PROCESS FOR SEPARATION OF SEROTONINE

摘要

A process for the preparation of N-acetyl serotonine characterised in that serotonine is acetylated to form N, O-diacetyl serotonine which is then treated with an alkaline mixture of water and a lower alcohol to selectively hydrolyse the O-acetyl group of the N, O-diacetyl serotonine to give N-acetyl serotonine. The melatonine is prepared by methylating the N-acetyl serotonine in the 5-position.