FIELD: chemistry.
SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of optically active enantiomers of pirlindole selected from the group consisting of enantiomerically pure (S)-pirlindole and (R)-pirlindole, in free base form or in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, characterized in that separation by crystallization with optically active acids (rac)-pirlindole in the form of a free base is carried out, wherein the optically active acids are selected from the group consisting of: (R)-mandelic acid, (R)-(+)-α-methoxy-α-trifluoromethylphenylacetic acid and (S)-mandelic acid.
EFFECT: new method for the preparation of optically active enantiomers of pyrrolindole, which is a reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A, can be used to treat depression.
14 cl, 12 ex
