5,6-dihydro-4H-benzo[b]thieno-[2,3-d]azepine derivative

1. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (IV):

or a salt thereof;

which comprises reacting a compound of formula (VII):

or a salt thereof;

with 2-fluoro-6-methylaniline

or a salt thereof;

followed by reduction of the nitro group.

2. The process of claim 1 wherein the reduction is a dissolving metal reduction.

3. The process of claim 1 wherein the reduction is a catalytic hydrogenation reaction.

4. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (X):

or a salt thereof;

which comprises reacting a compound of formula (IX):

wherein R a is lower alkyl;

or a salt thereof;

with a compound of formula (V):

or a salt thereof.

5. The process of claim 4 wherein R a is C 1-6 alkyl.

6. The process of claim 5 wherein the C 1-6 alkyl group is ethyl.