Abstract
In this communication the oxidation route of morphine with antimony trichloride is provided. The deliquescent reagent is partially hydrolysed to antimonyl chloride with concomitant release of hydrogen chloride. The reactive species is obtained by protonation of the oxychloride. The electro donor phenol group in morphine forms an organometallic ester of gem-chlorohydrin type which eliminates hydrogen chloride. Protonation of the oxo-antimonite creates a δ+ at the aryl oxygen, favouring a nucleophilic reaction at ortho-position. Reaction of dichloro-hydroxy-antimony at this site produces a ketone and separation of antimony mono-hydroxide (Redox step). Aromaticity is recovered by enolization and the electro donor phenol gives rise to an ortho-quinone with separation of antimony mono-chloride and a chloride ion (Second redox step). Another cyclic reaction mechanism can operate involving five atoms. Finally, a bimolecular electron transfer yields two atoms of elemental antimony.
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