Abstract: OBJECTIVE The synthetic method of the cefoperazone intermediate-7-TMCA HCl was improved in the paper. METHODS 1-methyl-5-mercapto-tetrazole and 7-amino-cephalosporin acid (7-ACA) was used as raw material and acetonitrile-boron trifluoride complex was utilized as catalyst to synthesize 7-TMCA HCl. At the same time the synthetic process was optimized by the uniform experiment method. RESULTS The product was identified by melting point and IR spectra, the yield can reach up to 92.0%. CONCLUSION The product was obtained with much higher yield and good purity. It was suitable for industrial applications.