Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for the synthesis of morphinans. In particular, a process for the asymmetric reduction of an imine moiety in a 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline to produce a tetrahydroisoquinoline, followed by a Birch reduction to produce a hexahydroisoquinoline. In various embodiments, the 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline contains a phenol moiety protected with a labile protecting group. In other embodiments, the imine reduction reaction mixture contains silver tetrafluoroborate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for the synthesis of morphinans. In particular, a process for coupling a carboxylic acid compound with an amine compound to form an amide product that can then be isolated or the crude amide product can be cyclized to form a 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline. In one embodiment, the carboxylic acid contains a phenol moiety protected with a labile protecting group. The protected phenol reduces reaction times, simplifies work-up of the product, and reduces the amount of cyclizing agent, POCl3 that is necessary to form the 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for the synthesis of morphinans. In particular, a process for the asymmetric reduction of an imine moiety in a 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline to produce a tetrahydroisoquinoline, followed by a Birch reduction to produce a hexahydroisoquinoline. In various embodiments, the 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline contains a phenol moiety protected with a labile protecting group. In other embodiments, the imine reduction reaction mixture contains silver tetrafluoroborate.

Abstract: An improved method for the preparation of oxymorphone from oripavine is provided. Oripavine is oxidized to form 14-hydroxymorphinone after which the oxidation reaction is quenched to prevent the formation of 1-1?-dimer side products. The 14-hydroxymorphinone is then reduced, typically by catalytic hydrogenation to form oxymorphone. The inventive method disclosed is further applicable to the production of morphinan derivatives.

Abstract: The invention generally provides processes and intermediate compounds useful for the production of sinomenine derivatives. In particular, the process may encompass synthetic routes for the production of (+)-sinomenine derivatives and their intermediates.

Abstract: The invention generally provides processes and intermediate compounds useful for the production of normorphinans and derivatives of normorphinans.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for the synthesis of morphinan-6-ones and salts, intermediates, and analogs thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for the preparation of N-alkyl morphinans without the isolation of nor-morphinan intermediates. In particular, the invention provides tandem hydrolysis/alkylation reactions for the synthesis of N-alkyl morphinans.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for the demethylation of an N-methyl morphinan comprising a ketone functional group. In particular, the invention provides methods for the protection of the ketone functional group such that impurities are not generated during the demethylation of the N-methyl morphinan.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the conversion of opioid derivatives into normorphinan compounds useful for making “nal” compound analgesics and antagonists. In particular, the process may be used for the production of pure normorphinan salts from crude opioid substrates.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for the preparation of morphinans having a tertiary amine. In particular, the present invention provides processes for the formation of tertiary amine alkaloids by direct N-alkylation of secondary amine alkaloids, the processes co-mediated by an alkylating agent and a protic solvent or a mixture of a protic solvent and an aprotic solvent.

Abstract: Novel methods of synthesis of known and novel 14-hydroxyl opiates through 1-halothebaine and derivatives are described.

Abstract: The invention generally provides processes and intermediate compounds useful for the production of (+) nal morphinan compounds. In particular, the process encompasses synthetic routes for the production of (+) nal morphinan compounds or derivatives of (+) nal morphinan compounds from (+)-morphinan substrates such as (+)-hydrocodone, (+)-norhydrocodone or derivatives of either compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for the preparation of saturated ketone morphinan compounds from a morphinan comprising an allyl alcohol ring moiety, wherein the final product has a low metal content. In particular, the invention provides processes that utilize isomerization reactions catalyzed by transition metal catalysts and the subsequent removal of the transition metal using metal scavengers.

Abstract: The invention generally provides processes for the production of buprenophine and derivatives of buprenorphine. In particular, the process may encompass synthetic routes for the production of buprenorphine or derivatives of buprenorphine from norhydromorphone or derivatives of norhydromorphone.

Abstract: Processes are described for the synthesis of 3-hydroxymorphinan derivatives by hydrolysis of side products from the O-demethylation of 3-methoxymorphinan derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the conversion of a 6-keto morphinan to a 6-alpha-hydroxy morphinan in the presence of a ruthenium, rhodium, or iridium asymmetric catalyst and a hydrogen source.

Abstract: An improved process for the N-alkylation of tertiary morphinan alkaloid bases to form the corresponding quaternary morphinan alkaloid derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient process for the preparation of hexahydroisoquinolines from amides. In particular, the invention provides a good yielding, one-pot process for the synthesis of hexahydroisoquinolines.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient process for the preparation of hexahydroisoquinolines from dihydroisoquinolines. In particular, the invention provides a good yielding, one-pot process for the synthesis of hexahydroisoquinolines.