Methylecgonine, also known as ecgonine methyl ester is a prominent tropane alkaloid found in coca leaves.[1] It is metabolite of cocaine,[2] and may be used as a precursor for it. It also occurs as minor alkaloid in roots of many Datura species such as Datura stramonium[3] and Datura innoxia.[4]
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| Names | |
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| IUPAC name methyl 3-hydroxy-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2-carboxylate | |
Other names
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| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) |
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| ChEMBL | |
| ChemSpider | |
PubChem CID | |
| UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
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| Properties | |
| C10H17NO3 | |
| Molar mass | 199.250 g·mol−1 |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
Biosynthesis
It is the last step before cocaine is biosynthesized in coca plants with the help of BAHD acyltransferase.[5]
Animal study
Animals study suggest that it has beneficial effect on cognition and protects against cocaine lethality.[6][7] It showed inhibition of sodium channels only at very high dosages.[8]