OBJECTIVE Homologous 3-alkyl-ester prodrugs (C2 to C4) of buprenorphine with decreased crystallinity have been synthesized and evaluated for transdermal delivery commensurate with opioid dependence treatment. METHODS To assess the influence of derivatization on delivery, the permeation of the prodrugs through human skin was determined in vitro. Prodrug metabolism was measured in human blood and skin supernatant in vitro along with chemical hydrolysis controls. The prodrugs octanol/water partition coefficients were measured. RESULTS Without exception, the prodrugs were completely hydrolyzed on passing through the skin and appeared as buprenorphine in the receptor compartment. However, using saturation conditions, in no instance did the buprenorphine flux through skin from a prodrug solution exceed the flux of buprenorphine base itself in vitro. Moreover, the flux of the acetyl ester, the least hydrophobic of the prodrugs, was not significantly elevated upon stripping the skin. Whether in blood or the skin supernatant, the prodrugs hydrolyzed in an apparent first-order fashion and rate constants and half-lives were calculated. CONCLUSIONS We conclude from the results that the prodrugs' very high octanol/water partition coefficients (hydrophobicity) placed them in viable tissue layer controlled diffusion. Consequently, one does not derive the potential flux-increasing benefit of reducing crystallinity that was expected.