Novel analgesics and molecular rearrangements in the morphine–thebaine group. Part XXIV. 15,16-Didehydro-6,14-endo-etheno-6,7,8,14-tetrahydro-thebaines and -oripavines

Abstract

A series of 15,16-didehydro-compounds has been prepared by mercury(II) acetate dehydrogenation of 6,14-endo-ethenotetrahydro-thebaines and -oripavines. The reaction has also been applied to certain other morphine derivatives. Reduction of the didehydro-compounds with sodium borohydride in the presence of tritiated water gave the [15-³H]-derivatives.