A Novel Method for Preparation of Linezolid, (S)-N-((3-(3-Fluoro-4- Morpholinophenyl)-2-Oxo-5-Oxazolidinyl) Methyl) Acetamide

Background: Linezolid (I) [(S)-N-((3-(3-fluoro-4-morpholinophenyl)-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl) methyl) acetamide] is a synthetic antibiotic used for the treatment of serious infections caused by grampositive bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics. Linezolid empirical formula is C16H20FN3O4 and its molecular weight is 337.35. It is active against most Gram-positive bacteria that cause disease, including streptococci, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The main uses are infections of the skin and pneumonia, although it may be used for a variety of other infections. Linezolid was discovered in the 1990s by a team at Pharmacia and Upjohn Company and first approved for use in 2000. Lohray et al., in 1999, have reported a synthetic method for Linezolid starting from D-mannitol, the chemical synthesis of Linezolid by alternate route has attracted several research groups in the past 15years. Keywords: Characterization, linezolid, potassium phthalimide, R-epichlorohydrin, synthesis.