ISSN:
1434-193X
Keywords:
Asymmetric catalysis
;
Transfer hydrogenations
;
Ruthenium
;
Coordination chemistry
;
Nitrogen heterocycles
;
Synthetic methods
;
Hydrogenations
;
Chemistry
;
General Chemistry
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
The chiral 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline intermediates in the Rice and Beyerman routes to morphine, (+)-(R)-1-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl)-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (6) and (+)-(R)-1-(3,5-dibenzyloxy-4-methoxybenzyl)-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (5), were prepared in high ee by ruthenium-catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of the corresponding imine precursors (Noyori method). The yield of the key raw material in the Beyerman route, 3,5-dibenzyloxy-4-methoxyphenylacetic acid (1), starting from gallic acid methyl ester (7) was improved by a factor of 5 over previously described syntheses. Key steps in the new procedure are the selective formation of methyl 3,5-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzoate (9) via the 3,5-diacetate and an improved benzylation of the hydroxyl groups in 9.
Additional Material:
1 Tab.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
