Methanesulfonic Acid → Nelfinavir Mesylate

Participants

Reaction Steps

Nelfinavir free base (10.2 kg, 18.0 mol) and 24 L of tetrahydrofuran were added to a 100 L reactor. Methanesulfonic acid (1.8 kg, 18.48 mol) also was added to the reactor. The reactor was stirred until all solids dissolved, and then the solution was filtered into a 100 gallon polypropylene tank containing 306 L methyl t-butyl ether or diethyl ether that was rapidly stirring. After stirring for 2 hours, the 100 gallon tank contents were filtered, washed with 17 L of methyl t-butyl ether or diethyl ether, and pulled as dry as possible. The solid was transferred to a rotocone drier and dried in a vacuum oven at 60-65° C. (at least 26 in. Hg or higher vacuum) for 12-72 hours or until the methyl t-butyl ether or diethyl ether content of the dried solid was below 1%. If necessary, the drier contents could be milled in a Fitzmill grinder to accelerate drying. Typical yields of nelfinavir mesylate range from 9 to 11 kg. (76%-92% theory).

Provenance & Evidence