Anilidopiperidine (fentanyls)

Anilidopiperidines are a chemical class of organic compounds organized around a piperidine ring, a six-membered ring with one nitrogen, that bears an anilide group, an amide linking the ring to a phenyl-bearing aniline, which gives the class its name. The piperidine nitrogen typically carries a phenethyl arm, and individual members differ by substituents on the rings and by the acyl group of the amide. The class comprises the fentanyls, potent synthetic opioids that act as agonists at the mu-opioid receptor. Their high potency makes them associated with a substantial overdose risk.