The synthesis of a new series of C-2-alkyl-2-methoxymethyl-salvinorin ethers and their binding affinities at κ-, μ-, and δ-opioid receptors are presented. We have developed a synthesis that enables installation of alkyl-substituents at C-2 while maintaining the integrity of the C-2 methoxymethyl ether and retaining κ-opioid receptor binding activity. Among these new compounds,...
Salvinorin A (1), the main active ingredient of Salvia divinorum, is a potent and selective κ opioid receptor (KOPR) agonist. Based on the SAR, its C-2 position is one of the key binding sites and has very little space tolerance (3-4 carbons atoms) and limited to only lipophilic groups. In our attempt to prepare PET brain imaging agent for mapping KOPR, a series of C-2 halogenated analogs have...
Salvinorin A is a naturally-occurring potent and selective kappa opioid receptor agonist, and smoking salvinorin A produces the most intense hallucinogenic effects in human. Eight neoclerodane diterpene derivatives were isolated from the smoke of salvinorin A, and their structures were identified by spectroscopic methods. The major structural changes include epimerizations, eliminations, and...