I have a few questions related to the synthesis of dextromethorphan. I've tried searching the site, but without satisfying results.
The only description of DXM's synthesis I've found is that of converting 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-1-(4-methoxybenzyl)isoquinoline to the corresponding morphinan using Grewe's cyclization, but I have a couple of questions.
First of, does anyone know any other routes to dextromethorphan?
Second of, if one has racemethorphan, is it possible to separate the two isomers using l-tartaric acid? That would convert the levomethorphan into it's tartaric salt leaving the dextromethorphan in the solution, wouldn't it?
I apologize if my questions seem a bit "noobish", my knowledge about stereo chemistry is quite limited, but hey, at least I'm learning new things all the time.
Love!