Special Feature: The Use of Urban Gradients in Ecological Studies

A novel process for preparing 4-hydroxy-3-(5-methyl-3-isoxazolylcarbamoyl)-2-methyl-2H-1,2-benzothia zine 1,1-dioxide (I), starting with 3-amino-5-methylisoxazole (II) is disclosed. Compound I exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and is useful for treating inflammation. In the process of the invention an intermediate obtained, 2,3-dihydro-N-(5-methyl-3-isoxazolyl)-3-oxo-1,2-benzisothiazole-2-acet amide 1,1-dioxide (IV) undergoes rearrangement to provide 1-{[5-(4-hydroxy-2H-1,2-benzothiazin-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl]methyl }ethanone S,S-dioxide (V), which is methylated, according to conventional procedures. The methylated intermediates VI, upon further treatment, undergoes a second rearrangement to obtain the desired anti-inflammatory compound I.