2′-Acetoxycocaine

2′-Acetoxycocaine is a tropane alkaloid and a metabolite of cocaine. It is less commonly known, but it plays a significant role in the pharmacokinetics of cocaine.

Chemistry

2′-Acetoxycocaine is a tropane alkaloid, which is a class of bicyclic organic compounds that contain a tropane ring in their structure. This ring is a seven-membered ring with a nitrogen atom and an acetate group attached to the 2' position. The acetate group is responsible for the 'acetoxycocaine' part of the name.

Pharmacology

As a metabolite of cocaine, 2′-Acetoxycocaine is produced in the body after cocaine use. It is formed in the liver by the action of the enzyme carboxylesterase, which removes a part of the cocaine molecule and replaces it with an acetate group. This process is known as hydrolysis.

The pharmacological effects of 2′-Acetoxycocaine are not well-studied. However, it is known that it is less potent than cocaine itself. This is because the addition of the acetate group changes the structure of the molecule, reducing its ability to bind to and block the dopamine transporter, which is the primary mechanism of action of cocaine.

Toxicology

The toxicological profile of 2′-Acetoxycocaine is also not well-known. However, it is likely to contribute to the overall toxicity of cocaine, as it is one of the major metabolites produced in the body after cocaine use. It is also possible that it may have some toxic effects of its own, independent of cocaine.

See also

• Cocaine
• Tropane alkaloids
• Metabolite
• Pharmacokinetics

References

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