Preparation and analgesic activity of 3,6 diacetylnormorphine and 6 acetylnormorphine

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jm00244a019

3,6 Diacetylnormorphine (norheroin) and 6 acetylnormorphine have been prepared in excellent yield through the 3,N bis (tert butoxycarbonyl) derivative of normorphine via acetylation and selective removal of protecting groups. This general procedure would be applicable to the preparation of various 3,6 diesters or 6 monoesters of normorphine. The analgesic potency of norheroin was found to be the same as that of 6 acetylnormorphine, about 0.05 that of heroin. The onset, peak, and duration of action of these compounds were nearly identical and comparable with morphine.