Objective: To synthesize venlafaxine with an improved novel method.
Methods: p-methoxypheny lethyl-acid was reacted with SOCl(2) to produce acyl chloride which was reacted with N,N-dimethylamine solution to get amide; then through Ivanov reaction and reduction by KBH(4)/BF(3).Et(2)O to yield venlafaxine.
Result: Venlafaxine was successfully synthesized by using this method with an yield rate of 50.3%.
Conclusion: The improved method is suitable for industrial production of venlafaxine.