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Synthesis of racemic, S(+)‐ and R(‐)‐N‐[methyl‐3H]3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine

Kenji Hashimoto, Katsumi Hirai, Tsuyoshi Goromaru

Journal of Labelled Compounds and Radiopharmaceuticals April 1, 1990 DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.2580280415 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Peer reviewed
Topics MDMA
Key points The authors report a synthesis of tritium-labeled MDMA via N-alkylation of the desmethyl free base with [3H]methyl iodide, giving about 60% radiochemical yield and over 95% radiochemical purity, with complete separation of the S(+) and R(-) enantiomers by chiral analytical HPLC.

Abstract

AbstractThe synthesis of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine(MDMA), a serotonergic neurotoxin, labeled with tritium is described. Labeling was accomplished by N‐alkylation of the free base of the corresponding desmethyl compound using [3H]methyl iodide. The compound was purified by preparative HPLC. The radiochemical yield was about 60% based on [3H]methyl iodide. The radiochemical purity was more than 95% from HPLC and TLC. Furthermore, S(+)‐ and R(‐)‐[3H]MDMA were completely separated by analytical HPLC with chiral column.