Synthesising Pseudoephedrine From N-Methylamphetamine

Over in the US it has apparently become so difficult to get hold of pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), that a pair of eloquently named researchers have published a satirical paper explaining how to manufacture it out of crystal meth (PDF). The paper describes how “in the past most stores were able to sell pseudoephedrine”, the US’s most popular decongestant but new laws require only pharmacies, often with restricted opening hours to sell the medicine only to those carrying government issued ID. The paper argues that “it would be of great interest to have a simple synthesis of pseudoephedrine from reagents which can be more readily procured”. The study is published in the splendidly titled Journal of Apocryphal Chemistry.

Hai, O. Hakkenshit, I.B. (2012). A Simple and Convenient Synthesis of Pseudoephedrine From N-Methylamphetamine Journal of Apocryphal Chemistry