Processes and intermediates for preparing cis(+)3-4,-6-dihydroxychroman-3-ylmethyl-4-methoxyaniline

Abstract From the Canadian patent

This invention relates to a process for preparing the compound of formula (II) which comprises treating the compound of formula (IIIA) wherein YH is (R)-CSA or L-DTTA with hydrogen in the presence of a precious metal catalyst preferably Pd(OH)2. The compounds of formula (II) are useful in the preparation of compounds of formula (I) wherein Ar is an optionally substituted 5-8 membered heteroaryl or optionally substituted benzene fused optionally substituted heteroaryl ring wherein said heteroaryl ring comprises 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen oxygen and sulfur; which are useful , for inhibiting the production of leukotrienes and/or blocking leukotriene receptors and in the …