A synthesis of licofelone using Fenton's reagent

Abstract An efficient synthesis of licofelone, an anti-inflammatory drug currently undergoing phase-III clinical studies, based on Fenton-type radical alkylation of 2,3-dihydro-1 H -pyrrolizine 3 with iodoacetonitrile or iodoacetates is reported. The iodoacetates can be replaced by NaI and by the corresponding bromoacetate.