A novel synthesis of imatinib and its intermediates

A convenient method has been developed for the synthesis of imatinib and two of its intermediates. N-(2-Methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-4-(3-pyridyl)-2-pyrimidinamine, obtained from 2-(methylsulfonyl)-4-(3-pyridyl)pyrimidine via nucleophilic substitution, was reduced by N2H4 center dot H2O/FeCl3 center dot 6H(2)O/C in 92% yield. The resulting amine was condensed with 4-[(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]benzoic acid dihydrochloride, which was prepared from 4-(chloromethyl)benzonitrile via substitution and hydrolysis reactions, to provide the final product imatinib in good yield and high purity.