Process for Producing Optically Pure 2-Phenoxyphenylalkylamines

A. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to an improved process for producing phenyl- or substitutedphenylalkanolamine compounds having pharmacologic activity and to novel intermediates useful in the process, and more particularly relates to a process for directly obtaining the desired (+)- or (-) enantiomer in essentially 100% ee (enantiomeric excess) without the need for tedious resolutions.

Many biologically active compounds and medicinals are synthesized as racemic mixtures. However, commonly, only one of the optical isomers has the desired properties, while the other may possess only very weak or a different, undesired pharmacological activity, or at worst, is toxic. This problem is best illustrated by the problems associated with Thalidomide which was unfortunately marketed as a racemic mixture of the toxic isomer, responsible for the well-publicized birth defects, as well as the active optical isomer which was free from the teratological side effects. The Thalidomide tragedy could have been avoided had there been a simple, economical process available for separating the isomers. Since then, the pharmaceutical industry has employed tedious and expensive resolution processes to insure that only the desired optical isomer is present in the finished formulation. It is therefore highly desirable for the pharmceutical industry to be able to obtain one enantiomer in a simple, direct, less costly process.

Many pharmaceutically active compounds are phenyl- or substituted-phenylalkanolamines having the basic structure ##STR1## wherein n is 1 or 2, R.sup.1 is hydrogen, acetoxy, phenyl or substituted phenyl and R.sup.2 is lower alkyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl.

Typical drugs of this kind include Isoproternol, Colterol, phenylephrine, Bitolerol, Dipeverfrin, and the major new anti-depressent agents, Tomoxetine, Fluoxetine and Nisoxetine.

Tomoxetine, [[R]-(-)-N=methyl-2-(2-methylphenoxy)-benzenepropamine hydrochloride, Eli Lilly and Company, LY 139603] is a new drug currently undergoing investigation as an antidepressant (R. L. Zerbe et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 1985, 232, 139). The (-)- optical isomer has been shown to be nine times more potent than the (+)- isomer. Unlike chemical tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine, (-)-Tomoxetine has been shown to inhibit specifically norepinephrine uptake in humans at dosages which are clinically well tolerated and to be a relatively weak ligand for .sup..alpha. -1, .sup..alpha. -2 and .beta.-andrenergic receptors. The latter receptors are generally regarded as responsible for undersirable side-effects associated with antidepressants.

The patent literature preparation of (-)-Tomoxetine involves a long and tedious procedure culminating in a highly inefficient resolution (20%) of the racemic mixture. See Molly et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,018,895 and Foster et al. Eur. Patent No. 0052492. Clearly, an enantiomeric preparation of (-)-Tomoxetine is needed. The best procedure to date provides an overall yield of the (-)- isomer of 14% and an optical purity of only 88% ee. The present invention provides a simple synthesis of both (-)-Tomoxetine, (+)-Tomoxetine is essentially 100% ee, as well as both optically pure enantiomers of the cognant compounds, Fluoxetine and Nisoxetine.

In general, many of these valuable drugs in addition to the Lilly antidepressants discussed above are synthesized via the Mannich reaction to produce the amino substituted arylalkyl ketone. Reduction of the ketone gives the alcohol. The mixture of enantiomeric arylalkanolamines are then resolved in a generally tedious, costly inefficient process.

Thus, there exists a need for a more efficient, cost effective, simple process for directly obtaining the desired isomer of Tomoxetine and other arylalkanolamine pharmaceutical agents in essentially 100% enantiomeric excess. The present invention provides such a process as well as valuable intermediates useful in such process.

B. Prior Art

Recently, it was discovered that diisopinocampheylchloroborane, hereafter Ipc.sub.2 BCl, derived from either (+)- or (-)-alpha-pinene is capable of reducing arylalkyl ketones to the corresponding alcohols in a highly enantioselective fashion. (Brown et al., J. Org. Chem. 1985, 50, 5446. See also Herbert C. Brown copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 902,175 filed Aug. 29, 1986). The alcohols so obtained were simple compounds, containing no other functionality, and as such were end-products in themselves. However, for the construction of more complex molecules, often required of biologically active compounds, additional functionalities that can be further transformed are desirable. The halides are a particularly appealing functional group.

