Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 3, 2026

Author Spotlight: An Efficient Methodology to Confidently Differentiate and Characterize Fentanyl Analogs
Published on: November 8, 2024
Synthesis and μ-Opioid Activity of the Primary Metabolites of Carfentanil
Fu-Lian Hsu1, Andrew J Walz1, James M Myslinski1
1United States Army CCDC Chemical Biological Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, United States.
Abstract:
Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid significantly more potent than clinically prescribed fentanyl. The primary metabolites of carfentanil, generated from human liver microsomes, were structurally confirmed through chemical synthesis. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for μ-opioid receptor (MOR) functional activity. Of the six metabolites assayed, a major metabolite showed comparable activity to the parent opioid. Three other metabolites showed significant MOR functional activity. The availability of the metabolites could aid improvements in the analysis of biomedical samples obtained from suspected human exposures to carfentanil and development of treatment protocols.
More Related Videos
09:09Preparation and Delivery of Protein Microcrystals in Lipidic Cubic Phase for Serial Femtosecond Crystallography
Published on: September 20, 2016
07:23Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Opioid Receptors: Overview
Analgesia and Pain Management
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
Adrenergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Aromatic ring substitutions: Substituting the aromatic ring with –OH groups at positions 3 and 4 yields catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine), which have a high affinity for adrenoceptors. Hydrogen bonding between –OH groups and receptors enhances adrenergic activity.
Separation of...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis