Why do slight differences in functional groups on the otherwise similar looking molecule have such a dramatic effect in drug potency? For example, I've read that diacetylmorphine, which is heroin, and contains a similar structure to codeine and morphine, is far more potent than codeine. I obviously knew this, but why does the presence of those two acetyl groups, CH3CO, have any difference in potency? What do those acetyl groups do to make heroin more potent?
Heroin can cross the blood brain barrier (nonpolar), morphine can not (polar). Heroin is metabolized to morphine and can not diffuse out across the BBB again; therefore, longer, more intense DOA of heroin.