An improved synthesis of noroxymorphone

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)80016-8

A brief synthesis of noroxymorphone is described which involves the oxidation of 3-O-(t)butyldimethylsilylmorphine by manganese dioxide. The initial product is the corresponding morphinone which is further oxidised to the 14-hydroxymorphinone. After hydrogenation the 7,8-dihydro-14-hydroxymorphinone is acetylated and N-demethylation of the 14-O-acetylated product is achieved using vinyl chloroformate as the reagent. The overall yield from morphine is 40-45%.