PROCESS FOR ALKYLATING HINDERED SULFONAMIDES USEFUL IN THE PRODUCTION OF MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE INHIBITORS

摘要

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of compounds of formula (b), in which a compound of formula (V) is reacted with a compound of formula (VI). The resulting compound of formula (IV) is reduced to a compound of formula (III) which is hydrolysed to a compound of formula (b). Alternatively, a compound of formula (IV) is hydrolysed to a compound of formula (a) which is reduced to a compound of formula (b). Compounds of formula (IV) are novel. In the formulae the variables are as defined in the claims. Compounds of formula (b) are useful as intermediates in the preparation of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors.