Hydroxytropacocaine

Hydroxytropacocaine is a tropane alkaloid that is found in the coca plant. It is a minor alkaloid, accounting for only about 1% of the total alkaloids in the plant. Hydroxytropacocaine is a derivative of tropacocaine, with an additional hydroxyl group attached to the benzene ring.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Hydroxytropacocaine has a chemical formula of C17H21NO4 and a molecular weight of 301.35 g/mol. It is a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water and alcohol. The presence of the hydroxyl group on the benzene ring makes it more polar and therefore more soluble in water than tropacocaine.

Pharmacology

Like other tropane alkaloids, hydroxytropacocaine acts as a stimulant by blocking the reuptake of dopamine in the brain. This leads to an increase in the concentration of dopamine in the synaptic cleft, which results in increased stimulation of the post-synaptic neuron. However, the pharmacological effects of hydroxytropacocaine are less potent than those of the primary alkaloid in the coca plant, cocaine.

Toxicity

The toxicity of hydroxytropacocaine is not well-studied. However, it is known that the presence of the hydroxyl group on the benzene ring reduces the toxicity of the compound compared to tropacocaine. This is because the hydroxyl group makes the compound more polar, which reduces its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and therefore its potential for causing neurotoxicity.

Legal Status

Hydroxytropacocaine is a controlled substance in many countries due to its potential for abuse and addiction. In the United States, it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act.

See Also

• Coca plant
• Tropane alkaloids
• Tropacocaine
• Cocaine