Synthesis and determination of the absolute configuration of the enantiomers of modafinil
The asymmetric synthesis of both enantiomers of modafinil, a unique CNS stimulant with a reduced abuse liability, is described. This approach effectively prepares modafinil on a multigram scale in several steps from benzhydrol. The described synthetic route has also been used to produce the more water soluble analogue, adrafinil. X-ray crystallographic analysis on (-)-(diphenylmethanesulfinyl)acetic acid has determined the absolute configuration to be R.