Chiral haloalcohols have been prepared in variable enantiomeric excess with a reagent developed by Itsuno et al. (J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. I. 1985, 2615). In addition to inconsistent optical yields, the nature of the reagent remains in doubt. Soai et al. (J. Chem. Soc. Chem. Comm. 1986, 1018) have demonstrated that a chirally modified lithium borohydride can reduce beta-halogenoketones in 81-87% ee. More consistent results have been obtained for asymmetric reduction of 2-haloacetophenones with neat Alpine-Borane (Brown et al., J. Org. Chem. 1985, 50, 1384).

In my copending application Ser. No. 902,175, filed Aug. 29, 1986, I disclosed that diisopinocampheylhaloboranes (Ipc.sub.2 BX) are exceptionally effective asymmetric reducing agents for simple phenylketones to the corresponding alcohol. The reagents Ipc.sub.2 BX appear to be the most effective currently available for such asymmetric reductions, and one would expect that reduction of the arylalylketoamines should provide a direct route to the desired optically pure arylalkylaminoalcohols. Unfortunately, the presence of the amino groups prevents the desired reaction. Tertiary amines coordinate with Ipc.sub.2 BX to prevent its use for reduction. Primary and secondary amines react to give the amino-substituted boron compounds RNHBIpc.sub.2 +HX.

The present invention provides a solution to that problem by providing a method in which the Ipc.sub.2 BX reagents are used to reduce a halo-substituted arylalkylketone. Treatment of the haloaralkylalcohol with the appropriate amine gives the desired optically pure arylalkylaminoalcohol.

The present invention also fulfulls the need for a simple, reliable method of preparing each enantiomer of structurally diverse, optically pure haloalcohols at will, which are intermediates in the preparation of optically pure phenoxyhalides which are useful as intermediates in the synthesis of the optically pure, desired enantiomer of a pharmaceutically active phenyl- or substituted-phenylalkanolamine.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an improved, simple, cost effective method of directly producing either optical isomer of a pharmaceutically active arylalkanolamine represented by the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 is phenyl or substituted phenyl, n is an integer from 0 to 10 and R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each are hydrogen or lower alkyl, in essentially 100% ee without the need for resolution as well as novel optically active intermediates useful in said process.

Generally speaking, the process of this invention, comprises the steps of reducing a halo-substituted phenylalkylketone with optically pure (-)- or (+)- Ipc.sub.2 BX to obtain the corresponding optically pure alcohol, and treating the alcohol with the appropriate amine to provide the desired optically pure (+)- or (-)-arylalkylaminoalcohol.

The following reaction scheme summarizes the process of the preferred embodiments of this invention. ##STR3##

While in the preferred embodiment, the process of this invention is employed in the synthesis of either optically pure isomer of Tomoxetine hydrochloride and related anti-depressants, Nisoxetine hydrochloride and Fluoxetine hydrochloride, it can be used to synthesize essentially any arylalkylaminoalcohol in optical purities of essentially 100% ee by simply ad]usting the starting materials and the amine employed in the reaction, as will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides novel haloalcohols of essentially 100% ee represented by the formula: ##STR4## wherein each R is the same or different member of the group consisting of fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo.

As used herein, the term "essentially 100% ee" or "high state of optical purity" refers to an enantiomeric excess of >95%, as determined by any analytical technique, i.e. gas chromotography, proton magnetic resonance, etc., on the derivatized or underivatized alcohols.

