Oripavine is the major alkaloid of Papaver orientale. It is an important intermediate in the biosynthesis of morphine alkaloids. Recently, new Papaver somniferum strains have been developed which accumulate thebaine and oripavine, but not morphine and codeine. Therefore, the chemistry of oripavine has been studied intensively to synthesize opioid pharmaceuticals such as oxymorphone, naloxone and buprenorphine.