Page 26 - Phytochemistry 2 (06-PG 605)

Ephedrine in aged chlorofomic solution, or on evaporation, is transformed to
ephedrine HCl with release of the toxic gas ; phosgene (COCl2)

Separation of a mixture of ephedrine and ψ-ephderine
1- Pseudoephedrine HCl is more soluble in chloroform than ephedrine HCl.
2- Pseudoephedrine HCl is more soluble in alcohol than ephedrine HCl.
3- Pseudoephedrine oxalate is more soluble in water than ephedrine oxalate.

Tests for identity
Chen's test: Dissolve ephedrineHCl in 1 ml of water, and add Copper Sulphate
(T.S.) (not more than 2 drops), followed by 1 ml of sodium hydroxide T.S.; a violet
color is produced. To the mixture, add 1 ml of CHCL3 and shake well; the CHCL3
layer is colored purple.
Quantitative estimation

1- Non aqueous titration.
2- Colorimetric estimation.
Uses
Ephedrine is an indirectly acting sympathomimetic amine with effects similar to
those of noradrenaline
Ephedrine is a bronchodilator used in the treatment of asthma, hey-fever, and
other allergic disorders,
It also used as nasal decongestant (0.5-1% ephedrine solution).

2- Cathe alkaloids "Abyssinian tea"

25