Selective formation of N-formyl derivatives of amphetamine and methamphetamine by Cu(bdpg)/hydrogen peroxide system

Abstract We have observed that in the acetonitrile solution amphetamine or methamphetamine was selectively and quantitatively converted into the corresponding N -formyl derivatives in the presence of Cu(bdpg)Cl 2 , triethylamine and hydrogen peroxide; (bdpg) =  N , N -bis-(2-pyridyl-methyl)-β-alanineamide. This will give valuable information to establish the metabolic pathways of amphetamine or methamphetamine in human body.