Synthesis of alpha-1-noracetylmethadol. A facile N-demethylation of alpha-1-acetylmethadol.

A facile N-demethylation of the narcotic analgesic, alpha-1-acetylmethadol, was accomplished by allowing it to react with mercuric acetate under reflux in dilute acetic acid. The product, alpha-1-noracetylmethadol, was isolated as the hydrochloride in 50% yield. Methadone, when allowed to react with mercuric acetate under the same conditions, did not undergo N-demethylation and was recovered unchanged.