Page 57 - Phytochemistry 2 (06-PG 605)

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

Stability:

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

CH3- CH2 H CH2 N - CH3
O O N

H CH2 N - CH3
CH3- CH2 N

O
OH HO

Pilocarpic acid

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