4-Dimethylaminopyridine as a catalyst in heroin synthesis
Date
2012-11-20
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Abstract
In this paper, we describe an acetylating method for fast synthesis of heroin from morphine in the presence of 4-
dimethylaminopyridine (4-DMAP) as a catalyst. In the reaction which led to heroin formation, the morphine base was
subjected to a solution made up of 4-DMAP (catalyst), methylene chloride (solvent) and acetic anhydride (acetylating agent).
We showed that in comparison with classic acetylating procedures, reaction time can be reduced from at least several hours at
elevated temperatures to <10 min at room temperature. In general, reaction time is dependant on the molar concentration ratio
between morphine and 4-DMAP.
# 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved
Description
In this paper, we describe an acetylating method for fast synthesis of heroin from morphine in the presence of 4-
dimethylaminopyridine (4-DMAP) as a catalyst. In the reaction which led to heroin formation, the morphine base was
subjected to a solution made up of 4-DMAP (catalyst), methylene chloride (solvent) and acetic anhydride (acetylating agent).
We showed that in comparison with classic acetylating procedures, reaction time can be reduced from at least several hours at
elevated temperatures to <10 min at room temperature. In general, reaction time is dependant on the molar concentration ratio
between morphine and 4-DMAP.
# 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords
Heroin synthesis; 4-Dimethylaminopyridine; 4-DMAP; Catalysis