Probes for narcotic receptor mediated phenomena. 39. Enantiomeric N-substituted benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridin-6-ols: synthesis and topological relationship to oxide-bridged phenylmorphans.

Enantiomers of N-substituted benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridin-6-ols have been synthesized, and the subnanomolar affinity and potent agonist activity of the known racemic N-phenethyl substituted benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridin-6-ol can now be ascribed to the 4aS,9aR enantiomer. The energy-minimized structures suggest that the active enantiomer bears a greater three-dimensional resemblance to morphine than to an ostensibly structurally similar oxide-bridged phenylmorphan. Structural features of the conformers of N-substituted benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridin-6-ols were compared to provide the rationale for their binding affinity.