Abstract: The invention involves a method of making key intermediates useful in the synthesis of many opiate narcotics and antagonists and agonists; and the non-opiate enantiomers thereof which have potent antitussive properties. The synthesis starts from either the natural or unnatural enantiomer of nordihydrocodeinone and produces 8, 14-dihydronorthebaine, the diketal of 7-bromonordihydrocodeinone, northebaine, norcodeinone diketal and 14-hydroxynorcodeinone intermediates without the necessity of leaving the N-nor structure. The syntheses have fewer steps than previous methods, and also have high yields.

Abstract: The compounds belong to the class of non-narcotic, non-opiate derivatives the 1-phenylalkanecarboxylic acid basic structure useful as anticonvulsant and neuroprotective agents. The compounds include novel derivatives as well as previously published species. Methods for controlling convulsions in a variety of pharmaceutical formulations and modalities are also provided.

Abstract: It has been discovered that certain (+)-3-substituted-N-alkylmorphinans are ffective anticonvulsant and neuroprotective agents. Novel compounds having these biological properties are presented in a method of use for preventing, treating or controlling convulsions in mammals having a need for such treatment. The compounds do not lead to dependency, have low toxicity, and provide effective anticonvulsant or neuroprotective treatment with little or no behavioral detriment to the recipient. A number of pharmacological formulations and methods of administering compounds of the invention are suitable for anticonvulsive or neuroprotective treatments.