again, obit is taking a shot at the impossibility of obit actually getting a new synth. but here goes:
step 1: 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene + HCCl3 -(OH-)-> 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzaldehyde (a)
obit has no doubt that step works. simple Riemer-Tiemann
step 2: A + DCM -(OH[/sup]-)-> 3,4-MD-2-OH-benzaldehyde (b)(or the 2,3-md-4-oh side product)
not so sure about that step, b/c of the side rxn will drasitcally lower yeilds.
step 3: B+ nitroethane -catalyst-> the hydroxynitropropene.(c)
pretty sure that this will work with decent yeild
step 4: C+ some hydride red. ag. --> the hydroxy-MD-amphetamine
first of all, is it possible. Second, it the product active. third, where would the methylation of the OH go to give best yeilds? after step 3 or 4? after 3 might cause the attack on the Double bond and after 4 might methylate the N. anyways, it's all just an idea- maybe something else useful could come of it. (especially considering, this probably won't work the way obit wishes it would)