abstract |
The present invention relates to a method for N-demethylation of a tertiary N-methylated heterocycle, particularly a morphine or tropane alkaloids or derivatives thereof. The method, comprises reacting said tertiary N-methylated heterocycle with a metal catalyst, for example Pd(OAc)2 or Cu(OAc)2 in the presence of an oxidizing agent such as oxygen or ammonium persulfate. |