Continuous flow synthesis of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) analogues with therapeutic potential.

A continuous flow chemistry method was developed to synthesize N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and several of its analogues via a Fischer indole reaction, enabling a gram-scale production of 4.75 g of a model compound. The products were converted into stable fumarate salts for easy handling and long-term storage. The same setup also produced the commercial drug rizatriptan benzoate with high purity. The synthesis and purification used relatively green solvents, reducing environmental impact. This approach offers a scalable, efficient route for manufacturing DMT and related compounds for potential therapeutic applications.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Herein, we describe the continuous flow synthesis and in-line extraction of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and several of its analogues using a Fischer indole reaction, along with a larger gram scale synthesis (4.75 g) of the model compound. These products could then be quickly transformed into their respective fumarate salts, making them easier to handle and stable for long time storage using a straightforward batch procedure. Additionally, the commercially available drug rizatriptan benzoate could be synthesised with high purity using this setup. The presented method employs relatively green solvents both for the synthesis and purification of the target products.