Alkaloids can occur in two forms, denoted as ammonium salts and free bases. These forms differ substantially in their properties and in some cases in their structures. The article discusses and compares the salts and free bases of six well-known alkaloids: nicotine, morphine, cocaine, sanguinarine, allocryptopine, and magnoflorine. Relevance for the biological and medical uses of these compounds is emphasized.
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Citation
Dostál, Jirí. J. Chem. Educ.2000 77 993.
Keywords
Acid-Base Chemistry; Bioorganic Chemistry; Drugs / Pharmaceuticals; Natural Products; Public Understanding; Introductory/High School Chemistry
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