An efficient synthesis of rufinamide, an antiepileptic drug

A two-step, one-pot synthesis of rufinamide, an antiepileptic drug, has been developed. 2,6-Difluorobenzyl azide reacts with methyl 3-methoxyacrylate followed by methanolic ammonia to afford rufinamide in 89% yield. The new method generates less waste and uses reagents that are both less expensive and less toxic than other reported syntheses. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.