Page 257 - Applied Pharmacognosy

3- alkylation

Replacing active hydrogen by alkyl group.

For COOH, phenols, amines, amides ------→ esters, ethers,
alkyl amines & alkyl amides

alkylating reagents:
e.g.
BF3 in methanol or butanol (inexpensive)
Dialkyl acetals (derivatizing upon dissolution)
•often toxic
•react with H2O→ corresponding alcohol

Advantages:
Alkylation derivatives have excellent stability , can be isolated and
stored for long period of time

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