The term "lower alkyl", as used herein, refers to straight or branched chain alkyl groups having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, inclusive, i.e., methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, n-pentyl, 2-methylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, n-hexyl, 2-methylpentyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, n-heptyl, 2-methylhexyl, 2,3-dimethylpentyl, 2,4-dimethylpentyl, n-octyl, 2methylhexyl, 2,3-dimethylheptyl, and the like.

The term "substituted phenyl", as used herein, refers to a phenyl group represented by the formula: ##STR5## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different members of the group consisting of hydrogen, loweralkyl or haloloweralkyl, with the limitation either R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 must be other than hydrogen.

The term "lower alkoxy" refers to an alkoxy group having from 1-8 carbon atoms, such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, etc.

The term "halo lower alkyl" refers to a lower alkyl group as defined about containing from 1-4 halo substitutions, i.e., trifluoromethyl, 1,3-dichlorobutyl and the like.

The present invention also provides a method for converting 1,4-halohydrins of high optical purity to the corresponding tetrahydrofurans in which the optical purity of the alcohol is retained in the cyclized products of the following general structure in which one enantiomer is arbitrarily depicted. ##STR6##

wherein R is halo (fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo).

In addition, the present invention, provides novel chiral 1,3-phenylhalides following general formula in which one enantiomer is arbitrarily drawn. ##STR7## wherein R is phenoxy substituted with lower alkyl, haloloweralkyl or loweralkoxy and x is halo.. The 1,3-phenoxychlorides of this invention are intermediates in the preparation of the corresponding substituted 3-phenoxy-3-phenylpropylamines or their salts with complete retention of optical activity. The substituted 3-phenoxy-3-phenylpropylamines are represented by the formula ##STR8## phenoxy substituted with lower alkyl, haloloweralkyl or loweralkoxy, R.sup.2 is hydrogen or lower alkyl and R.sup.3 is hydrogen or loweralkyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Representative substituted 3-phenoxy-3-phenylpropylamines include Tomoxetine, Nisoxetine and Fluoxetine.

In a preferred embodiment, the haloalcohols of this invention are prepared by reacting diisopinocampheylchloroborane, Ipc.sub.2 BCl, with both ring and chain substituted haloaralkylketones to the corresponding haloalchols in excellent enantiomeric exess (95% or better). In most cases, simple recrystallization provides the pure enantiomers. The chiral haloalcohols of the present invention are highly versatile intermediates. They can be readily cyclized to oxiranes and 2-substituted tetrahydrofurans with retention of chirality. Using this methodology, the present invention provides an efficient, highly enantioselective synthesis of both optical isomers of the antidepreseent drugs Tomoxetine, Fluoxetine and Nisoetine, from the antipodal intermediates, (+)- or (-)-3-chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol.

The following examples further illustrate the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, all operations with organoboranes were performed under nitrogen. Melting points and boiling points are uncorrected. .sup.13 C NMR spectra were obtained on a Varian FT-80A spectrometer (20.00 MHz) relative to TMS. GC analysis was done on a Hewlett-Packard 58902 gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer Model 4000. Optical rotations were recorded on a Rudolph Polarimeter Autopol III and were obtained at 23.degree. C. unless otherwise specified. Reduction of ketones were carried out as described in the literature, by Chandrasekharan, J.; Ramachandran, P. V. and Brown, H. C., J. Org. Chem. 1985 50, 5446 and Brown, H. C.; Chandrasekharan, J.; Ramachandran, P. V., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1988 110, 0000.

Tetrahydrofuran (Fisher), THF, was distilled from benzophenone ketyl and stored under nitrogen in an ampule. Diethyl ether (Mallincrodt), ethyl acetate (Mallincrodt), dichloromethane (Mallincrodt), pentane (Phillips), and hexane (Fisher) were used as received. Anhydrous ethereal hydrogen chloride was prepared from hydrochloric acid and sufuric acid using a Brown gasimeter. (Brown, H. C.; Kramer, G. W.; Levy, A. B.; Midland, M. M. "Organic Synthesis via Boranes, :Wiley-Interscience: New York, 1975). o-Cresol, .alpha.,.alpha.,.alpha.- trifluoro-o-cresol, guaiacol, triphenylphosphine, diethylazodicarboxylate and aqueous methylamine were purchased from the Aldrich Chemical Company. Reactions were monitored wherever possible by TLC using Whatman precoated silica plates. Neutral alumina (J. T. Baker & Company, Column Chromatography) was used for column chromatography.

