Amines Biological / Neurological Activity Chem 106 / Dr. Rusay Spring 2004
Amines Generally STINK
The Way Neurotransmitters Work: 1. Nerve impulse releases neurotransmitter 2. Migrates & binds to 2nd cell 3. Cell produces a signal 4. Neurotransmitter released back to 1st cell Certain amines are important neurotransmitters.
Amines & Neurotransmitters
Choline - Acetylcholine, Dopamine, Serotonin, Melatonin What happens when acetylcholine is not released? What are the effects of nerve agents such as Sarin & VX?
Mild stimulant: effects central nervous system (CNS) 1/2 life in the bloodstream ~ 2 hours Highly addictive Highly toxic: used as an insecticide mg/kg oral
Nicotine
Mild stimulant Coffee, tea, colas, Excedrin, No-Doz (~ 100mg/serving or dose) Caffeine 1/2 life in the bloodstream ~ 4 hours
Coffee: healthy?…..or not?
If a student, (A), consumed one dose of caffeine, one hour before Exam 2 and student (M) smoked the equivalent of one dose of nicotine one hour before Exam 2, which student has more stimulant in their system at the start of the exam? How much do they have at the end of the 1 1/2 hour exam? Drug Metabolism / Half Life
Adrenalin CholineAcetylcholine
Increases oxygen through heart rate and breathing Rapid energy boost in response to stress “Fight or Flight!”
Opium based amines Rapid pain killers Highly addictive Controlled substances Note: We produce natural, opiate-like molecules, (endorphins / enkephalins), through high levels of exercise and in women during pregnancy!
Extract of leaves of Erythroxylon coca Historical uses: in Coca Cola, as a psycho- therapeutic and as an opthalmic topical anesthetic. Currently a controlled substance under U.S. Federal Regulations: Title 21 secs & (1987). Commonly chewed by indigenous tribes in the Andes. Merck Index, #2450, 11th ed.: Caution: May be habit forming.
Acid -Base Chemistry (Physical Properties) m.p. 98 oC (very volatile > 90 oC) Solubility: Water: 1.67 x 10-3 g/mL CHCl3: 1.43 g/mL Ether: 0.29 g/mL
“Regular” Cocaine (Physical Properties) m.p. >195 oC Solubility: Water: 2.5 g/mL CHCl 3 : 0.08 g/mL Ether: insoluble
Does chocolate give you a rush?
Mescaline
Cathecols: epinephrine & MDMA Epinephrine: principal sympathomimetic adrenal hormone & a controlled substancesubstance