PROCESS FOR PREPARING 2-(2-PYRIDYLMETHYL)-SULFINYL-1H-BENZIMIDAZOLES AND THE INTERMEDIATE COMPOUNDS USED THEREIN

The present invention relates to a process for preparing2-(2-pyridylmethyl)sulphinyl-1H-benzimidazoles that are proton pump inhibitors, using as intermediates 2-benzimidazolylsulphinic acid derivatives. The present invention also relates to saidintermediate compounds, their use and a process for the preparation thereof. These novel intermediate compounds are 2-benzimidazolylsulphinicacid esters that are obtained from their corresponding alkaline salts, which are in turn obtained by oxidation of substituted 2-mercaptobenzimidazoles. The intermediate compounds of the invention are converted into 2-(2-pyridylmethyl)sulphinyl-1H-benzimidazoles by reaction with substituted2-methylpyridines.