Process for the preparation of (E)-2-cyano-3-(3, 4-dihydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)-N, N-diethyl-2-propenamide (entacapone)

The present invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of (E)-N,N-diethyl-2-cyano-3-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)acrylamide formula (I) comprising steps of, (a) condensation of 3,4-dihydroxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde of formula (II) with N,N-diethylcyanoacetamide of formula (III) in the presence of a catalyst and optionally in the presence of phase transfer catalyst in a solvent selected from the group comprising of ethylacetate, acetonitrile, hydrocarbon such as toluene, xylene and like or mixture thereof to give mixture of (E) and (Z)-isomer of N,N-diethyl-2-cyano-3-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)acrylamide of formula (IV). b) treating an isomeric mixture of (E) and (Z)-isomer of N,N-diethyl-2-cyano-3-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)acrylamide of formula (IV) obtained in step (a) with a halogen in catalytic amounts, in a solvent to give (E)-N,N-diethyl-2-cyano-3-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)acrylamide formula (I).