Selective synthesis of both isomers of morphine 6-β-D-glucuronide and their analogs

A stereoselective synthesis of both isomers of the pharmaceutically important morphine 6-beta -D-glucuronide (M6G) and its analogs was developed. The method is based on the use of ZnBr2 for the key coupling reaction. It was shown that the alpha/beta stereoselectivity of the reaction can he directed and controlled by the amount of ZnBr2. This paper describes the synthesis, analysis and characterization of the Lu-isomer of M6C, useful as a reference marker for testing purity and stability of the morphine 6-beta -D-glucuronide (M6G). (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.