The first general protocol for N-monoalkylation of sulfamate esters: benign synthesis of N-alkyl Topiramate (anticonvulsant drug) derivatives

A novel protocol for the highly selective N-monoalkylation of the sulfamate ester moiety has been developed. This reaction proceeded efficiently using alkyl halides, benzyl halides and α-halo ketones as the electrophile in the presence of KF-Al2O3 as a cost-effective and robust catalyst. This approach provides new access to N-monoalkylated Topiramate (anticonvulsant drug) derivatives which are potentially of great importance in medicinal chemistry.