- #1
Mr_Bojingles
- 78
- 0
Is it possible to synthesize adrenaline in the lab?
Is it possible to synthesize adrenaline in the lab?
- Thread starter Mr_Bojingles
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the feasibility of synthesizing adrenaline in a laboratory setting, exploring both theoretical and practical aspects of the synthesis process.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants assert that synthesizing adrenaline should not be particularly difficult.
- One participant suggests a specific synthetic route involving starting materials and chemical reactions, including substitution and reduction steps, claiming a yield of over 75% based on prior experience.
- Another participant emphasizes that while the body synthesizes adrenaline naturally, the enzymatic processes involved are complex and not easily replicated in a lab setting.
- A historical note is made regarding the first laboratory synthesis of adrenaline in 1904 by Freidrich Stolz.
- One participant hints at the structural similarity between methamphetamine and adrenaline, suggesting a potential connection in synthesis.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the ease of synthesizing adrenaline, with some believing it is straightforward while others highlight the complexities involved in replicating biological processes in the lab. No consensus is reached regarding the overall feasibility or simplicity of the synthesis.
Contextual Notes
Limitations in the discussion include the lack of detailed exploration of the specific challenges in the synthesis process and the dependence on the availability and cost of starting materials.
- #2
gravenewworld
- 1,129
- 27
Mr_Bojingles said:
Yes it shouldn't be taht hard.
- #3
JGM_14
- 157
- 0
our body does it all the time 
- #4
gravenewworld
- 1,129
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I did a search for possible starting materials and looked at the cost vs. how many steps for a possible synthesis and you could do it this way:
Buy 2-Chloro-1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethanone, 97% (500 g, $283 Alpha Aesar)
Do a substitution of the chlorine with methyl amine (use a large excess of methyl amine).
Reduce the carbonyl stereoselectively using 1H,3H-Pyrrolo[1,2-c][1,3,2]oxazaborole, tetrahydro-1-methyl-3,3-diphenyl-, (S)- with Borane Dimethyl sulfide complex in THF.
I've done the reduction before, it works pretty well (>75% yield)
That should give you adrenaline.
Buy 2-Chloro-1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethanone, 97% (500 g, $283 Alpha Aesar)
Do a substitution of the chlorine with methyl amine (use a large excess of methyl amine).
Reduce the carbonyl stereoselectively using 1H,3H-Pyrrolo[1,2-c][1,3,2]oxazaborole, tetrahydro-1-methyl-3,3-diphenyl-, (S)- with Borane Dimethyl sulfide complex in THF.
I've done the reduction before, it works pretty well (>75% yield)
That should give you adrenaline.
- #5
quetzalcoatl9
- 535
- 1
JGM_14 said:our body does it all the time
that doesn't means it's easy, in fact it's generally the opposite. enzymes regularly do chemistry that we can't dream of doing in the lab.
- #6
JGM_14
- 157
- 0
quetzalcoatl9 said:
Point taken.
- #7
brewnog
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 2,751
- 8
Apparently, it was first synthesised in the lab in 1904 by Freidrich Stolz...
- #8
Remnant
- 19
- 0
Hint: Meth is 1 atom away from adrenaline..
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