Selective formation of N-formyl derivatives of amphetamine and methamphetamine by Cu(bdpg)/hydrogen peroxide system

We have observed that in the acetonitrile solution amphetamine or methamphetamine was selectively and quantitatively converted into the corresponding N-formyl derivatives in the presence of Cu(bdpg)Cl2, triethylamine and hydrogen peroxide; (bdpg) = N,N-bis-(2-pyridyl-methyl)-β-alanineamide. This will give valuable information to establish the metabolic pathways of amphetamine or methamphetamine in human body.