Comparative Process for the Preparation of 9-Oxime Erythromycin A

The comparative process for preparing 9-oxime erythromycin A (EMAO) is investigated. EMAO was synthesized and compared by the reaction of erythromycin and hydroxylamine hydrochloride with various bases such as sodium acetate, triethylamine, etc. A new synthetic method is established. The oximation is performed under dynamic buffer system; less degradation impurities are formed. The yield of EMAO reaches more than 95%, HPLC analysis shows that the purity of EMAO is more than 90%, and the E/Z isomeric ratio preponderates over 7∶1.