A Review of U.S. Patents in the Field of Organic Process Development Published During July and August 2004

The document reviewed 20 U.S. patents published in July and August 2004, out of an initial list of 225, in the field of organic process development. The patents covered a variety of topics, including new forms of the drug clopidogrel, three patents on paclitaxels found in yew trees used for cancer treatment, and the high stereoselectivity of enzyme-catalysed reactions. Two patents from the same company described the use of citronellal in the manufacture of various aroma chemicals. New routes to statin drugs were also discussed, including a new method of making the Ca salts of statins. A novel method of forming a hydroxylamine during the synthesis of aminopyrrolidinones was reported. The production of fluorosubstituents was described in two patents. The production of Boc-protected hydantoins and dihydrouracils on solid Merrifield resins was also described. Several patents provided IR and NMR data for the identity of compounds produced.