Stereoselective synthesis of novel (R)- and (S)-5-azidomethyl-2-oxazolidinones from (S)-epichlorohydrin:: a key precursor for the oxazolidinone class of antibacterial agents

A facile synthesis of novel (R)- and (S)-5-azidomethyl-2-oxazolidinones starting from (S)-epichlorohydrin is described. The (R)-azide was utilized for the preparation of Linezolid. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.