Methadone, structure approach

Those in this condition were prescribed methadone on a fixed reduction schedule (5 mg reduction every two weeks). Therapy consisted of brief intensive sessions with initial emphasis on engaging the family in the treatment programme. The theoretical approach of our therapy derived from both a structural and strategic model, described earlier. 

In 1973, Eli Shelter was here on a sabbatical, funded by some pharmaceutical foundation, and felt he should do something connected with pharmacy. He and Hans-Beat Btirgi then determined the crystal structure of methadone and found an unusually short approach of the amino nitrogen to the carbonyl carbon, which was seen to be slightly displaced from the plane of its three bonded neighbors towards the approaching amino group. This reminded me of similar observations in published structures of some alkaloids. It... 

---