Lorazepam → Lormetazepam

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a stirring solution of lorazepam (3.21 g, 1.0×10-2 mol) in anhydrous dimethylformamide (100 ml) was added anhydrous powdered potassium carbonate (1.52 g, 1.1×10-2 mol) followed by iodomethane (0.69 ml, 1.1×10-2 mol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours. The solvent was evaporated under vacuum, the residue was treated with water (100 ml) and was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The resulting fine light yellow solid was collected by filtration and was dried under vacuum to afford 3.3 g (98%) of lormetazepam as a pale yellow solid: m.p. 201°-203° C.

Provenance & Evidence