| abstract |
A method of preparation of Oxycodone of formula (I) by reacting thebaine of formula (II), or its analogue of formula (III), wherein R represents a C2 to C5 alkyl, an alkylaryl, preferably benzyl, methoxybenzyl, or alkyl, with hydrogen peroxide or peroxoacids in the presence of oxalic acid in admixture with acetic or formic acid. From the resulting crystalline precipitate of 14-hydroxycodeinone oxalate, by addition of a base, 14-hydroxycodeinone of formula (IV) is released, which is hydrogenated with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to yield Oxycodone (I): Oxycodone is transformed to hydrochloride, which is used as the active ingredient in analgesic formulations. |