Journal Published Online: 01 July 1994
Volume 39, Issue 4

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Identification of the Phenylalkylamine Alkaloids of Khat Using a Chiral Solvating Agent

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Nuclear magnetic resonance was used for the identification of three major alkaloids in dried leaves of the khat plant, Catha edulis. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of plant extracts confirmed the presence of cathinone, norpseudoephedrine and norephedrine. The subsequent addition of a chiral solvating agent, (S)-(−)-1,1′-bi-2-naphthol, to these NMR solutions enabled the identification of the various enantiomers of these alkaloids. Both the (S)- and (R)- enantiomers of cathinone were detected. The results from the determination of the alkaloid ratios in the dried plant material by the NMR method are compared to those obtained by a previously developed gas chromatographic method.

Author Information

Dawson, BA
Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, Bureau of Drug Research, Health Protection Branch, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Black, DB
Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, Bureau of Drug Research, Health Protection Branch, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Lavoie, A
Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, Bureau of Drug Research, Health Protection Branch, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
LeBelle, MJ
Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, Bureau of Drug Research, Health Protection Branch, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Pages: 13
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS13681J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13681J