CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGY OF ESTERS OF METHYLPENTYNOL AND RELATED COMPOUNDS

Abstract

Abstract The narcotic action of a range of methylpentynol esters has been investigated. In general, esterification reduces or abolishes narcotic activity, but the carbamate possesses increased and more prolonged activity and higher oral toxicity than the parent carbinol, though their therapeutic indices are similar. Contrary to previous claims, the N-methyl carbamate is inactive by our method of test. Carbamates of methylpentynol homologues and near relatives also possess increased narcotic properties compared with the parent carbinols. The anticonvulsant properties of methylpentynyl carbamate against leptazol in mice are superior to those of aloxidone. Chronic toxicity tests in mice over 4 to 5 months have shown no untoward effects, and the average weight gain follows a normal pattern: there is no effect on blood pressure or respiration in therapeutic doses. Methylpentynyl carbamate shows no analgesic activity on intravenous administration in mice compared with that of salicylamide. Bemegride acts as an antagonist. A new method2 for the preparation of carbamates of tertiary alcohols is described.