AN IMPROVED PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF TEMOZOLOMIDE AND ANALOGS

摘要

A process for the preparation of compounds of formula (IA), where R=CH3 (i.e. temozolomide) comprising diazotizing a compound of the formula (IIA) where in R is as defined above in the presence of at least one metal halide, an acid and a source of nitrous acid, followed by conversion of acidic solution containing temozolomide. The conversion can be carried out by a liquid-liquid extraction technique in a water immiscible solvent. The temozolomide may be further purified in an acetone-water mixture.