Nicotine increases dopamine levels in the brain, enhancing levels of satisfaction and pleasure.  To keep levels elevated, nicotine is consumed in unregulated dosages and activates cholinergic neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system, communicating with neurons through acetylcholine.  This communication occurs through the release of glutamate, a neurotransmitter associated with learning.  This procedure strengthens the connection between various neurons, a process called memory.  Mecamylamine, a nicotine antagonist, prevents the drug from binding to acetylcholine receptors, and as a result may inhibit drug addiction.  This research was a study designed to synthesize the quaternary form of mecamylamine, a potential nicotine antagonist that cannot cross the blood-brain barrier and promotes its effects only in the peripheral nervous system.  A Ritter Reaction was performed as well as reduction of an amide to an amine.  Various spectroscopy tests confirmed the structure of the compound, such as infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Synthesis of the quaternary form of mecamylamine

244th National Meeting (2012)

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