Mixed Azines of Naloxone with Dihydromorphinone Derivatives

The mixed azines 4 and 5 were prepared by reaction of naloxazone ( 2 ) with either oxymorphone ( 6 ) or 14-O-methyloxymorphone ( 7 ) and tested in vitro using opioid receptor binding assays and in vivo using the AcOH-writhing test in mice. Compound 4 was found to be a partial agonist, while compound 5 was a potent opioid agonist with higher potency than morphine.