Abstract An improved process to N-demethylate opiate alkaloids utilising a solution of the ferrous porphyrin, tetrasodium 5, 10, 15, 20-tetra (4-sulfophenyl) porphyrinatoiron (II)[= Fe (II)- TPPS (8)], in acetate buffer is described. This method provided the corresponding N- demethylated opiates in good yield with high reproducibility.
