Hello all,

hoping to get some information regarding the 4-mmc synthesis via oxidizing 4-methylephedrine. I have yet to find any information on how to convert ephedrine to have the 4-methyl part. any info would be greatly appreciated. heres some info from Wikipedia for those who might not know of it.

"It can also be produced by oxidising the ephedrine analogue (4-methylephedrine) using potassium permanganate dissolved in sulfuric acid. Because 4-methylephedrine can be obtained in a specific enantiomeric form it is possible to produce mephedrone consisting of only one enantiomer. There is a danger associated with this method as it may cause manganese poisoning if the product is not correctly purified.[1]:17

A stereospecific form of (S)-mephedrone could be prepared via Friedel–Crafts acylation. The first step in the synthesis would react toluene and (S)-N-trifluoroacetylalanoyl chloride in the presence of aluminium chloride, then deprotect the intermediate with hydrochloric acid-propyl alcohol. This would produce (S)-4-methylcathinone, which could then be methylated to produce mephedrone"

Thanks!

Thank for the input. I know 4-methylmethcathinone has some neurotoxic effects. in small doses very reminiscent to MDMA though.

I think an oxidation with one of the chrome salts should work. Am not sure how one would convert ephedrine to 4-methylephedrine though.

Look this pdf ,