3-Monoacetylmorphine (3-MAM) or 3-acetylmorphine is a less active metabolite of heroin (diacetylmorphine), the other two being

morphine Morphine is a strong opiate that is found naturally in opium, a dark brown resin in poppies (''Papaver somniferum''). It is mainly used as a pain medication, and is also commonly used recreationally, or to make other illicit opioids. T ...

and more active

6-monoacetylmorphine 6-Monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM, 6-acetylmorphine, or 6-AM) is one of three active metabolites of heroin (diacetylmorphine), the others being morphine and the much less active 3-monoacetylmorphine (3-MAM). Pharmacology 6-MAM occurs as a metabolite o ...

(6-MAM). Because of the acetyl-group in 3-position, 3-MAM has relatively weak affinity to μ-opioid receptors. As ''3-O-acetylmorphine-6-O-sulfate'' (C₁₉H₂₃NO₇S), where 6-OH is changed to 6-O-SO₃, it can act as a potent, centrally acting morphine derivative and has important analgesic properties. 3-MAM-6-Sulphur

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Monoacetylmorphine, 3- Heroin Opioid metabolites