A rapid procedure is reported for the synthesis of cefotaxime, by acylation of the 7-amino cephalosporanic acid with the 2-mercaptobenzothiazolyl thioester of (Z)-2-[2-aminothiazol-4- yl]-2-methoxyimino acetic acid (MAEM) that is a commercial reagent. The reaction was carried out at room temperature for 1 h, obtaining 95% yield. 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole was recovered as a side-product with a high purity and yield. The proposed method ...