The enantiomeric excess, ee, of the haloalcohols was determined by conversion to the MTPA esters, followed by analysis on a Methyl Silicone column (50 m) or Supelcowax column (15 m). In all cases, racemic alcohols gave baseline separations and 1:1 ratios of integrated areas.

A solution of 3-chloropropiophenone (8.93 g, 50 mmol in 25 ml THF) was added to (-) diisopinocampheylchloroborane (Ipc.sub.2 BCl, 18.0 g, 56 mmole, in 25 ml THF at -24.degree. C.). The reaction was complete within 7 hours after which all volatiles were removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in ether, and diethanolamine (2 equivalents) was added. The resulting suspension was stirred for two hours and filtered. The solid residue was washed with ether and the combined wasings and filtrate were concentrated. Distillation furnished [S]-(-)-3-chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol. Yield: 6.1 g, 72%; mp 56.degree.-57.degree. C.; [.alpha.].sub.D.sup.23 25.25, c=7.05, CHCl.sub.3 ; 97% ee.

[R]-(+)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol was prepared by the method of example 1 except that (+)-diisopinocampheylchloroborane was used. [.alpha.].sub.D.sup.23 -25.3, c=7.05, CHCl.sub.3 ; 97% ee.

The following novel optically active haloalcohols were prepared following the methods of Examples 1 and 2 by reduction of the appropriate prochiral haloketone with (-)- or (+)-diisopinocampheylchloroborane:

Table I summarizes the above representative novel optically active haloalcohols of the present invention which are represented by Formula I.

In the above examples, the S isomer was obtained from (-)-Ipc.sub.2 BCl and the R isomer was obtained from (+)-Ipc.sub.2 BCl. All reductions were performed in THF at approximately 2M. The % ee was determined as the (+)-MTPA ester.

Following the process of Example 1, the following haloalcohols are prepared from the corresponding haloketone and either (-)- or (+)-diisopinocampheylchloroborane:

The novel optically active tetrahydrofurans of the present invention are represented by Formula II ##STR10## wherein R is halo. The preparation of the optically active tetrahydrofurans of this invention are illustrated in Examples 47-50.

A solution of [S]-1-chloro-4-(4-bromophenyl)-4-butanol (50 mmol) in THF (25 ml) was added to a cooled suspension (0.degree. C.) of NaH (55 mmol) in THF (50 ml). After being stored for 2 h at 25C, the reaction mixture was quenched with water, brought to pH 6 with concentrated HCl, and extracted with ether (2.times.50 ml). The organic phase was dried over H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, filtered and all volatiles removed under reduced pressure. The residue,was distilled to provide the product in 75% yield, 98% ee as determined on a chiral capillary column of Ni(HFN-IR-Cam).sub.2.

The following representative optically active 2-substituted tetrahydrofurans were prepared by the method of Example 47 from the corresponding optically active haloalcohol.

The following representative are also prepared following the method of Example 47:[S]-2-(4-iodophenyl) -tetrahydrofuran; [R]-2-(4-iodophenyl)-tetrahydrofuran; [S]-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-tetrahydrofuran; and [R]-2-(4-chlorophenyl)tetrahydrofuran.

The 1,3-halohydrins of Formula I are converted to novel 1,3-phenoxyphenylhalide represented by Formula III below which are important intermediates in the preparation of biologically active propylamines. The novel optically active 1,3-phenoxychlorides of the present invention are presented by the formula: ##STR11## wherein R is phenoxy substituted by lower alkyl, loweralkoxy or haloloweralkyl. The preparation of representative 1,3-phenoxychlorides is described in the following examples.

