Novel methods for the synthesis of high pFe(3+) iron chelators, 2-(1 ' -hyd
roxyalkyl)- and 2-amido-3-hydroxypyridin-4-ones, have been developed. The p
roducts are obtained, via N-oxide intermediates, from either maltol or ethy
l maltol. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.