| abstract |
Described herein is a process for the synthesis of azacitidine or decitabine, comprising the silylation of azacytosine in the presence of N,O-bis-trimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide. Such reaction is performed in an organic solvent, preferably aprotic, even more preferably selected from among dichloromethane, dichloroethane and/or acetonitrile. According to a further aspect of the process, 2 to 3 moles of N,O-bis-trimethylsilyl-trifluoroacetamide are used per mole of azacytosine, preferably from 2.2 to 2.5. |