Patent ID: 6844434

Claim:
A process for the preparation of a compound of the formula IA: wherein R is an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, which comprises reacting a compound of the formula II: wherein R is described above, with an oxidation/cyclization agent is selected from the group consisting of: a) periodic acid, b) iodine/potassium iodate, c) bromine, d) chlorine; and e) a reagent that oxidizes NH 2 which is adjacent to the group N-R in the compound formula II, to NZ, where Z represents, Oxygen, (H,Hal) or Hal 2 , and wherein Hal is chlorine, bromine or iodine, wherein said oxidation/cyclization reagent is in the presence of an iodide compound, wherein said iodide compound is quartenary ammonium iodide or inorganic iodide, in an inert organic solvent, under an inert atmosphere and at a temperature, wherein said iodide is soluble in said inert organic solvent, with the proviso that when said oxidation/cyclization agent is not an iodide, the iodide compound itself is the oxidation/cyclization agent.