L-methyl-4-phenyl-4-propionoxypiperidine

The two most common analogs of meperidine used as recreational drugs are l-methyl-4-phenyl-4-propionoxypiperidine (MPPP) and l-[2-phenylethyl]-4-acetyloxypiperdine (PEPAP). These compounds have a number of street names, including new heroin, synthetic heroin, synthetic Demerol, and China White. MPPP and PEPAP have pharmacological effects similar to those of heroin, hut more pronounced, producing a sense of euphoria and release from the real world. MPPP, for example, is three times as potent has heroin. 

The drug in question was l-methyl-4-phenyl-4-propionoxypiperidine (MPPP, 8.85) (Scheme 8.23). During its synthesis, if MPPP is exposed to acid at elevated temperatures, an elimination occurs to afford 1-methyl-4-phenyl-l,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP, 8.86) as an impurity. MPTP is the key impurity responsible for Parkinson s symptoms. 

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