Triphenylphosphine (5.25 g, 20 mmol) and ethylazodicarboxylate (3.15 ml, 3.48 g, 20 mmol) were added to a solution of [S]-1-chloro-3-phenyl-3-propanol (3.4g, 20 mmol) and o-cresol (2.06 ml, 2.16 mmol) in THF (50 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight until the reaction was complete as determined by TLC. THF was removed under aspirator vacuum and the residue treated with pentane (3.times.50 ml). The combined pentane fractions were concentrated and the residue chromatographed on neutral alumina. Elution with pentane and removal of solvent afforded 3.6 g (70% yield) of the chloro ether as a thick liquid which was found to be 99% pure by gas chromatograph. Bp 180.degree.-200C./0.5 mm; [.alpha.].sub.D.sup.23 -21.7. 3.9, CHCl.sub.3); .sup.13 C-NMR :150.67, 147.81, 128,76, 127,98, 125.32, 122.23, 120.96, 117.35, 112.71, 59.02, 56.02, 41.61. Mass spectrum (EI): 260/262 (1,M.sup.+), 224 (1, M.sup.+ -HCl), 153 (21, M.sup.+ -C.sub.7 H.sub.8 O), 91 (100, C.sub.7 H.sub.7) (CI): 261 (7.4, M.sup.+ +H), 153/155 (100, M++H-C.sub.7 H.sub.8).

[R]-(-)-Tomoxetine Hydrochloride

To the chloroether of Example 55 (2.6 g, 10 mmol) in a Paar "mini-reactor" was added aqueous methylamine (40%, 20 ml). Ethanol (10 ml) was added as a cosolvent and the solution heated at 130.degree. C. for 3 hours. The solution was cooled to room temperature and the mixture was poured on Water (150 ml) and extracted with ether. The ether extract was washed with water, brine and dried over MgSO.sub.4. HCl in EE (5 ml of 3.2M mmol) was added to the decanted solution

This chloroether was prepared following the method of Example 55, using [R]-3-chloro-1-phenylpropanol (3.4 g, 20 mmol), o-cresol (2.06 ml, 20 mmol), triphenylphosphine (5.25 g, 20 mmol) and diethylazodicarboxylate (3.15 ml, 20 mmol) in THF (50 ml). Workup yielded the title compound (3.5 g, 68%) as a thick liquid, bp 180-200.degree. C./0.5 mm; [.alpha.].sub.D.sup.+21.7 (c 3.9, CHCl.sub.3); .sup.13 C NMR and the mass spectra were identical to the [R]-(-)- isomer of Example 55.

[S]-(+)-Tomoxetine Hydrochloride

[S]-Tomoxetine hydrochloride was prepared using the same procedure as for the preparation of the [R]-(-)-isomer from the chloroether of Example 57 and excess aqueous methylamine in a "minireactor" at 130.degree. C. for 3 hours. Workup provided the optically pure [S]-(+)-isomer in 95% yield, [.alpha.].sub.D.sup.23 42.9.degree. . (c 6, MeOH). All spectral data are identical to [R]-(-)-Tomoxetine hydrochloride. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.22 ClNO: C, 69.98; H, 7.55; Cl, 12.18; N, 4.9. Found: C, 69.1; H, 7.9; Cl, 12.29; N, 4.91.

