Aminotetralins as narcotic antagonists. 2. Synthesis and opiate-related activity of 1-phenyl-3-aminotetralins.

The synthesis and analgetic agonist and antagonist activities of several 3-[N-(cyclopropylmethyl)-N-methylamino]-1-phenyltetralins are reported. The design of these agents was based partially on the possibility of two aryl receptor binding sites on the opiate receptor. The agents lack the phenolic hydroxyl and quaternary carbon functionalities generally associated with opiate activity; yet both the cis- and trans-1-phenyl-3-aminotetralins displayed significant agonist and antagonist activity. In preliminary studies, the trans isomer neither suppressed nor precipitated withdrawal signs in addicted monkeys.