Phenibut -------> Baclofen Is this possible?

[Dr.FeelGoodINC]

I have been curious as to whether Phenibut could be chemically converted to baclofen. I know that the two drugs are very closely related, and have read somewhere about a newer drug named Arbaclofen Placarbil. I want to know if it is possible to convert phenibut to either of these drugs, and if so would a home TEK be possible. I have tried to research this on my own, but the available information is very limited.

 

[Pomzazed]

Aromatic chlorination at para- position is possible as the functional group is electron donating thus promoting the ortho- and para- position.
Even then, the para- position is favoured, as ortho-'s are blocked by steric hindrance of the chain. Aromatic chlorination should do it
(electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction: S_EAr ; go read about it)

I cannot go into detail, as SYNTHESIS DISCUSSION IS AGAINST THE RULE, please read BL's rules.

 

[Roger&Me]

I have tried to research this on my own, but the available information is very limited.

Any organic chemistry textbook will cover aromatic reactivity in depth. Information about how to accomplish such a transformation is widely available.

 

[sekio]

No, it's not feasible for the home chemist to try to chlorinate phenibut.