ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 April 1980
Page Count: 9

The Preparation of d-Pseudococaine from l-Cocaine
Siegel, JA
Assistant professors, Metropolitan State College, Colo

Cormier, RA
Assistant professors, Metropolitan State College, Colo

(Received 18 May 1979; accepted 31 October 1979)

Abstract

d-Pseudococaine, a diastereoisomer of cocaine, is prepared from l-cocaine by the action of strong base that epimerizes the carbomethoxy group at C-2 to the equatorial position and transesterifies the ester at C-3. The benzoate ester is regenerated by reaction with benzoyl chloride. The d-pseudococaine thus prepared is then subjected to a variety of instrumental and analytical techniques to effect its characterization. The tests done are those commonly used in forensic science laboratories for cocaine analysis. With these data, a laboratory can eliminate or confirm pseudococaine in such an analysis.

Keywords:
toxicology, cocaine, chemical analysis, pseudococaine, diastereoisomer, characterization, instrumental techniques

Paper ID: JFS12136J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12136J
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