ELECTROCHEMICAL METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF BETULIN ALDEHYDE

摘要

The present invention provides a method for manufacturing betulin aldehyde from betulin. The method includes: (a) electrochemically forming a oxoammonium ion from a nitroxyl radical; and (b) contacting betulin with the oxoammonium ion, for a period of time effective to provide the betulin aldehyde. The betulin aldehyde can subsequently be converted to betulinic acid, employing, e.g., NaClO2 or KClO2. The betulinic acid can be purified from from any unreacted betulin by converting the betulinic acid into a corresponding salt (Na, K, Li, Na, Ca, Mg, Ba, or Al), and separating the salt from the unreacted betulin.