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

Chemical structure

Strychnine.jpg


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