Alkaloids Flashcards
Alkaloid role in plants
keep away predators
what is an alkaloid
naturally occurring organic compound containing basic nitrogen atoms
define taxonomic classification
according to family
Example of alkaloids + name and part of plant + pharmacological action
caffeine, from the leaves of tea plant. used as stimulant
define what heterocyclic
when the cyclic structure of a compound is made with at least 2 different types of atom ie carbon and nitrogen
define a proto alkaloid
non-heterocyclic ie only carbon cyclic structure ie mescaline
difference between true and pseudo
true is derived from amino acid
solubility in water
mostly insoluble
example of true alkaloid
nicotine
example of pseudo alkaloid
caffeine
physical forms
crystallin, amorphous solids. volatile liquid; nicotine, non volatile
colour
mostly colourless
test of alkaloids
Mayers reagent, Wagers r, Hagers r, Dragendorffs
what do the test tell you?
only if present or not present
test for purity
murexidine