.9% ee); m.p. 113-114° C., [α]D20+14.0° (c 0.49, CHCl3). The resulting slurry was concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to give a light yellow powder A mixture of the powder, partially purified Candida cylindracea lipase (17.1 g Solid material was removed by filtration the two phases in the filtrate were separated Both the solid and aqueous layer were extracted with EtOAc (2 L) The combined organic solutions were concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to a residue which was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, 10 cm×15 cm, eluted with 1:1 EtOAc; hexane (8 L) and 1:19 EtOAc: MeOH (8 L)) concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to a residue which was dissolved in methylene chloride (800 mL) The solution was washed with 0.5N NaOH (2×600 mL), brine (600 mL) dried (MgSO4) The mixture was filtered the filtrate was concentrated (30° C./20 torr) to give a solid which was recrystallized from cyclohexane (2 L)

Conditions: temp:45.01; pressure:0.00; stir:; See reaction.notes.procedure_details.

Procedure: To a solution of α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, butyrate ester (5a) (2.77 g, 6.2 mmol) in t-BuOMe (10 mL), Baker silica (8.3 g, 40μ) was added. After evaporation of the ether, the silica was transferred to 180 mL of 0.1M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) and then 25 mL of the partially purified lipase (100 g crude=230 mL of a solution) was added. The suspension was stirred at 45° C. for 4 days. The reaction was stopped by filtering the reaction mixture. Both filtrate and silica were extracted with ethyl acetate (300 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO4, evaporated under vacuum to give a residue, which was purified by column chromatography (60 g Baker silica (40μ) EtOAc/heptane=3:1). (Rf 0.45 for (S)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, butyrate ester (5b) and 0.06 for (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3)). After the ester was eluted, the eluant was changed to MeOH/EtOAc=3:7 to recover (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3) as a yellow oil (1.08 g, 46%, 98% ee). Recrystallization twice from EtOAc/heptane gave (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3) as a white crystalline compound (770 mg, 33%, 99% ee); m.p.=114-116° C.; [α]D=14.3 (c=1; CHCl3). After evaporation of the ether 25 mL of the partially purified lipase (100 g crude=230 mL of a solution) was added by filtering the reaction mixture Both filtrate and silica were extracted with ethyl acetate (300 mL) The organic layer was dried over MgSO4 evaporated under vacuum to give a residue, which was purified by column chromatography (60 g Baker silica (40μ) EtOAc/heptane=3:1) After the ester was eluted to recover (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3) as a yellow oil (1.08 g, 46%, 98% ee) Recrystallization twice from EtOAc/heptane

Conditions: temp:0.00; pressure:0.00; stir:; See reaction.notes.procedure_details.

Procedure: In yet another embodiment, there is provided a process for preparing (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3) comprising the steps of: a) reacting lithiated veratrole with 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (9) in the presence of a suitable aprotic solvent to provide 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]pyridine (10); b) subjecting 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]pyridine (10) to catalytic hydrogenation to provide 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]piperidine (11); c) reacting 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]piperidine (11) with a suitable 4-fluorophenylacetylating reagent, in the presence of a suitable base and a suitable solvent to provide 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]-N-2-(4-fluorophen-1-oxo-ethyl)piperidine (20); d) reacting 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]-N-2-(4-fluorophen-1-oxo-ethyl)piperidine (20) with a suitable reducing agent in the presence of a suitable solvent to provide α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (5); e) reacting α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (5) with (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid to give a racemic mixture of (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid salt (3a) and (S)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid salt (3b); f) separating the (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid salt (3b) from the (S)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid salt (3a) by selective crystallization; and g) reacting the (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid salt (3a) with a suitable base to give (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3). In yet another embodiment, there is provided a process

Conditions: temp:0.00; pressure:0.00; stir:; See reaction.notes.procedure_details.

