Emetine-like compounds, and a process for the preparation of emetine

摘要

The invention comprises racemic and optically active nor-cephaeline and racemic cephaeline, and a process for the preparation of emetine which comprises reducing an ester of formula FORM:1024807/C2/1 where R represents an alkyl group, with an alkyl aluminium hydride in an atmosphere of an inert gas, condensing the resulting aldehyde with an amine of formula FORM:1024807/C2/2 where R1 represents hydrogen or a methyl group, and O-methylating the compound of formula FORM:1024807/C2/3 formed, if desired resolving the products thus obtained, and if desired converting the bases to their salts with mineral or organic acids. The reduction is preferably carried out in an anhydrous organic solvent, at a temperature below -20 DEG C. The condensation reaction is preferably carried out in alcoholic solution under a nitrogen atmosphere. The O-methylation may be effected using diazomethane or a tertiary ammonium compound. The novel compounds of the invention are intermediates in the process of the invention.