| abstract |
For the synthesis of 3-methylnaltrexone from codeine in this invention, codeine is converted to 6-acetylcodeine, which is N-demethylated to 6-acetylcodeine hydrochloride, followed by alkylating the nitrogen to form 17-cyclopropylmethylnorcodeine. The latter is oxidized to 17-cyclopropylmethylnorcodeinone. For the synthesis of naltrexone from morphine in this invention, morphine is converted to 3-benzylnormorphine as described above in the synthesis of noroxymorphone. 3-Benzylnormorphine is reacted with cyclopropylmethyl halide to produce 3-benzyl-17cyclopropylmethylnormorphine, a novel compound, which is oxidized to 3-benzyl-17-cyclopropylmethyl-normorphinone, a novel compound, by Swern oxidation. |