 Zomepirac can be synthesized from diethyl 1,3-acetonedicarboxylate, chloroacetone, and aqueous methylamine (MeNH2) via modification of the Hantzsch pyrrole synthesis to give intermediate 1.Saponification, monoesterification, and thermal decarboxylation gives ester 2.This is acylated with "N","N"-dimethyl-"p"-chlorobenzamide, and finally saponification gives zomepirac (3).