Synthesis of thiazole derivatives

摘要

N-[4-(cyanoethylthiomethyl)-2-thiazolyl]guanidine-a key intermediate for preparing the pharmaceutical, famotidine-is produced by mixing in a liquid medium formed from a chemically indifferent organic solvent and water, and under an inert atmosphere, (i) a 2-guanidino-4-halomethylthiazole or a hydrohalide complex thereof, (ii) an S-(2-cyanoethyl)isothiourea or a hydrohalide complex thereof, and (iii) a strong alkali metal base. In lieu of (ii), an alkali metal salt of 2-cyanoethyl-1-thiol can be used, and in such case use of (iii) is optional, but preferable.