Synthesis 2016; 48(12): 1803-1813
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1561435
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© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Synthesis of Nororipavine and Noroxymorphone via N- and O-Demethylation of Iron Tricarbonyl Complex of Thebaine

Aleš Machara*
a   Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Hlavova 8, Prague 2, 128 43, Czech Republic   Email: macharaa@natur.cuni.cz
,
Mary Ann A. Endoma-Arias
b   Department of Chemistry and Centre for Biotechnology, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada   Email: thudlicky@brocku.ca
,
Ivana Císařova
c   Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Hlavova 8, Prague 2, 128 43, Czech Republic
,
D. Phillip Cox
d   Noramco, Inc., 503 Carr Road, Suite 200, Wilmington, DE 19809, USA
,
Tomáš Hudlický*
b   Department of Chemistry and Centre for Biotechnology, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada   Email: thudlicky@brocku.ca
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 07.03 2016

Accepted: 29 March 2016

Publication Date:
19 April 2016 (online)


Abstract

Thebaine was converted into its iron tricarbonyl complex, which underwent successive N- and O-demethylation with BrCN and BBr3, respectively. Decomplexation of the iron tricarbonyl moiety was accomplished with ammonium cerium(IV) nitrate (CAN) and base-catalyzed hydrolysis furnished nororipavine. When excess CAN was used the methoxydiene unit was converted into its C-14 nitrate that on hydrogenation and further hydrolysis furnished noroxymorphone. Full experimental and spectral data are provided for all key compounds.

Supporting Information