Hydrochloric Acid → Codeinone

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of codeine or codeine phosphate was dissolved in the appropriate solvent system and a specified volume of hydrochloric acid of varying concentration was added. Manganese dioxide (either freshly prepared γ-manganese dioxide or activated manganese dioxide from Aldrich) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1.5 to 4 hours. The progress of the reaction was monitored by HPLC. The reaction mixture was filtered through a celite pad, washed with additional solvent or water, and neutralised with ammonium hydroxide. The product was extracted with methylene chloride (3×150 ml) and the combined extracts washed with water and dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate. The organic layer was then evaporated to yield codeinone.

Provenance & Evidence