R.sup.1 -(+)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-3-(4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)propane

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 55 using [S]-3-chloro-1-phenylpropanol (2.57g, 15 mmol), .alpha.,.alpha.,.alpha.-trifluoro-P-cresol (2.4 g, 15 mmol) in THF (40 ml) at room temperature. Workup provided the optically pure title compound as a thick liquid, bp 180.degree.-200.degree. C./O/5 mm. [.alpha.].sub.D +2.3.degree. (c 10, CHCl.sub.3 ; .sup.13 C NMR (CDCl.sub.3): 140.50, 129.39, 128.66, 127,56, 127.38, 127.19, 127.01, 126.34, 116.45, 77.82, 41.69, 41.38. Mass spectrum (EI): 153/155 (45), 91 (100). (CI): 316, (1, M.sup.+), 153/155 (100). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.16 H.sub.14 ClNO: C, 61.05; H, 4.45; Cl, 11.29; F, 18.12. Found: C, 61.06; H, 4.51; Cl, 11.16; F, 18.22.

[R]-(-)-Fluoxetine hydrochloride was prepared following the procedure of Example 56 for [R]-(-)-Tomoxetine hydrochloride utilizing [R]-(+)-3-chloro-1-phenyl-1-(trifluoromethylphenoxy)propane (Example 59)1.57 g, 5 mmol) and excess aqueous methylamine in ethanol as cosolvent in a "minireactor" at 130.degree. C. for 3 hours. Workup provided 1.55 g, 90% yield, of the recystallized, optically pure (CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 /EtOAc) [R]-(-)-Fluoxetine hydrochloride: mp 142.degree.-143.degree. C.; [D].sub.D.sup.22 +3.01.degree. (c 5.3, MeOH); [.alpha.].sub.D.sup.22 -15.52.degree. (c 7.15, CHCl.sub.3); .sup.13 C NMR (CDCl.sub.3): 160.10, 139.46, 129.28, 128.66, 127.35, 127.16, 126.96, 126.77, 126.08, 116.26, 55.49, 46.32, 34.77, 33.13. Mass spectrum (EI) 44 (100, CH.sub.2 NHMe). (CI): 310 (100, M.sup.+ +H), 148 (12). Anal. calcd. for: C.sub.17 H.sub.19 ClF.sub.3 NO: C, 59.05; H, 5.54; N, 4.05; F, 16.48; Cl, 10.25. Found: C, 59.02; H, 5.6; N, 4.13; F, 16.67; Cl, 10.5.

The title chloro ether was prepared from [R]-(+)-3-chloro-1-phenylpropanol (2.56 g, 15 mmol), .alpha.,.alpha.,.alpha.-trifluoro-p-cresol (2.43g, 15 mmol), triphenylphospine (3.93g, 15 mmol) and diethylazodicarboxylate (2.36 ml, 15 mmol) in THF (40 ml) at room temperature. Workup provided the title compound as a thick liquid. Yield: 3.07 g, bp 180.degree.-200.degree. C./0.5 mm [.alpha.]D -2.2.degree. (c 12.5, CHCl.sub.3): .sup.13 C NMR and mass spectrum were identical to those of the [R]-(-) isomer of Example 59.

[S]-(+)-Fluoxetine hydrochloride was prepared following the method of Example 60 from the chloro ether of Example 61 (1.59g, 5 mmol) and excess aqueous methylamine in ethanol as cosolvent in a "mini-reactor" at 130.degree. C. for 3 hours. Workup provided 1.55 g (95%) of the recystallized (CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 / EtOAc) optically pure title compound, mp 142.degree.-143.degree. C.: [.alpha.].sub.D.sup.22 -3.04.degree. (c 5.9, MeOH), [.alpha.].sub.D.sup.22 +15.83 CHCl.sub.3); .sup.13 C NMR (CDCl.sub.3): 160.08, 139.44, 129.26, 128.64, 127.30, 127.12, 126.76, 116.25, 77.48, 46.32, 34.77, 33.14. Mass spectrum (EI): 44 (100, CH.sub.2 NHMe). (Cl): 310 (100, M.sup.+ +H), 148 (12). Anal. calcd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.19 ClF.sub.3 NO: C, 59.05; H, 5.54; N, 4.05; F, 16.48; Cl, 10.25. Found: C, 58.70; H, N, 4.29; F, 16.38; Cl, 10.35.

