Question

Drug called 'Heroin' is synthesized by: (1) methylation of morphine (2) acetylation of morphine (3) glycosylation of morphine (4) nitration of morphine

• A. methylation of morphine
• B. acetylation of morphine
• C. glycosylation of morphine
• D. nitration of morphine

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The question asks how the drug 'Heroin' is synthesized. The options provided are different chemical processes involving morphine.

Let's analyze each option:

1. Methylation of morphine: This process involves the addition of a methyl group to morphine. However, Heroin is not synthesized through this process.
2. Acetylation of morphine: Heroin, also known as diacetylmorphine, is synthesized by the acetylation of morphine. In this chemical reaction, two acetyl groups are attached to morphine, modifying its molecular structure and enhancing its potency. This is the correct method for synthesizing Heroin.
3. Glycosylation of morphine: Glycosylation involves the attachment of a sugar molecule, which is unrelated to Heroin's synthesis.
4. Nitration of morphine: Nitration involves adding a nitro group. This process is not used in the production of Heroin.

Thus, the correct answer is the acetylation of morphine. This process transforms morphine into Heroin by introducing acetyl groups, resulting in increased lipid solubility and rapid action in the central nervous system, which accounts for Heroin's potent effects.