A new synthesis of temozolomide

Abstract

An efficient condensation reaction between nitrosoimidazoles and phenyl methylcarbazate forms the basis of a new synthetic route to phenyloxycarbonyl substituted triazenylimidazoles. Exposure of these triazenes to diffuse daylight is sufficient to induce (E) to (Z)-isomerization of the triazene –NN– bond, resulting in spontaneous formation of temozolomide in high yield.