One could convert it to an ether through, with MeI or DMS, could they not?
Interesting. Might have better BBB penetration and thus more effect, however i'm unfamilliar with opiate receptor topology so i'm unsure whether that hydroxy is needed for receptor activation.
Oh, and Wikipedia states tertiary alcohols can be oxidized with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone... would this work with that cyclohexanol hydroxy group?
Still relatively inexperienced with chem so bear with me...