How was heroin first synthesized?

Heroin was first synthesized in 1874 by the chemist C. R. Alder Wright, who chemically modified morphine, a natural alkaloid derived from the opium poppy. This modification involved the acetylation of morphine, which enhanced certain properties of the drug, including its potency and euphoric effects, leading to its initial use in medicine. The intention behind synthesizing heroin was to create a less addictive alternative to morphine for pain relief. Understanding the historical context of heroin’s synthesis is crucial, as it highlights the evolution of our understanding of narcotic medications and their effects on the human body.