Abstract: A process is described which permits the preparation of Ritonavir with only five intermediate stages using the same starting materials as those used in the process described in WO 94/14436; the process described here is also particularly satisfactory from the point of view of environmental impact because nearly all of the carbon atoms used are subsequently incorporated in the final molecule. Finally, the improvement afforded by this novel process is linked with the fact that an inexpensive reagent, such as bis-trichloromethyl carbonate (BTC), is used in two of the five stages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing 5′-acetylstavudine, an intermediate which is useful in the preparation of 2′,3′-didehydro-3′-deoxythymidine, an active principle with antiviral action which is commonly known as stavudine (D4T).