Synthesis of Azilsartan and Its Selected Potential Impurities

Synthesis of angiotensin II AT1 receptor antagonist azilsartan is described. The results include reinvestigation of the described process as well as its novel modification. This new process includes transformation of the CN group into amidoxime moiety by aqueous hydroxylamine, its treatment with alkyl chloroformates and a base-initiated cyclization of the formed (alkoxycarbonyl-oxy)carbamimidoyl intermediates. Several so far undescribed side-products were identified and some of them were synthesized and duly characterized as potential impurities.