The invention is directed to compositions comprising, and methods of using, racemic
N-desmethylzopiclone, optically pure (+)-N-desmethylzopiclone, and optically pure
(-)-N-desmethylzopiclone in the treatment and prevention of diseases and conditions
in mammals. The invention is further directed to novel methods of preparing N-desmethylzopiclone,
optically pure (+)-N-desmethylzopiclone, and optically pure (-)-N-desmethylzopiclone.