Euphorics - Natural Products Chemistry: Sources, Separations, and Structures - page 88

N

O

O

O

O

FIGURE 8.6 The alkaloid cocaine.

QUESTIONS

1. What is thebaine?

2. How is the alkaloid thebaine related to morphine and codeine?

3. Give two more examples of cannabinoid structures.

4. What is a good approach to the isolation of cannabinoids from plants?

5. How might you isolate cocaine from coca leaves?

6. Why is acid base extraction helpful to purify alkaloids?

FURTHER READING
R. Cooper. 2013. Morphine and heroin. The yin and yang of narcotics. Chem Matters
Dec:14-16.
T. Dalrymple. 2008. Romancing Opiates: Pharmacological Lies and the Addiction Bureaucracy .
Encounter Books.
J. Mann, J. Emsley, P. Ball, P. Page, J. P. Michael, and H. Oakeley. 2009. Turn on and Tune in:
Psychedelics, Narcotics and Euphoriants. Royal Society of Chemistry.