I believe I have read all posts pertaining to this but am still not clear.
When hydrolysing N-Acetyl-5-Methoxytryptamine (melatonin) to 5-Methoxytryptamine, the Sodium Dithionite and the Nitrogen atmosphere is used to prevent oxidation, right?
SWIM has large amounts of melatonin and can afford a loss in yeild. Could some one explain to me what would happen if I was to reflux melatonin with NaOH only?