Isopilocarpine-Synonym β-Pilocarpine

2.3.2 Isopilocarpine

Synonym β-Pilocarpine.

Biological Source It is same as stated under Section 2.3.1 on pilocarpine.

Chemical Structure

Isolation It has been discussed under Section 2.3.1 above

Characteristic Features

1. It is a hygroscopic oily liquid or prisms.

2. It has the following physical parameters: bp₁₀ 261°C; [α]¹⁸_D +50 C° (C = 2); pK₁ (18°C) 7.17.

3. It is miscible with water and alcohol; very soluble in chloroform; less soluble in ether and benzene; and almost insoluble in petroleum-ether.

Identification Tests Its derivatives have the specific physical parameters, namely:

1. Isopilocarpine hydrochloride hemihydrate (C₁₁H₁₆N₂O₂ . HCl.½H₂O): It is obtained as scales from ethanol having mp 127°C; when anhydrous mp 161°C; [α]_D¹⁸ +39^o (C = 5). It is soluble 0.27 part water and 2.1 parts ethanol.

2. Isopilocarpine nitrate (C₁₁H₁₆N₂O.HNO₃): It occurs as prisms from water, scales from ethanol, having mp 159°C; [α]_D¹⁸  +39^o C (C = 2). It is soluble in 8.4 parts of water and in 350 parts of absolute ethanol.

Uses

1. It is used as an antiglaucoma agent

2. It is also employed as miotic.