Stereospecific synthesis of amphetamines

Abstract

Abstract—Regioselective addition of aryl lithium to commercially available (S)-(+)-propylene oxide provides the corresponding (S)-aryl-2-propanol. The (R)-amphetamine is obtained by conversion of the alcohol to the tosylate followed by azide displacement and hydrogenation. Mitsunobu conversion of the alcohol to the (R)-bromide followed by azide displacement and hydrogenation affords the (S)-amphetamine.