Design and synthesis of a hapten for the radioimmunoassay of bupropion

The synthesis of a hapten useful in the radioimmunoassay of bupropion is described. Since bupropion has no functional group that can be easily derivatized, a hydroxypropyl group was incorporated into the molecule. Studies in cross-reactivity with possible metabolites required the synthesis of the 4'-hydroxy analogue of bupropion. This synthesis is also described.