Cocaine (data page)

Cocaine

Error creating thumbnail:

Cocaine 3-D balls

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug derived from the leaves of the Coca plant native to South America. As a street drug, cocaine looks like a fine, white, crystal powder. Street dealers often mix it with things like cornstarch, talcum powder, or flour to increase profits. They may also mix it with other drugs such as the stimulant amphetamine or the synthetic opioid fentanyl.

Medical uses

Cocaine is used in medicine as a topical anesthetic, especially in otolaryngology for procedures involving the nasal, laryngeal, and oral cavities. Its ability to constrict blood vessels helps to reduce bleeding during surgical procedures.

Pharmacology

Cocaine acts by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine by neurons, leading to an accumulation of these neurotransmitters in the brain. This accumulation results in the stimulation of the central nervous system, increased heart rate, and blood pressure, and a feeling of euphoria.

History

Cocaine has a long history of use for various purposes. Indigenous people in South America have chewed coca leaves for centuries to increase their energy levels and endurance. Its medicinal properties were first isolated in the 19th century, and it was used in tonics and elixirs. However, due to its addictive nature and potential for abuse, its use has been highly regulated or banned in many countries.

Legal status

Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II drug in the United States under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it has a high potential for abuse but can be administered by a doctor for legitimate medical uses, such as local anesthesia for some eye, ear, and throat surgeries.

Safety Information

When handling Cocaine in its free base form, strict safety measures must be adopted. It is crucial to consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from reputable sources such as the Safety and Chemical Information Resource Institute (SIRI) to obtain detailed guidance on safe handling practices. Adherence to the MSDS directions is strongly advised to mitigate potential risks.

Structural and Physical Properties

• - Index of Refraction (nD): The index of refraction is measured at 1.5022, highlighting how light bends when passing through the substance.
• - Melting Point: Cocaine's free base has a melting point of 98°C, indicating the temperature at which it transitions from solid to liquid.
• - Boiling Point: The boiling point is observed at 187°C, the temperature at which the substance changes from liquid to gas.
• - Solubility: It exhibits a solubility of 1.7 g/L in water at 25°C, showcasing its ability to dissolve to a certain extent in water.

Thermodynamic Properties

The document does not specify values for the thermodynamic properties such as the triple point, critical point, standard enthalpy and entropy changes of fusion and vaporization, and the properties pertaining to solid, liquid, and gas phases. These parameters are crucial for understanding the behavior of Cocaine under different temperature and pressure conditions, including its transition points and thermal stability.

Spectral Data

Spectral analysis data, which could provide insights into the molecular structure and interactions of Cocaine, is also not specified. This includes:

• - UV-Vis Spectroscopy: Information such as the maximum wavelength (λmax) and extinction coefficient could reveal how the substance absorbs light.
• - IR Spectroscopy: Major absorption bands would indicate the vibrational motions within the molecule.
• - NMR Spectroscopy: Both Proton and Carbon-13 NMR data could offer detailed structural information.
• - Mass Spectrometry: Masses of main fragments would assist in identifying molecular components and their relative abundances.

See also

• Crack cocaine
• Cocaethylene
• Drug addiction
• War on Drugs