Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2025

Preparation of Enantiopure Non-Activated Aziridines and Synthesis of Biemamide B, D, and epiallo-Isomuscarine
Published on: June 13, 2022
Swim in the Chiral Pool: MDMA and MDA Enantiomers from Alanine-Derived Precursors
Alexander M Sherwood1, Elise K Burkhartzmeyer1, Samuel E Williamson1
1Usona Institute, 2780 Woods Hollow Rd, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, United States.
Abstract:
A divergent two-step process has provided access to optically pure enantiomers of MDMA and MDA, clinically relevant phenylisopropylamine entactogens. Target compounds were synthesized from commercially available alanine-derived aziridines. Critical process parameters were identified, and the reactions were optimized to avoid chromatographic purifications toward gram-scale isolations, providing (R)-(-)-MDMA, (S)-(+)-MDMA, (R)-(-)-MDA, and (S)-(+)-MDA each in greater than 98% purity by UPLC, >99% enantiomeric excess, and net yields between 50 and 60% for the complete process.
Related Concept Videos
Preparation of 1° Amines: Gabriel Synthesis
Strong bases like NaOH or KOH deprotonate the phthalimide to form the corresponding anion, which acts as a nucleophile. Further, the anion attacks an...
Alkylation of β-Diester Enolates: Malonic Ester Synthesis
Carboxylic Acids to Methylesters: Alkylation using Diazomethane
Preparation of 1° Amines: Azide Synthesis
Azide ions act as good nucleophiles and react with unhindered alkyl halides to form alkyl azides. Alkyl azides do not participate in further nucleophilic substitution reactions, thereby eliminating the chances of polyalkylated products. Alkyl azides are reduced by hydride-based reducing agents, like lithium aluminum...
Synthesis of α-Substituted Carbonyl Compounds: The Stork Enamine Reaction
Prochirality

