K;k;K

Painkiller Analogues79Figure 7.4 The chemical structure of meperidine, its analogueMPPP, and the closely related neurotoxin MPTP, are all shownhere. Meperidine, an anesthetic, was also used as an alternativeto morphine. It proved advantageous because it has a shorterlength of duration and fewer side effects than morphine.This college student was able to successfully make MPPPfrom meperidine for months for his own use. However, oneday while cooking up some MPPP, he was in a hurry andskipped a step or two in the synthesis process. Later, when hedecided to inject himself with this latest batch of MPPP, heimmediately knew something was wrong when his whole armbegan to burn. Within a few days, his arms and legs becamecompletely paralyzed, and he was unable to move or speak. His