On the mechanism of the interaction of narceine with the Froehde-Buckingham reagent
Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City (CDMX), Mexico.
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Chemistry and Pharmacy, 2026, 08(02), 001-004.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjcp.2026.8.2.0014
Publication history:
Received on 25 January 2026; revised on 07 April 2026; accepted on 09 April 2026
Abstract:
Narceine is a little-known opium alkaloid. In this communication the mechanism of the interaction of this alkaloid with the Froehde-Buckingham reagent is provided. Protonated molybdic acid reacts with an oxygen of the methylenedioxy group present in the narceine molecule. There is elimination of a water molecule from the acid, and an oxonium ion is formed. Neutralisation is accomplished by reaction of a water molecule at the methylene group with simultaneous breaking of the five-member ring. The molybdic ester thus formed reacts with a hydrion, inducing separation of water and molybdenum dioxide, (reduction step to Mo-IV). The electron deficient oxygen attracts electrons from the benzene ring, and an ortho-quinone is formed (oxidation step) via elimination of formaldehyde. In other words, a synchronous mechanism took place involving five electron-shifts.
Keywords:
Froehde-Buckingham reagent; Methylenedioxy group; Molybdenum dioxide; Molybdic acid; Oxonium ion; Reactive intermediates; Redox reaction
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