| abstract |
A process for the preparation of 3-alkoxymethylcephems, characterized by electrolytically oxidizing a 3-thiomethylcephem of general formula (I) (wherein R1 is hydrogen, amino or protected amino; R2 is optionally substituted aryl; and R3 is hydrogen or a carboxyl-protecting group) in the presence of a lower alcohol into a 3-alkoxymethylcephem of general formula (II) (wherein R1, R2 and R3 are each as defined above; and R4 is lower alkyl). |