A complete extraction of the bases and the acid esters of l‐nor‐ecgonine from coca leaves

Abstract

AbstractThe leaves, 20 g. are mixed with finely pulverised quick lime, containing a quantity of calcium oxide corresponding exactly with the moisture content of the leaves. After remaining for 24 hours in a closed flask they are transferred to an extractor containing a mixture of 100 cm3 of anhydrous benzene and 5 cm3 of absolute methyl alcohol. A quantity of ammonia solution, containing exactly 1.938 g of water is added and the leaves mixed with the solvents. After 24 hours, finely pulverised quick lime possessing a quantity of calcium oxide corresponding with the quantity of water used in the ammonia solution is added and after mixing, the extractor closed until the following day. Percolation is then started in a slow rate. As soon as the solvent mixture is run down a quantity of the mixture of anhydrous benzene and absolute methyl alcohol boiling at 58° is added to the leaves. Percolation with this solvent mixture is finished when the percolate mesures 800 cm3. The mixture boiling at 58° is distilled from this percolate and the remaining benzene solution is filtered from the calcium salts insoluble in benzene. The residue from the benzene solution is shaken with 25 cm3 of n/5 HCl solution and 100 cm3 of ether. The quantity of bases, the cocaines and the methyl ester of ecgonine can be determined in the hydrochloric acid solution so obtained. The quantity of l‐nor‐ecgonine can be determined in the mixture of calcium salts.