Development of A Novel One-pot Process for the Synthesis of Tolcapone

Abstract

Novel one-pot process for the preparation of tolcapone., 2-methoxy anisole compound 9 treated with 4-methyl benzoyl chloride compound 10 using aluminium chloride gives 4-hydroxy -3-methoxy-4-methyl benzophenone compound 11 Further on nitration using new nitrating agent i.e. melamine nitrate to get corresponding nitro benzophenone compound 6. After demethylation using 48% HBr-Acetic acid to get pure Tolcapone 1 by the cost-effective and commercially feasible process.