Semi-synthesis of galanthamine

In order to increase the use value of lycoramine, it was dehydrogenated selectively in the presence of 9% rare earth metal hydride at 240 degrees C, affording galanthamine with 45.9% yield and 97% optical purity by semi-synthesis. The effects of reaction temperature,reaction time, and the quantity of catalyst on the reaction were examined and discussed, respectively. The value of activation energy was given to be 77.25 kJ/mol by Arrhenius equation during the former 10 min of reaction, which belongs to chemical reaction control process. The resultant product of reaction was characterized by HPLC, IR, MS, H-1 NMR and C-13 NMR.