A convenient synthesis of trans-3'-hydroxycotinine, a major nicotine metabolite found in the urine of tobacco users

Abstract

trans-3'-Hydroxycotinine is a major urinary metabolite of nicotine in smokers, but no straightforward method is available for its synthesis. A simple method was developed for preparation of trans-3'-hydroxycotinine from cotinine in two steps by using NaN[(CH3)3Si]2 and dibenzyl peroxydicarbonate, followed by base-catalyzed hydrolysis.