Possible new route to amphetamine (Methylation of phenethylamines into amphetamines?)

[VoodooMaximum]

Would be hypothetically possible to convert phenethylamine (C₈H₁₁N) into amphetamine (A.K.A. alpha-methylphenethylamine, C₉H₁₃N) by methylation of the alpha position on the ethyl structure?

If this were indeed possible, would it be possible for all phenethylamines to be methylated into their corresponding amphetamines? For instance, 4-Methylphenethylamine into the designer drug 4-Methylamphetamine?

It seems to me all this would take is the addition of the "squiggly line" methyl group. The problem is, I don't know of any method of methylation that only methylates a specific place on the molecule...

Any answers would be greatly appreciated! If this works, I would love to know how. Again, totally hypothetical!



Phenethylamine:

Amphetamine:

 

[DL-ark]

Synthesis discussion is not allowed on bluelight.

That said, I am going to hypocritically make a statement.

If alpha-methylation of phenethylamine was easy or even possible, you would have heard of it by now. I assure you, you are not the first to see this potential.

The "squiggly line" refers to the direction that the methyl group is in, a squiggly line refers to either levorotary or dextrorotary. If you were trying to synth speed, you would prolly want dextrorotary amphetamine.

 

[ebola?]

No.
But if it were, you wouldn't be able to discuss it here.

ebola