Development of a synthesis for a long-term oxazolidinone antibacterial

Linezolid, compound 1, is a member of the oxazolidinone class of antibacterials and has had recent clinical interest due to its potential use as a long-term treatment for bacterial infection. Detailed herein are improvements to the original synthesis to enable phase I clinical trials. Of particular interest is the preparation of a key oxindole subunit utilizing a Pd-mediated cyclization. Optimization of the synthesis of the oxindole included the use of trifluorotoluene as the solvent.