Abstract: The present invention relates to an industrial useful process for the synthesis of antiviral compound, ganciclovir which comprises dissolving a mixture containing N-7 and N-9 isomers of structural formulae, II and III, respectively: in a solvent or a mixture of solvents; separating the N-7 and N-9 isomers; and hydrolizing the N-9 isomer to obtain ganciclovir.
Abstract: The invention relates to a cost effective and industrially advantageous process for the selective methylation of a hydroxy group at the 6 position of erythromycin A derivative which comprised methylating the erythromycin A derivative with a methylating agent in a mixture of toluene and a ploar aprotic solvent.