Microwave-assisted synthesis of the antihyperglycemic drug rosiglitazone

We developed a simple, rapid, high yielding, and environmentally benign microwave assisted total synthesis of rosiglitazone, an antihyperglycemic agent for diabetes mellitus Type II. We used microwave heating successfully to improve reactions in four of six steps and obtain quicker and higher yields. In addition, all intermediates were isolated in good yields with crystallizations only and did not require chromatographic separations.