The title chloroether was prepared by the method of Example 55 using [S]-(-)-3-chloro-1-phenylpropanol (1.71 g, 10 mmol), guaiacol (1.1 ml, mmol), Ph.sub.3 P (2.62 g, 10 mmol) and diethylazodicarboxylate (1.57 ml, 10 mmol) in THF (40 ml) at room temperature. Workup and chromatography with neutral alumina (hexane/ethyl acetate: 97.3) gave 1.7 g (62%) of the title compound as a thick liquid, bp 180.degree.-200.degree. C./0.5 mm. The liquid, upon cooling, solidified and was recrystallized from pentane, mp 59.degree.-61 C. [.alpha.].sub.D +40.96 (c 7.8, CHCl.sub.3): .sup.13 C NMR (CdCl.sub.3): 150.67, 147.81, 141.28, 128,76, 127.98, 126.32, 122.23, 120.96, 117.35, 112.71, 79.02, 56.07, 41.61. Mass spectrum (EI): 276/278 (1, M+), 240 (M.sup.+ -HCl) , 260/262 (M-CH.sub.4), 91 (100), 124 (82). (CI): 277/279 (13.6, M.sup.+ +H), 153/155 (100). Anal. calcd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.22 ClNO.sub.2 : C, 69.44; H, 6.15; Cl, 12.84. Found: C, 69.67; H, 6.3; Cl, 12.65.

[R]-(+)-Nisoxetine hvdrochloride

[R]-(+)-Nisoxetine hydrochloride was prepared from the chloroether of Example 63 (1.35 g, 5 mmol) and excess aqueous methylamine in ethanol (1 ml) in a "mini-reactor" at 130.degree. C. for 3 hours. Workup gave 1.41 g (91%) of recrystallized product (CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 /EtOAc), mp 149.degree.-150.degree. C.; [.alpha.].sub.D +51.88 (c 4.8, MeOH); .sup.13 C NMR: 150, 140.18, 129 29, 129.07, 128.58, 126.14, 123.03, 121.32, 117.29, 112.23, 81.83, 56.44, 47.56, 34.20, 33.19. Mass spectrum (EI): 167, 44 (100), 148 (8). (CI): 272 (100, M.sup.+). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.17 H.sub.22 ClNO.sub.2 C, 66.34; H, 7.15; N, 4.55; Cl, 11.5. Found: C, 66.08; H, 5.2; N, 4.66; Cl, 11.59.

The title chloroether was prepared in a manner similar to Example 64. Yield: 1.64 g (60%). Mp 59.degree.-61.degree. C.; [.alpha.].sub.D -41.6 (c 3, CHCl.sub.3); .sup.13 C NMR and mass spectrum were identical to the chloroether of example 64.

[S]-(-)-Nisoxetine Hydrochloride

[S]-(-)-Nisoxetine hydrochloride was preared from [S]-(-)3-chloro-1-phenyl-1-(2-methoxyphenoxy)propane by the method of Example 65 to yield 1.41 g (91%) of the optically pure product. Mp 149.degree.-151.degree. C.; [.alpha.].sub.D -52.degree. C. (c 5, MeOH). .sup.13 C NMR and mass spectra were idential to that of the [R]-(+)isomer.

The conversion of optically 1,3-phenoxyphenylhalides to the corresponding 1,3-substituted phenoxyphenylalkylamines with complete retention of optical activity has been illustrated in the above representative examples. The process of this invention is applicable as a general method for the preparation of any (+) or (-) Tomoxetine, Fluoxetine or Nisoxetine analog in 100% optical purity. Referring to the following general formula for such derivatives: ##STR12## any substituent or substituents on the phenyl ring can be accomodated for reduction with Ipc.sub.2 BCl. Any chain length is also compatible with the process of this invention. also

The process of this invention is broadly applicable to the preparation of the desired, optically pure isomer of any aryalkanolamine pharmaceutical agent.