Products
U-47700 is not commercially available as a drug. It is traded as an illegal or semi-legal narcotic on the black market (“legal high”). The substance was developed in the 1970s at The Upjohn Company – the “U” stands for Upjohn.
Structure and properties
U-47700 (C16H22Cl2N2O, Mr = 329.3 g/mol) is structurally different from classical opioids such as morphine. It has a -1,2-diamine and a benzamide structure and is related to AH-7921.
Effects
U-47700 has psychotropic, analgesic, depressant, and euphoric properties. The effects are due to binding to μ-opioid receptors in the central nervous system.
Indications
No medical indications exist.
Abuse
As an intoxicant.
Adverse effects
Because of the life-threatening adverse effects, abuse is strongly discouraged. Opioids can cause respiratory depression, respiratory paralysis, hypotension, and circulatory failure, especially if overdosed. Several deaths associated with U-47700 have been reported.