Novel Preparation of H1 Receptor Antagonist Fexofenadine

A novel synthetic route for the preparation of H1 receptor antagonist fexofenadine is described. The synthetic route started from the para-substituted aromatic derivative of methyl 4-(cyanomethyl)benzoate, 2, and gave fexofenadine in 26.0% overall yield via six steps. The whole process featured a method wherein fexofenadine could be obtained in excellent quality without ortho- or meta-unpurified regioisomers.