Procedure: Silica gel (EM Sciences, 230-400 mesh, 215 g) was added to a solution of (R)-enriched α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, butyrate ester (5a) (72 g, 0.16 mol, 82% ee) in t-BuOMe (320 mL). The resulting slurry was concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to give a light yellow powder. A mixture of the powder, partially purified Candida cylindracea lipase (17.1 g, equivalent to 522 g of crude enzyme from Sigma) in phosphate buffer (0.1M, pH 7, 5.2 L) was stirred at 45° C. for 4 days. EtOAc (4 L) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Solid material was removed by filtration, and the two phases in the filtrate were separated. Both the solid and aqueous layer were extracted with EtOAc (2 L). The combined organic solutions were concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to a residue which was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, 10 cm×15 cm, eluted with 1:1 EtOAc; hexane (8 L) and 1:19 EtOAc: MeOH (8 L)). The desired fractions (TLC, Rf 0.16, acetone) were combined and concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to a residue which was dissolved in methylene chloride (800 mL). The solution was washed with 0.5N NaOH (2×600 mL), brine (600 mL) and dried (MgSO4). The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated (30° C./20 torr) to give a solid which was recrystallized from cyclohexane (2 L) to give (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3) as a white solid (31 g, 52% yield, 99.9% ee); m.p. 113-114° C., [α]D20+14.0° (c 0.49, CHCl3). The resulting slurry was concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to give a light yellow powder A mixture of the powder, partially purified Candida cylindracea lipase (17.1 g Solid material was removed by filtration the two phases in the filtrate were separated Both the solid and aqueous layer were extracted with EtOAc (2 L) The combined organic solutions were concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to a residue which was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, 10 cm×15 cm, eluted with 1:1 EtOAc; hexane (8 L) and 1:19 EtOAc: MeOH (8 L)) concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to a residue which was dissolved in methylene chloride (800 mL) The solution was washed with 0.5N NaOH (2×600 mL), brine (600 mL) dried (MgSO4) The mixture was filtered the filtrate was concentrated (30° C./20 torr) to give a solid which was recrystallized from cyclohexane (2 L)

Conditions: temp:45.01; pressure:0.00; stir:; See reaction.notes.procedure_details.

Procedure: To a solution of α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, butyrate ester (5a) (2.77 g, 6.2 mmol) in t-BuOMe (10 mL), Baker silica (8.3 g, 40μ) was added. After evaporation of the ether, the silica was transferred to 180 mL of 0.1M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) and then 25 mL of the partially purified lipase (100 g crude=230 mL of a solution) was added. The suspension was stirred at 45° C. for 4 days. The reaction was stopped by filtering the reaction mixture. Both filtrate and silica were extracted with ethyl acetate (300 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO4, evaporated under vacuum to give a residue, which was purified by column chromatography (60 g Baker silica (40μ) EtOAc/heptane=3:1). (Rf 0.45 for (S)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, butyrate ester (5b) and 0.06 for (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3)). After the ester was eluted, the eluant was changed to MeOH/EtOAc=3:7 to recover (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3) as a yellow oil (1.08 g, 46%, 98% ee). Recrystallization twice from EtOAc/heptane gave (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3) as a white crystalline compound (770 mg, 33%, 99% ee); m.p.=114-116° C.; [α]D=14.3 (c=1; CHCl3). After evaporation of the ether 25 mL of the partially purified lipase (100 g crude=230 mL of a solution) was added by filtering the reaction mixture Both filtrate and silica were extracted with ethyl acetate (300 mL) The organic layer was dried over MgSO4 evaporated under vacuum to give a residue, which was purified by column chromatography (60 g Baker silica (40μ) EtOAc/heptane=3:1) After the ester was eluted to recover (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3) as a yellow oil (1.08 g, 46%, 98% ee) Recrystallization twice from EtOAc/heptane

Conditions: temp:0.00; pressure:0.00; stir:; See reaction.notes.procedure_details.

Procedure: In yet another embodiment, there is provided a process for preparing (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3) comprising the steps of: a) reacting lithiated veratrole with 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (9) in the presence of a suitable aprotic solvent to provide 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]pyridine (10); b) subjecting 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]pyridine (10) to catalytic hydrogenation to provide 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]piperidine (11); c) reacting 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]piperidine (11) with a suitable 4-fluorophenylacetylating reagent, in the presence of a suitable base and a suitable solvent to provide 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]-N-2-(4-fluorophen-1-oxo-ethyl)piperidine (20); d) reacting 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]-N-2-(4-fluorophen-1-oxo-ethyl)piperidine (20) with a suitable reducing agent in the presence of a suitable solvent to provide α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (5); e) reacting α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (5) with (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid to give a racemic mixture of (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid salt (3a) and (S)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid salt (3b); f) separating the (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid salt (3b) from the (S)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid salt (3a) by selective crystallization; and g) reacting the (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid salt (3a) with a suitable base to give (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3). In yet another embodiment, there is provided a process

Conditions: temp:0.00; pressure:0.00; stir:; See reaction.notes.procedure_details.

