2 beta-substituted analogues of cocaine. Synthesis and inhibition of binding to the cocaine receptor.

: The potencies of a series of 2 beta-substituted cocaine analogues to displace [3H]-3 beta-(p-fluorophenyl)tropane-2 beta-carboxylic acid methyl ester binding in rat striatal membranes demonstrate the requirement for a 2 beta-substituent with two hydrogen-bond acceptors. The insensitivity of the ester moiety to steric and electronic factors suggests its modification to provide site-specific irreversible ligands.