A convenient, short synthesis of desethylchloroquine [7-chloro-4-(4'-ethylamino-1'-methylbutylamino)quinoline]

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1995-3886

A short, efficient 2-step synthesis of desethylchloroquine is achieved by generating an internal amide ion from the secondary nitrogen in chloroquine, followed by in situ reaction with 2,2,2-trichloroethyl chloroformate giving rapid elimination of ethylene. The carbamate thus produced easily undergoes deprotection to the target compound at room temperature.