M

Morphine

IUPAC: (4R,4aR,7S,7aR,12bS)-3-methyl-2,4,4a,7,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinoline-7,9-diol

C17H19NO3 Organic Compounds CAS 57-27-2
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC17H19NO3
CAS Number57-27-2
Molecular Weight285.34
Melting Point255 °C
Boiling Point190ºC
Density1.32 at 20 °C/4 °C
Solubility149 mg/L (at 20 °C)
AppearanceSolid
Also Known As(4R,4aR,7S,7aR,12bS)-3-methyl-2,4,4a,7,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinoline-7,9-diol; Morphia; Morphium; Morphina; (-)-Morphine; Morphinum; Ospalivina; Morphin; Duromorph; 57-27-2
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Morphine?

Morphine is a morphinane alkaloid that is a highly potent opiate analgesic psychoactive drug. Morphine acts directly on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain but has a high potential for addiction, with tolerance and both physical and psychological dependence developing rapidly. Morphine is the most abundant opiate found in Papaver somniferum (the opium poppy). It has a role as a geroprotector, an opioid analgesic, a vasodilator agent, a xenobiotic, an anaesthetic, a mu-opioid receptor agonist, a plant metabolite, an environmental contaminant and a drug allergen. It is a morphinane alkaloid, an organic heteropentacyclic compound and a tertiary amino compound. It is a conjugate base of a morphine(1+). It derives from a hydride of a morphinan.

Formula & Notation

C17H19NO3

IUPAC Name: (4R,4aR,7S,7aR,12bS)-3-methyl-2,4,4a,7,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinoline-7,9-diol

Other Names / Synonyms: (4R,4aR,7S,7aR,12bS)-3-methyl-2,4,4a,7,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinoline-7,9-diol; Morphia; Morphium; Morphina; (-)-Morphine; Morphinum; Ospalivina; Morphin; Duromorph; 57-27-2

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Solid. Molecular formula: C17H19NO3. Molecular weight: 285.34 g/mol. Boiling point: 190ºC. Melting point: 255 °C. Density: 1.32 at 20 °C/4 °C. Solubility: 149 mg/L (at 20 °C). LogP: 0.8.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point255 °C
Boiling Point190ºC
Density1.32 at 20 °C/4 °C
Molecular Weight285.34
Solubility149 mg/L (at 20 °C)
AppearanceSolid

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Morphine
Formula C17H19NO3
CAS Number 57-27-2
Molecular Weight 285.34
Synonyms (4R,4aR,7S,7aR,12bS)-3-methyl-2,4,4a,7,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinoline-7,9-diol; Morphia; Morphium; Morphina; (-)-Morphine; Morphinum; Ospalivina; Morphin; Duromorph; 57-27-2

Frequently Asked Questions

Morphine is a morphinane alkaloid that is a highly potent opiate analgesic psychoactive drug. Morphine acts directly on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain but has a high potential for addiction, with tolerance and both physical and psychological dependence developing rapidly. Morphine is the most abundant opiate found in Papaver somniferum (the opium poppy). It has a role as a geroprotector, an opioid analgesic, a vasodilator agent, a xenobiotic, an anaesthetic, a mu-opioid receptor agonist, a plant metabolite, an environmental contaminant and a drug allergen. It is a morphinane alkaloid, an organic heteropentacyclic compound and a tertiary amino compound. It is a conjugate base of a morphine(1+). It derives from a hydride of a morphinan.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.