The Vespiary

The Hive => Tryptamine Chemistry => Topic started by: Bubbleplate on October 09, 2003, 05:59:00 PM

Title: Tetra-alkyl-ammonium Hydroxide Alkaloid Hydrolysis
Post by: Bubbleplate on October 09, 2003, 05:59:00 PM
Standard procedure calls for alkaline hydrolysis of Lysergic Acid amides (ergotamine, LSA, etc.) with a Methanolic solution of Potassium hydroxide to obtain Lysergic Acid.
However,

Patent US6242603 (http://l2.espacenet.com/dips/viewer?PN=US6242603&CY=gb&LG=en&DB=EPD)

describes a method of preparing Lysergic Acid by isomerizing Paspalic Acid with a Tetra-alkylammonium hydroxide solution, such as Tetra-butylammonium hydroxide, with excellent yields (80%).

My question is, couldn't a Tetra-alkyl-ammonium Hydroxide also be used in the alkaline hydrolysis of lysergic amides in place of Potassium hydroxide, and with better yields?
Title: Re: Tetra-alkyl-ammonium Hydroxide Alkaloid Hydrolysis
Post by: Vesp on February 14, 2015, 05:06:42 PM
This question though 12 years old seems like it would still be of interest to some members. 

I really don't understand the mechanism of this reaction so I can't really comment on why it wouldn't or would work for the amide hydrolysis. 

It is apparently a fairly strong base, which seems a bit counter intuitive to me.  Is it actually strong enough induce amide hydrolysis?

I wonder if something could be done with the readily available choline? Choline hydroxide seems to have similar uses and is also considered a strong base.
Title: Re: Tetra-alkyl-ammonium Hydroxide Alkaloid Hydrolysis
Post by: fishinabottle on February 14, 2015, 08:58:33 PM
The patent describes an isomerisation and the other reactions are a hydrolysis. So thats a different shoe to wear.

But strong base being strong base and as this good candidates for catalyzing a hydrolysis I had a look and it seems no. Won't work well.
Adding some KOH or NaOH though could change the picture.

Or LiOH alone or in combination with anything named above.
I have no idea why but LiOH seems just right to me.
A shot in the dark, nothing else.

/ORG