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Analgesics and anti-inflammatories

Heroin

Also known as Diacetylmorphine, Diamorphine, Acetomorphine

CAS 561-27-3Formula C21H23NO5Molar mass 369.42 g/molEC 209-217-7
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Acute toxicity (severe), Harmful or irritant, Serious health hazard Prohibited, not for trade
Why it is not for trade
Heroin chemical structure, C21H23NO5, CAS 561-27-3
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Orthorhombic plates, tablets from ethyl acetate
Melting point
173 °C
Boiling point
272 to 274
Density
1.56 g/cm³ at 25 °C
Solubility
In water, 60 mg/L at 25 °C
HS code
293911
Category
Analgesics and anti-inflammatories

What is Heroin?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Heroin is a morphinane alkaloid that is morphine bearing two acetyl substituents on the O-3 and O-6 positions. As with other opioids, heroin is used as both an analgesic and a recreational drug. Frequent and regular administration is associated with tolerance and physical dependence, which may develop into addiction. Its use includes treatment for acute pain, such as in severe physical trauma, myocardial infarction, post-surgical pain, and chronic pain, including end-stage cancer and other terminal illnesses. It has a role as an opioid analgesic, a prodrug and a mu-opioid receptor agonist. It is functionally related to a morphine.

Heroin is an opioid most commonly used as a recreational drug for its euphoric effects.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
[(4R,4aR,7S,7aR,12bS)-9-acetyloxy-3-methyl-2,4,4a,7,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinolin-7-yl] acetate
CAS number
561-27-3 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
209-217-7
Molecular formula
C21H23NO5
UNII
70D95007SX
InChIKey
GVGLGOZIDCSQPN-PVHGPHFFSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C21H23NO5/c1-11(23)25-16-6-4-13-10-15-14-5-7-17(26-12(2)24)20-21(14,8-9-22(15)3)18(13)19(16)27-20/h4-7,14-15,17,20H,8-10H2,1-3H3/t14-,15+,17-,20-,21-/m0/s1
Canonical SMILES
CC(=O)Oc1ccc2c3c1OC1C(OC(C)=O)C=CC4C(C2)N(C)CCC341
Isomeric SMILES
CC(=O)O[C@H]1C=C[C@H]2[C@H]3CC4=C5[C@]2([C@H]1OC5=C(C=C4)OC(=O)C)CCN3C

Synonyms

  • Diacetylmorphine
  • Diamorphine
  • Acetomorphine
  • 3,6-Diacetylmorphine
  • Morphacetin
  • Diaphorm
  • Eclorion
  • O,O'-Diacetylmorphine
  • Morphine diacetate
  • Acetomorfine
  • Diacetylmorfin
  • Diamorfina
  • Diasetilmorfin
  • Diacephin
  • Diasetielmorfien
  • Diasetylmorfiimi
  • Diazetylmorphine
  • Diacetyl morphine
  • 3,6-O-Diacetylmorphine
  • 7,8-Dihydro-4,5-alpha-epoxy-17-methylmorphinan-3,6-alpha-diol diacetate
  • IDS-NH-001(SECT.3)
  • 7,8-Didehydro-4,5-epoxy-17-methylmorphinan-3,6-diol diacetate (ester)
  • (5alpha,6alpha)-7,8-Didehydro-4,5-epoxy-17-methylmorphinan-3,6-diol diacetate (ester)
  • Morphinan-3,6-alpha-diol, 7,8-didehydro-4,5-alpha-epoxy-17-methyl-, diacetate (ester)
  • Morphinan-3,6-diol, 7,8-didehydro-4,5-epoxy-17-methyl-, (5alpha,6alpha)-, diacetate (ester)
Show all 38 synonyms
  • 17-methyl-7,8-didehydro-4,5alpha-epoxymorphinan-3,6alpha-diyl diacetate
  • [(4R,4aR,7S,7aR,12bS)-9-acetyloxy-3-methyl-2,4,4a,7,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinolin-7-yl] acetate
  • Diamorf
  • ((4R,4aR,7S,7aR,12bS)-9-acetyloxy-3-methyl-2,4,4a,7,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro(3,2-e)isoquinolin-7-yl) acetate
  • ((4R,4aR,7S,7aR,12bS)-9-acetyloxy-3-methyl-2,4,4a,7,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro(3,2-e)isoquinoline-7-yl) acetate
  • [(4R,4aR,7S,7aR,12bS)-9-acetyloxy-3-methyl-2,4,4a,7,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinoline-7-yl] acetate
  • Hydrochloride, Heroin
  • Min I Jet Morphine Sulphate
  • Hydrochloride, Diacetylmorphine
  • (1S,5R,13R,14S,17R)-14-(acetyloxy)-4-methyl-12-oxa-4-azapentacyclo(9.6.1.01,13.05,17.07,18)octadeca-7(18),8,10,15-tetraen-10-yl acetate
  • Morphinan-3,6-diol, 7,8-didehydro-4,5-epoxy-17-methyl-(5alpha,6alpha)-, diacetate (ester)
  • Preza
  • Aspron

