CHAPTER I - Chemistry of Morphinans

Abstract

This chapter describes morphinans as members of a class of compounds possessing the main structural skeleton of morphine. The chemistry of the morphinan is very closely connected with that of morphine, and it starts from the elucidation of the structure of morphine. The chapter discusses the synthesis of analgesics with morphine-like activity, synthesis of N-methyl-morphinan, and synthesis of N-methyl-morphinan. By subjecting natural products to reactions that were either already well known or recently developed, many investigations were undertaken to confirm the morphine structure and to find compounds of greater pharmacological value. The desirable effect of morphine on pain that sets in rapidly even when the drug is administered in small doses is accompanied by a number of clinically undesirable side effects. These side effects—such as respiratory depression and development of tolerance that soon leads to addiction—limit its application. The primary aim of the chemists in modifying the morphine molecule was to obtain analgesics without side effects, especially without addictive properties. Although this has not yet been fully achieved, partial successes have been obtained.