Process for the manufacture of snac (salcaprozate sodium)

Abstract

Disclosed are improved methods for the synthesis of N-(8-[2-hydroxybenzoyl]- amino) caprylic acid. Certain compounds have been found useful for preventing the formation of a colored impurity when included in an ester hydrolysis reaction. Conducting ester hydrolysis in anaerobic conditions has also been found to minimize the formation of the color impurity. Also disclosed are improved methods for synthesizing the sodium salt of N-(8-[2-hydroxybenzoyl]-amino) caprylic acid.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A composition comprising a compound of formula: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         or an anion or salt thereof, wherein the composition is essentially free of pink color bodies. 
       
     
     
         11 . A pharmaceutical formulation comprising the composition of  claim 10 . 
     
     
         12 . The pharmaceutical formulation of  claim 11 , further comprising a pharmaceutically active drug and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients. 
     
     
         13 . The pharmaceutical formulation of  claim 11 , wherein the formulation is in a form suitable for oral administration. 
     
     
         14 . The pharmaceutical formulation of  claim 13 , wherein the form suitable for oral administration is a tablet form. 
     
     
         15 . The pharmaceutical formulation of  claim 13 , wherein the drug is present in an amount that is not therapeutically effective when the drug is orally administered alone. 
     
     
         16 . The pharmaceutical formulation of  claim 13 , wherein the compound is present in an amount effective to facilitate absorption of the drug in the gastrointestinal tract such that the amount of drug in the oral dosage form is therapeutically effective. 
     
     
         17 . The pharmaceutical formulation of  claim 11 , comprising a sodium salt of the compound of formula