Page 67 - Phytochemistry 2 (06-PG 605)
P. 67
Atropine
Occurrence
Atropine is obtained from Atropa belladonna
Me
N
H OH
H
O
O
Atropine (dl (±) hyoscyamine)
Properties
It is the racemic form (dl-mixture) of hyoscyamine, so it is
optically inactive (consisting of equimolar mixture of d-tropic & l-
tropic esters). It is formed from hyoscyamine during the process of
extraction. It is a crystalline solid that occurs as long prisms, m.p.
116-117oC. It crystallizes from ethanol on addition of water or from
chloroform on addition of petroleum ether. The solubility in organic
solvents is more or less the same like hyoscyamine.
Atropine is readily hydrolysed by treatment with alkali or
dilute acid yielding tropic acid and tropine. AtropineSO4 is the most
commonly used form among its salts for medicinal purposes.
Uses
It is used in medicine as mydriatic, antispasmodic,
preanesthetic medication and antidote to organophosphorus
insecticides.
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