Phenylethylamines and Products of Further Transformation

Phenylethylamines (phenethylamines) contain a phenyl ring adjacent to an ethylamine side chain. The phenyl ring is frequently hydroxylated and metho-xylated. The amino group may be methylated. 

Phenylethylamines are formed in microorganisms, plants, and animals. Biosynthesis 

The phenylethylamines originate by decarboxylation of the amino acids L-phenyl-alanine, L-tyrosine, and l-DOPA (Fig. 270). 

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in animals and human beings (E 3.2). Also phenylamine was identified in the human brain and is suspected to play a role in the central nervous system. iV-Acetyldopamine may be transformed by phenol 

Achenbach, H., Konig, F. Die Frage der biogenetischen Gleichwertigkeit der beiden Xanthocillin-Halften. Chem. Ber. 105, 784-793 (1972) 

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