Zinamide - Pyrazinamide

Zinamide (Pyrazinamide). Merck Sharp Dohme. UK Summary of product characteristics,... 

This process was undoubtedly developed for the manufacture of pyrazinamide (Zinamide, etc.),1696 a second-line drug for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections, resistant to more effective and less toxic agents. Thus a mixture of 2-methyl-pyrazine (323), ammonia, oxygen, and steam is passed (at 400°C) over an alumina- or pumice-supported catalyst comprising one to three oxides of Ce, Cr, Mo, Mn, P, Sb, Ti, or (most importantly) V the main product (in up to 90% yield) is 2-pyrazinecarbonitrile (324), easily converted into 2-pyrazinecarboxamide... 

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