Hallo,
I would like to raise a topic on the synthesis of antibiotics.
As we know, cefepime is an antibiotic of the fourth generation which has a structure almost similar to that of cefotaxime (an antibiotic of the third generation) except the substituent at the 3-rd position of the cephem nuclei.
My question is that, are there any ways to directly convert cefatoxime into cefepime? Well, as for me, I am thinking of protecting the amino and carbocyclic groups and treat with TMS-I then deprotect and treat with N-methylpyrrolidine (see the scheme attached). Do you think that it may work or do you have any ideas?
Thank you for suggestions.
Regards,
CPC