Strychnine
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Description
A highly toxic alkaloid derived from the seeds of the Strychnos nux-vomica tree and related species. Strychnine was first extracted in 1818 by French chemists Joseph-Bienaimé Caventou and Pierre-Joseph Pelletier. The bitter tasting crystals are commercially used in rodent poisons.
Synonyms and Related Terms
strychnidin-10-one
Risks
- Highly toxic by ingestion, Causing cramps and convulsions within 20 minutes.
- Sigma Aldrich: SDS
Physical and Chemical Properties
Soluble in chloroform, benzene, toluene, glycerols. Slightly soluble in ether, alcohols. Almost insoluble in water.
| Composition | C21H22N2O2 |
|---|---|
| CAS | 57-24-9 |
| Density | 1.35 g/ml |
| Molecular Weight | mol. wt. = 334.45 |
| Boiling Point | 270 C |
Resources and Citations
- The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 8724
- Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "strychnine" [Accessed March 26, 2002].