Synthesis of Valdecoxib

OBJECTIVE To synthesize valdecoxib and optimize the process. MOTHODS The key intermediate of phenyl benzyl ketone was prepared by the one-pot method using Claisen condensation reaction with phenylacetonitrile and methyl benzoate as materials. Then valdecoxib was synthesized by a series reaction of hydroxylamine, cyclozation and sulfanilamide. RESULTS The structure of product was characterized by IR, 1H-NMR and MS. The overall yield of valdecoxib was about 33.71%. CONCLUSION This process can be easily controlled and is suitable for a scale production.