2-Cyclopropyl-2-hydroxyacetonitrile → Naltrexone

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of noroxymorphone (2 g, 6.14 mmol) in methanol (20 ml) was added cyclopropylcarboxaldehyde (0.63 ml, 8.43 mmol). 5% Palladium on carbon catalyst (1 mole % Pd) was added and the mixture was hydrogenated at 50° C. under 3 bar hydrogen pressure for 1 hour. On completion, the catalyst was filtered off and the reaction liquors diluted with chloroform (20 ml) and washed with water (3×20 ml). Evaporation of the solvent yielded naltrexone alkaloid.

Provenance & Evidence