Three syntheses of<unk>  are common. 4-methylacetophenone is used as a common precursor. This is brominated and reacted with 2-amino-5-methylpyridine to give the imidazopyridine. From here the reactions use a variety of reagents to complete the synthesis, either involving thionyl chloride or sodium cyanide. These reagents are challenging to handle and require thorough safety assessments. Though such safety procedures are common in industry, they make clandestine manufacture difficult. A number of major side-products of the sodium cyanide reaction have been characterised and include dimers and mannich products.
Zolpidem
Medazepam
Halazepam
Cinolazepam
Oxazepam
Nimetazepam
Dimethazan
Premazepam