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
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?