A Direct Approach to the Synthesis of Famciclovir and Penciclovir

Abstract Reaction of 2-amino-6-chloropurine with triethyl 3-bromopropane-1,1,1-tricarboxylate followed by decarbethoxylation/transesterification of the unpurified product was the key sequence in synthesising both the anti-herpesvirus agent penciclovir and its oral from famciclovir in three isolated steps.