Page 107 - Chemical and process design handbook

Speight_Part II_A 11/7/01 3:16 PM Page 2.48

2.48 MANUFACTURE OF CHEMICALS
hol with hydrochloric acid proceeds with rearrangement and opening of
the strained cyclopropane to give a chloride. Reaction and displacement of
the chlorine atom with dimethylamine forms amitriptyline. Alternatively,
dibenzosuberone can be reacted with dimethylaminopropyl Grignard to
form an alcohol, which upon dehydration forms amitriptyline.
Amitriptyline is recommended for the treatment of mental depression,
with improvement in mood seen in 2 to 3 weeks after the start of medica-
tion.