Process for producing ioversol

The present invention discloses a new process for producing ioversol (marketed as OPTIRAY(R)) comprising:(a) reacting 5-amino-N,N'-bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-2,4,6-triiodoisopthalamide with chloroacetyl chloride in a polar aprotic solvent or combinations thereof to produce N,N'-bis[2,3-di(2-chloroacetoxy)propyl]-5-(2-chloroacetamido)-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalamide;(b) reacting the product of (a) with a base to produce N,N'-bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-5-(2-chloroacetamido)-2,4,6-triiodoisopthalamide;(c) reacting the product of (b) with an alkylating agent capable of producing a hydroxyethylated product in the presence of a base and water to produce N,N'-bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-5-[N-(2-hydroxyethyl) (2-chloroacetamido)]-2,4,6-triiodoisopthalamide; and(d) reacting the product of (c) in water and acetate ions to produce ioversol.