5-Cyanophthalide

Chemical properties

White to Pale Yellow Crystalline Solid

The Uses of 5-Cyanophthalide

5-Cyanophthalide is a useful synthetic intermediate.

What are the applications of Application

5-Cyanophthalide is a synthetic intermediate

Description

5-Cyanophthalide (1-oxo-1,3-dihydro-isobenzofuran-5-carbonitrile) is an intermediate used for the synthesis of citalopram and its active enantiomer S(+) citalopram, both of which are known active ingredients commonly used for treating depression. Citalopram is a well-known Serotonin reuptake inhibitor. The original approach in preparing this drug required the reaction of intermediate 5-Cyanophthalide with the appropriate Grignard reagents to introduce the requisite side chains.