Question

Acetylation of morphine leads to the production of:

• A. heroin
• B. smack
• C. diacetylmorphine
• D. All of these

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of these

Chemical substances that affect the physiological or psychological functions of an individual when consumed are called drugs.

These are obtained from natural sources or prepared artificially. The drugs obtained from natural sources are processed or modified for consumption.

Morphine is one of the natural plant alkaloids extracted from the latex of the poppy plant, Papaver somniferum. Morphine is a sedative and painkiller which is usually prescribed by doctors after surgery.

Acetylation of morphine produces a very potent opioid called heroin. Hence, heroin is chemically called diacetylmorphine which is a white, odourless, bitter crystalline compound. Acetylation is a reaction in which the acetyl group (functional group) is added into an organic chemical compound. Heroin is commonly called smack.

Opioids are a class of drugs which bind to opioid receptors present in the central nervous system (CNS) and gastrointestinal tract. They act as depressants.