Synthesis of Dopamine Hydrochloride from Vanillin

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In this research synthesis of dopamine hydrochloride was achieved in a nine step procedure from Vanillin. Acetylation of Vanillin followed by hydrolysis, resulted in the formation of Ferulic acid. Methylation of ferulic acid afforded methyl-3,4-dimethoxycinnamate which was subsequently hydrolysed to give 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid. Hydrogenation of the latter with amalgamated sodium resulted in the formation of 3,4-dimethoxyhydrocinnamic acid. This acid was converted to the corresponding acid chloride, then to the corresponding amide. Treatment of the amide with sodium hypochlorite resulted in the formation of 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethylamine. Finally, the amine was refluxed in concentrated hydrochloric acid to give dopamine hydrochloride.

Dopamine hydrochloride; 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethylamine hydrochloride; 3-Hydroxytyramine hydrochloride; catecholamine