Page 100 - phytochemistry general program

The base is easily soluble in H2O and CHCl3 .3

Tests for identity:
Helch’s test .4

Pilocarpine soln in H2O + Pot. dichromate + H2O2 + dil. acid violet color

Upon shaking with CHCl3 it will extract the violet color .

This color reaction can be used for Colorimetic estimation of pilocarpine

Nitrates of pilocarpine and isopilocarpine are separated by fractional .5
crystallization from ethanol.
.6

Stability: .7

1-The lactone ring is opened by heating with caustic alkali .1
The opening of the lactone ring destroys the physiological activity of pilocarpine.

CH3- CH2 H CH2
O O
N - CH3
N

H CH2
CH3- CH2
N - CH3
O N
OH HO

Pilocarpic acid

98