Synthesis of N-phenyl-substituted derivatives of morphine alkaloids

Article abstract of DOI:10.1007/BF02496186

A method for the preparation of N-phenyl-substituted morphine alkaloids by treatment of the corresponding N-nor derivatives with Ph₃Bi in the presence of Cu(OAc)₂ is proposed. 17-Nor-17-phenylthebaine thus obtained can serve as a convenient starting material for the preparation of other N-phenyl-substituted alkaloids.