Morphine-like properties of diphenylethylamine and related compounds

Abstract

Since morphine possesses the phenanthrene ring structure, experiments have been performed to investigate the possibility of producing a simple analogue with a relationship similar to that between oestrone and stilboestrol. The activity of diphenylethylamine and a number of other compounds has been investi­gated. Many were found to possess morphine-like activity, and of these the most promising from the clinical point of view was β -hydroxy- αβ -diphenylethylamine. This substance was found to give complete relief from pain in doses of 200-400 mg. 4-hourly.