Procedure: Silica gel (EM Sciences, 230-400 mesh, 215 g) was added to a solution of (R)-enriched α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, butyrate ester (5a) (72 g, 0.16 mol, 82% ee) in t-BuOMe (320 mL). The resulting slurry was concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to give a light yellow powder. A mixture of the powder, partially purified Candida cylindracea lipase (17.1 g, equivalent to 522 g of crude enzyme from Sigma) in phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH 7, 5.2 L) was stirred at 45° C. for 4 days. EtOAc (4 L) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Solid material was removed by filtration, and the two phases in the filtrate were separated. Both the solid and aqueous layer were extracted with EtOAc (2 L). The combined organic solutions were concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to a residue which was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, 10 cm×15 cm, eluted with 1:1 EtOAc; hexane (8 L) and 1:19 EtOAc: MeOH (8 L)). The desired fractions (TLC, Rf 0.16, acetone) were combined and concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to a residue which was dissolved in methylene chloride (800 mL). The solution was washed with 0.5N NaOH (2×600 mL), brine (600 mL) and dried (MgSO4). The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated (30° C./20 torr) to give a solid which was recrystallized from cyclohexane (2 L) to give (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3) as a white solid (31 g, 52% yield, 99.9% ee); m.p. 113-114° C., [α]D20+14.0° (c 0.49, CHCl3). The resulting slurry was concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to give a light yellow powder A mixture of the powder, partially purified Candida cylindracea lipase (17.1 g Solid material was removed by filtration the two phases in the filtrate were separated Both the solid and aqueous layer were extracted with EtOAc (2 L) The combined organic solutions were concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to a residue which was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, 10 cm×15 cm, eluted with 1:1 EtOAc; hexane (8 L) and 1:19 EtOAc: MeOH (8 L)) concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to a residue which was dissolved in methylene chloride (800 mL) The solution was washed with 0.5N NaOH (2×600 mL), brine (600 mL) dried (MgSO4) The mixture was filtered the filtrate was concentrated (30° C./20 torr) to give a solid which was recrystallized from cyclohexane (2 L)

Conditions: temp:45.01; pressure:0.00; stir:; See reaction.notes.procedure_details.

Procedure: To a solution of α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, butyrate ester (5a) (2.77 g, 6.2 mmol) in t-BuOMe (10 mL), Baker silica (8.3 g, 40 μ) was added. After evaporation of the ether, the silica was transferred to 180 mL of 0.1M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) and then 25 mL of the partially purified lipase (100 g crude=230 mL of a solution) was added. The suspension was stirred at 45° C. for 4 days. The reaction was stopped by filtering the reaction mixture. Both filtrate and silica were extracted with ethyl acetate (300 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO4, evaporated under vacuum to give a residue, which was purified by column chromatography (60 g Baker silica (40 μ); EtOAc/heptane=3:1). (Rf0.45 for (S)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, butyrate ester (5b) and 0.06 for (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3)). After the ester was eluted, the eluant was changed to MeOH/EtOAc=3:7 to recover (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3) as a yellow oil (1.08 g, 46%, 98% ee). Recrystallization twice from EtOAc/heptane gave (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3) as a white crystalline compound (770 mg, 33%, 99% ee); m.p.=114-116° C.; [α]D=14.3 (c=1; CHCl3). After evaporation of the ether 25 mL of the partially purified lipase (100 g crude=230 mL of a solution) was added by filtering the reaction mixture Both filtrate and silica were extracted with ethyl acetate (300 mL) The organic layer was dried over MgSO4 evaporated under vacuum to give a residue, which was purified by column chromatography (60 g Baker silica (40 μ); EtOAc/heptane=3:1) After the ester was eluted to recover (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3) as a yellow oil (1.08 g, 46%, 98% ee) Recrystallization twice from EtOAc/heptane

Conditions: temp:0.00; pressure:0.00; stir:; See reaction.notes.procedure_details.

Procedure: In yet another embodiment, there is provided a process for preparing (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3) comprising the steps of: a) reacting lithiated veratrole with 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (9) in the presence of a suitable aprotic solvent to provide 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]pyridine (10); b) subjecting 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]pyridine (10) to catalytic hydrogenation to provide 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]piperidine (11); c) reacting 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]piperidine (11) with a suitable 4-fluorophenylacetylating reagent, in the presence of a suitable base and a suitable solvent to provide 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]-N-2-(4-fluorophen-1-oxo-ethyl)piperidine (20); d) reacting 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]-N-2-(4-fluorophen-1-oxo-ethyl)piperidine (20) with a suitable reducing agent in the presence of a suitable solvent to provide α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (5); e) reacting α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (5) with (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid to give a racemic mixture of (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, (2S,3S)-(+) -di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid salt (3a) and (S)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid salt (3b); f) separating the (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid salt (3b) from the (S)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p -anisoyl)tartaric acid salt (3a) by selective crystallization; and g) reacting the (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p -anisoyl)tartaric acid salt (3a) with a suitable base to give (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3). In yet another embodiment, there is provided a process

Conditions: temp:0.00; pressure:0.00; stir:; See reaction.notes.procedure_details.

