Synthesis of 6β-Halogenodeoxyneopine from Neopine

Abstract

(-)-Neopine (1), the Δ^8,14 isomer of codeine, occurs as one of the minor constituents in opium from Papaver somniferum L¹. In opium alkaloids of the morphine group the hydroxyl group in position 6 is readily converted with p-toluenesulfonyl chloride or methanesulfonyl chloride into the respective 6α-O-sulfonyl derivatives². The latter in turn form starting materials for the preparation of other derivatives. Thus, with lithium halides, via a S_N2 mechanism³ the 6β-halogen compounds are formed. It is found that, as a result of the allylic system, under slightly changed reaction conditions codeine itself can also yield the 8β-chloro derivative⁴.