Anhalonine-obtained from the mescal buttons-Lophophora williamsii

B. Anhalonine

Synonym Anhalanine

Biological Sources It is obtained from the mescal buttons [Lophophora williamsii (Lemaire) Coult. (Anhalonium lewinii Henn). Cactaceae]; and also in Ariocarpus, in Gymnocalycium gibbosum.

Chemical Structure

6, 7, 8, 9-Tetrahydro-4-methoxy-9-methyl-1, 3-dioxolo [4, 5-h] isoquinoline, (C₁₂H₁₅NO₃).

Characteristic Features

1. It is obtained as rhombic needles from petroleum ether having mp 86°C and bp_0.02 140°C.

2. Its specific optical rotation [α]_D²⁵-63.8⁰ (methanol); and [α]_D²⁵  -56.3⁰ (chloroform).

3. It is found to be freely soluble in ethanol, ether, chloroform, benzene and petroleum ether.

Identification Test

Anhalonine Hydrochloride (C₁₂H₁₅NO₃.HCl): It is obtained as orthorhombic prisms decomposing at 255°C. Its aqueous solution is almost neutral. It is found to be freely soluble in hot water.

Uses It may be employed as a mild hallucinating agent.