In certain embodiments the invention is directed to a process for preparing an oxycodone hydrochloride composition having less than 25 ppm of 14-hydroxycodeinone.

In certain embodiments the invention is directed to a process for preparing an oxycodone hydrochloride composition having less than 25 ppm of 14-hydroxycodeinone.

8-Substituted-2,6-methano-3-benzazocines of general structure I in which A is —CH.sub.2—OH, —CH.sub.2NH.sub.2, —NHSO.sub.2CH.sub.3,

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and Y is O, S or NOH are useful as analgesics, anti-diarrheal agents, anticonvulsants, antitussives and anti-addiction medications.

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8-Carboxamides, thiocarboxamides, hydroxyamidines and formamides are preferred.

Compositions comprising hydrocodone benzoic acid enol ester to form novel prodrugs including hydrocodone benzoic acid enol ester salts, and various polymorphs. Also provided are processes for the preparation of hydrocodone benzoic acid enol ester salts, and various polymorphs.

Compositions comprising hydrocodone benzoic acid enol ester to form novel prodrugs including hydrocodone benzoic acid enol ester salts, and various polymorphs. Also provided are processes for the preparation of hydrocodone benzoic acid enol ester salts, and various polymorphs.

The present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (VI), or a salt or derivative thereof,

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wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently C.sub.1-8 alkyl and * represents a stereocentre.

The present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (VI), or a salt or derivative thereof,

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wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently C.sub.1-8 alkyl and * represents a stereocentre.

Methods that may be used for the manufacture of a class of chemical compounds known as morphinans, including neopine, are provided. Compositions useful for the synthesis of morphinans, including neopine, are also provided.

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Methods that may be used for the manufacture of a class of chemical compounds known as morphinans, including neopine, are provided. Compositions useful for the synthesis of morphinans, including neopine, are also provided.

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There are provided methods of making an N-demethylated derivative of morphine namely, normorphine. The normorphine can be substituted at the N—H position with various ligands that may result in new useful morphine derivatives. These derivatives may have increased analgesic efficacy, have less addictive properties, and/or have effective anti-opiate properties capable of rescuing overdosed persons or lead to recovery from conditions caused by opiate drug abuse.