Synthesis of Higenamine, A Cardiotonic Principle of Aconite Root

Higenamine (I), cardiotonic principle of Aconite root, was synthesized from 4-methoxy-phenylacetic acid (II) and .betha.-(3, 4-dimethoxyphenyl)-ethylamine (IV). Condensation of IV with 4-mehoxyphenylacetyl chloride (III) was followed by cyclodehydration yielding 1-(4'-methoxybenzyl)-6, 7- dimethoxy-3, 4-dihydroisoquinoline (VI). Reduction of VI to 1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (VII) and subsequent demethylation provided desired product higenamine, 1-(4'-hydroxybenzyl)-6, 7- dihydroxy-1, 2, 3, 4, -tetrahydroisoquinoline.