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Orthorhombic plates, tablets from ethyl acetateexp.
Odour
Odorlessexp.
Taste
Bitterexp.
Melting point
173 °Cexp.
Boiling point
272 to 274exp.
Density
1.56 g/cm³ at 25 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, 60 mg/L at 25 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
7.59 × 10⁻¹⁰ mm Hg at 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
369.42 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
369.1576 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
1.99calc.
Topological polar surface area
65.07 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
6calc.
Rotatable bonds
2calc.
Heavy atoms
27calc.
Rings
5calc.
Aromatic rings
1calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.52calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
5calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, C1=CC2C3Cc4cccc5c4C2(CCN3)C(C1)O5

C1=CC2C3Cc4cccc5c4C2(CCN3)C(C1)O5

5 rings, 18 atoms.

246 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard

Hazard statements

  • H300Fatal if swallowed.
  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H310Fatal in contact with skin.
  • H317May cause an allergic skin reaction.
  • H330Fatal if inhaled.
  • H332Harmful if inhaled.
  • H334May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.
Precautionary statements (27)
  • P233Keep container tightly closed.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P262Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P272Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P284In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
  • P301 + P316If swallowed: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P320Specific treatment is urgent (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P333 + P317If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help.
  • P342 + P316If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P361 + P364Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P403Store in a well-ventilated place.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Heroin suppliers

Trading restrictions apply to this substance

Narcotic drug

Heroin is prohibited on CompoundList. Listings, quotes and messages are disabled. This page is kept for information only.

Listing and enquiries are not allowed for this substance.

Reference: UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961, HS 2022 subheading 2939.11 (opium alkaloids and their derivatives)

Our policy on controlled substances

Heroin price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

Prices are not shown for prohibited substances.

Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

This is a Schedule I controlled substance.

Schedule I Controlled Substance: (A) The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse, (B) The drug or other substance has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and (C) There is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision.

Because of the widespread abuse, therapeutic application is prohibited in many countries including Germany and the US. In other countries like the UK, parenteral heroin is used for the relief of severe pain, especially in terminal illness.

Analgesics, Opioid, Narcotics.

Use classes: Pharmaceuticals.

Pharmacological actions

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Narcotics

Roles

  • agonist
  • analgesic
  • mu-opioid agent
  • mu-opioid receptor agonist
  • neurotransmitter agent
  • opioid agent
  • opioid analgesic
  • opioid receptor agonist
  • pharmaceutical
  • pro-agent
  • prodrug

Functional uses

  • Pharmaceutical

How it is made

Preparation from morphine and acetic anhydride, ... from morphine and acetyl chloride...

Diamorphine is prepared by acetylation of morphine with acetic anhydride.

Heroin is processed from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pod of certain varieties of poppy plants grown in: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar (Burma)), Southwest Asia (Afghanistan and Pakistan), Mexico, and Colombia.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Narcotic drug

Heroin is prohibited on CompoundList. Listings, quotes and messages are disabled. This page is kept for information only.

Listing and enquiries are not allowed for this substance.

Reference: UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961, HS 2022 subheading 2939.11 (opium alkaloids and their derivatives)

Our policy on controlled substances

Controls

  • US DEA controlled substance or listed chemical
  • Controlled narcotic drug

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Heroin is traded under.

HS 2939.11Exact HS code

Concentrates of poppy straw, buprenorphine (INN), codeine, dihydrocodeine (INN)…

World exports in 2024
$246M
−3.8% vs 2023, imports $339M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. United Kingdom33.3%
  2. Spain21.3%
  3. Czech Republic8.6%
Top importers
  1. United States30.8%
  2. United Kingdom13.2%
  3. Germany6.3%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Heroin is indicative (it was matched by name in the HS nomenclature). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Heroin, based on the data on this page

What is Heroin?

Heroin is a morphinane alkaloid that is morphine bearing two acetyl substituents on the O-3 and O-6 positions. As with other opioids, heroin is used as both an analgesic and a recreational drug. Frequent and regular administration is associated with tolerance and physical dependence, which may develop into addiction.

What is the CAS number of Heroin?

The CAS registry number of Heroin is 561-27-3.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Heroin?

The molecular formula of Heroin is C21H23NO5 and its molar mass is 369.42 g/mol.

What is Heroin used for?

This is a Schedule I controlled substance. Schedule I Controlled Substance: (A) The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse, (B) The drug or other substance has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and (C) There is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other su…

Is Heroin hazardous?

Heroin carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: fatal if swallowed, harmful if swallowed, fatal in contact with skin. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Heroin?

Heroin is usually classified under HS code 293911 (Concentrates of poppy straw, buprenorphine (INN), codeine, dihydrocodeine (INN)…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Can I buy Heroin on CompoundList?

No. Heroin is on our prohibited list, so listings, quotes and messages for it are disabled. This page is kept for information only.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Heroin

Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page

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