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Brock University

Enantiodivergent chemoenzymatic synthesis of codeine

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

The present thesis describes our latest results in the chemistry of morphine alkaloids. An enantiodivergent synthesis of codeine utilizing a cis-cyclohexadiene diol derived from microbial whole cell oxidation of ~-bromoethylbenzene,as starting material is discussed. The total synthesis of (+)-codeine in 14 steps featuring a Mitsunobu inversion and two intramolecular Heck cyclizations is presented. Investigation of a regioselective nucleophilic opening of a homochiral vinyl oxirane, which led to a total synthesis of the natural isomer of codeine, is detailed. Furthermore, described herein are novel methodologies designed for the transformation of naturally occurring opiates into medicinally relevant derivatives. Two studies on the conversion of thebaine into the commercially available analgesic hydrocodone, two novel ·transition metal catalyzed N-demethylation procedures for opioids, and the development of a catalytic protocol for N-demethylation and Nacylation of morphine and tropane alkaloids are presented. In addition, reactions of a menthol-based version of the Burgess reagent with epoxides are discussed. The synthetic utility of this novel chiral derivative of the Burgess reagent was demonstrated by an enantiodivergent formal total synthesis of balanol. ii

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Ph.D. Biotechnology
Level thesis:degree_level
Doctoral
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Faculty of Mathematics and Science
Department dc:contributor.department
Centre for Biotechnology
Grantor
Brock University
Year dc:date.issued
2009

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Leisch, Hannes G.

Subjects

dc:subject × 1

Rights

Language dc:language.iso
eng

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Handle dc:identifier.uri
http://hdl.handle.net/10464/1444
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:brocku.scholaris.ca:10464/1444

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Brock University
Base URL
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Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
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citation

Leisch, Hannes G.. Enantiodivergent chemoenzymatic synthesis of codeine. Doctoral thesis, Brock University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10464/1444