Method for preparation of cefuroxime axetil

Abstract

A process for preparation of cefuroxime axetil of formula (I) of at least 96% purity and substantially free of analogous Δ2-isomer of formula (II) and other impurities. The process comprises reacting cefuroxime acid of formula (III) with (R,S)-1-acetoxyethyl bromide of formula (IV), and a Group I or II metal carbonate in the presence of a compound of formula (V), MmHnPqOr  (V) wherein M is Group I or II metal; m is 1, 2, 3; n is 0, 1, 2, or 4; q is 1 or 2; r is 4, 7 or 8; in the presence of a C1-4 alcohol and a polar tertiary amide solvent selected from N,N-dimethylacetamide, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimetheylpropionamide, N,N-diethylacetamide, N,N-diethylformamide and N,N-diethylpropionamide at a temperature ranging from about −30 to +30° C. and subjecting the product thus obtained to a desired step of purification.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.