Hydrocodone → Oxycodone

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a 150 mL beaker was charged 10.0 g oxycodone hydrochloride and 100 mL water. Concentrated ammonium hydroxide (2.6 grams) was then added to bring the pH to approximately 9. The product was collected by vacuum filtration, washed with cold water and dried for about 5 hours under vacuum to provide 8.3 g (93% yield) of a white solid consistent in structure with oxycodone free base. This procedure was used to prepare hydrocodone, hydromorphone and morphine free base as needed.

Provenance & Evidence