Liothyronine (T3), which is used to treat hypothyroidism, myxedema coma is one of two major hormones produced by the thyroid glands of human and animal. Liothyronine monosodium had been synthesized from L-tyrosine, the product from keratin hydrolysis. T3 was obtained in 26.31 percent overall yield without loss of optical activity. This process includes: Nitration of L-tyrosine to 3,5-dinitro-L-tyrosine
protection of the amino-group and the carboxyl-group
synthesis of 3,5-dinitro-4-p-methoxyphenoxy-N-acetyl-L-phenylalanin ethyl ester
reduction of the nitro-group
Diazotisation of amine-group and iodination obtains 3,5-diiodo-4-p-methoxyphenoxy-N-acetyl-L-phenylalanin ethyl ester
hydrolysis and demethylation creates 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine
Finally, iodination of 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine gives liothyoronine. The structure of all the compounds is determined by JR, MS and NMR spectroscopy. The quality of liothyronine monosodium was confirmed to the requirement of USP 34.