On the formation of Oxydimorphine (pseudomorphine, 2.2’-bimorphine)

Francisco Sánchez-Viesca * and Reina Gómez Gómez

Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City (CDMX), Mexico.
 
Research Article
Magna Scientia Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 10(02), 146–149​
Article DOI: 10.30574/msarr.2024.10.2.0053
Publication history: 
Received on 14 February 2024; revised on 25 March 2024; accepted on 27 March 2024
 
Abstract: 
In Beckurt’s test for alkaloids the substance for assay, generally a salt, is treated with a 0.1 N solution of potassium permanganate. In his study he used the hydrochloride of the alkaloid. In this communication the reactivity of both reagent and substrate have been checked and commented. The electron donor property of the phenol in morphine is enhanced by reaction with a weak base such as water. A phenoxy ion and a hydronium ion are formed. Resonance produces a carbanion at C-2 which transfers an electron to permanganate ion. This reduction to manganate is concomitant to oxidation of the organic molecule. The free radical thus formed is stabilized by electron coupling and 2,2’-bimorphine is obtained.
 
Keywords: 
Carbanion; Electron coupling; Electron donor; Hydrochlorides; Manganate; Potassium permanganate
 
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