| abstract |
The invention describes the process of catalytic O-demethylation of 3-methoxymorphinane compounds using boron tribromide. Addition of catalysts reduces the reaction time, improves reacting the substrate to give the product in very good purity and yield. The process can be used, for example, for the preparation of oxycodone, oxymorphone, naltrexone, naloxone and nalbuphine from their respective O-methyl derivatives. |