The Isoquinoline Alkaloids

Book excerpt: The Isoquinoline Alkaloids: A Course in Organic Chemistry is a description of the chemical structures of alkaloids. The book discusses the processes for degradation of isoquinoline alkaloids to recognizable compounds such as oxidation and exhaustive methylation. The associated processes in removing the nitrogen atom are also explained. The commonly used Hofmann process and the interpretation of its result are evaluated in the degradation of alkaloids. The cactus ""pellote"" used by Mexican Indians to induce hallucinatory experiences is examined. The active ingredient is identified as mescaline; its composition is analyzed to contain one primary amino and three methoxyl groups. The different syntheses made to duplicate mescaline are described. The structures of morphine, codeine, and thebain, which are all alkaloids of opium, are also analyzed. Another example of a principal alkaloid found in a plant is emetine found in the root of the ipecac. The pharmacological bases of emetine are isolated and noted as emetamine, cephaeline, psychotrine, and O-methylpsychotrine. The text also traces many other structural relationships within the subgroups of the isoquinoline alkaloids. Chemists, students and professors in organic chemistry, and laboratory technicians whose work is related to pharmacology will find this book informative.