Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Human Health and Disease

Question:

What is the chemical name of heroin?

Options:

Diacetylmorphine

Morphine

Acetylation

Benzodiazepine

Correct Answer:

Diacetylmorphine

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (1) - Diacetylmorphine

Heroin , commonly called smack is chemically diacetylmorphine which is a white, odourless, bitter crystalline compound. This is obtained by acetylation of morphine

Heroin, commonly known as smack, is chemically diacetylmorphine. It is a white, odorless, bitter crystalline compound. Heroin is derived from morphine, which is extracted from the latex of the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum).

The acetylation of morphine involves adding acetyl groups to the morphine molecule, resulting in the formation of diacetylmorphine, which is the chemical name for heroin. This chemical modification increases the potency and enhances the effects of the drug, leading to its highly addictive nature.