Question

What steps are needed to convert A to L-dopa, an uncommon amino acid that is effective in treating Parkinson’s disease? These steps are the key reactions in the first commercial asymmetric synthesis using a chiral transition metal catalyst. This process was developed at Monsanto in 1974.

Short answer

The steps needed to convert A to L-dopa is shown as:

Step-by-step solution

L-dopa

L-dopa is an organic compound containing amino groups and is used to treat the symptoms linked with Parkinson’s disease.It can be synthesized from L-Tyrosine, and dopamine is synthesized from L-dopa.

Steps needed to convert A to L-dopa 

When A is treated with ${\mathrm{H}}_2$ in the presence of a chiral Rh catalyst, an alkene is reduced to alkane. On further treatment with a strong acid, the ${\text{NHCOCH}}_{\text{3}}$(amide group) is converted to${\mathrm{NH}}_2$ (amine group), the methoxy group to OH, and the${\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}\text{COO}$ group to OH.

This leads to the formation of L-dopa. The steps required to convert A to L-dopa is shown as: