Synthesis of a Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Drug, the R,R-Tartrate Salt of R-Rasagiline: A Three Week Introductory Organic Chemistry Lab Sequence

A synthesis of the R,R-tartrate salt of the popular anti-Parkinson's drug R-rasagiline (Azilect) was adapted to introduce the organic laboratory student to a medically relevant synthesis. It makes use of concepts found in the undergraduate organic chemistry curriculum, appropriately fits into three approximately 4 h lab periods, and utilizes readily available equipment and inexpensive commercially available chemicals.