A process for the preparation of 1-benzyl-4-[(5,6-dimethoxy-1-indanon)-2-yl]methylpiperidine hydrochloride (Donepezil HCl). 5,6-Dimethoxy-2-(pyridin-4-yl)methylene inda-1-one is hydrogenated with a noble metal oxide catalyst in an organic solvent at 20-50.degree. C. and 10-45 psi gauge pressure. The resulting 4-[(5,6-dimethoxy-1-indanon)-2-yl]methyl piperidine is alkylated with an alkylating agent in an organic solvent at 30-80.degree. C.

Un proceso para la preparación del clorhidrato 1-benzyl-4-[(5,6-dimethoxy-1-indanon)-2-yl]methylpiperidine (Donepezil HCl). 5,6-Dimethoxy-2-(pyridin-4-yl)methylene inda-1-one se hidrogena con un catalizador del óxido de metal noble en un solvente orgánico en 20-50.degree. C. y 10-45 PSI de presión de galga. El piperidine que resulta 4-[(5,6-dimethoxy-1-indanon)-2-yl]methyl alkylated con un agente alkylating en un solvente orgánico en 30-80.degree. C.