Synthesis of 2H‐ and 3H‐labeled N‐cyclopropylmethyl‐7α‐[(R)‐1‐hydroxy‐1‐methyl‐3‐(2thienyl)‐propyl]‐6,14‐endoethano‐6,7,8,14‐tetrahydro nororipavine

A procedure for deuterium and tritium labeling of the titled compound, an analgesic agent, was developed. A secondary amine intermediate was acylated to an acylamide, then the carbonyl function was reduced by LiAlD₄ to yield the tertiary amine. In the tritium‐labeled synthesis, the process utilized a bromo‐substituted precursor, which was subsequently reduced with ³H₂ in the presence of a Pd/C catalyst. The labeled compounds were successfully applied in pharmacokinetic and pharmacological studies. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.