Procedure: Silica gel (EM Sciences, 230-400 mesh, 215 g) was added to a solution of (R)-enriched α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, butyrate ester (5a) (72 g, 0.16 mol, 82% ee) in t-BuOMe (320 mL). The resulting slurry was concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to give a light yellow powder. A mixture of the powder, partially purified Candida cylindracea lipase (17.1 g, equivalent to 522 g of crude enzyme from Sigma) in phosphate buffer (0.1M, pH 7, 5.2 L) was stirred at 45° C. for 4 days. EtOAc (4 L) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Solid material was removed by filtration, and the two phases in the filtrate were separated. Both the solid and aqueous layer were extracted with EtOAc (2 L). The combined organic solutions were concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to a residue which was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, 10 cm×15 cm, eluted with 1:1 EtOAc; hexane (8 L) and 1:19 EtOAc: MeOH (8 L)). The desired fractions (TLC, Rf 0.16, acetone) were combined and concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to a residue which was dissolved in methylene chloride (800 mL). The solution was washed with 0.5N NaOH (2×600 mL), brine (600 mL) and dried (MgSO4). The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated (30° C./20 torr) to give a solid which was recrystallized from cyclohexane (2 L) to give (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3) as a white solid (31 g, 52% yield, 99.9% ee); m.p. 113-114° C., [α]D20+14.0° (c 0.49, CHCl3). The resulting slurry was concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to give a light yellow powder A mixture of the powder, partially purified Candida cylindracea lipase (17.1 g Solid material was removed by filtration the two phases in the filtrate were separated Both the solid and aqueous layer were extracted with EtOAc (2 L) The combined organic solutions were concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to a residue which was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, 10 cm×15 cm, eluted with 1:1 EtOAc; hexane (8 L) and 1:19 EtOAc: MeOH (8 L)) concentrated (35° C./20 torr) to a residue which was dissolved in methylene chloride (800 mL) The solution was washed with 0.5N NaOH (2×600 mL), brine (600 mL) dried (MgSO4) The mixture was filtered the filtrate was concentrated (30° C./20 torr) to give a solid which was recrystallized from cyclohexane (2 L)

Conditions: temp:45.01; pressure:0.00; stir:; See reaction.notes.procedure_details.

Procedure: To a solution of α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, butyrate ester (5a) (2.77 g, 6.2 mmol) in t-BuOMe (10 mL), Baker silica (8.3 g, 40μ) was added. After evaporation of the ether, the silica was transferred to 180 mL of 0.1M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) and then 25 mL of the partially purified lipase (100 g crude=230 mL of a solution) was added. The suspension was stirred at 45° C. for 4 days. The reaction was stopped by filtering the reaction mixture. Both filtrate and silica were extracted with ethyl acetate (300 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO4, evaporated under vacuum to give a residue, which was purified by column chromatography (60 g Baker silica (40μ) EtOAc/heptane=3:1). (Rf 0.45 for (S)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, butyrate ester (5b) and 0.06 for (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3)). After the ester was eluted, the eluant was changed to MeOH/EtOAc=3:7 to recover (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3) as a yellow oil (1.08 g, 46%, 98% ee). Recrystallization twice from EtOAc/heptane gave (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3) as a white crystalline compound (770 mg, 33%, 99% ee); m.p.=114-116° C.; [α]D=14.3 (c=1; CHCl3). After evaporation of the ether 25 mL of the partially purified lipase (100 g crude=230 mL of a solution) was added by filtering the reaction mixture Both filtrate and silica were extracted with ethyl acetate (300 mL) The organic layer was dried over MgSO4 evaporated under vacuum to give a residue, which was purified by column chromatography (60 g Baker silica (40μ) EtOAc/heptane=3:1) After the ester was eluted to recover (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3) as a yellow oil (1.08 g, 46%, 98% ee) Recrystallization twice from EtOAc/heptane

Conditions: temp:0.00; pressure:0.00; stir:; See reaction.notes.procedure_details.

Procedure: In yet another embodiment, there is provided a process for preparing (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3) comprising the steps of: a) reacting lithiated veratrole with 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (9) in the presence of a suitable aprotic solvent to provide 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]pyridine (10); b) subjecting 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]pyridine (10) to catalytic hydrogenation to provide 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]piperidine (11); c) reacting 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]piperidine (11) with a suitable 4-fluorophenylacetylating reagent, in the presence of a suitable base and a suitable solvent to provide 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]-N-2-(4-fluorophen-1-oxo-ethyl)piperidine (20); d) reacting 4-[1-hydroxy-1-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]-N-2-(4-fluorophen-1-oxo-ethyl)piperidine (20) with a suitable reducing agent in the presence of a suitable solvent to provide α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (5); e) reacting α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (5) with (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid to give a racemic mixture of (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid salt (3a) and (S)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid salt (3b); f) separating the (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid salt (3b) from the (S)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid salt (3a) by selective crystallization; and g) reacting the (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol, (2S,3S)-(+)-di-(p-anisoyl)tartaric acid salt (3a) with a suitable base to give (R)-α-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (3). In yet another embodiment, there is provided a process