strychniini

Strychnin is a strong, naturally occurring alkaloid found in the seeds of the Strychnos nux-vomica tree, native to the tropics of Asia. It was first isolated in the mid-19th century and has since been used in various medical and industrial applications.

The chemical structure of strychnin was determined in the late 19th century, revealing its crystalline, white, and odorless properties. It is a highly crystalline substance that can be purified through recrystallization from organic solvents such as ethanol and ether.

Strychnin has a number of notable physical and chemical properties, including its high melting point and insolubility in water, but its high reactivity with various acids and amines, and its volatility upon heating. The toxicity of strychnin is extremely high, with even small doses potentially fatal to humans. This is due to the substance's ability to stimulate nerve cells, leading to convulsive seizures and muscle rigidity, as well as its interference with cellular breathing and respiratory functions.

Strychnin was historically used as a treatment for various medical conditions, including sciatica and lien typhoid fever. However, it is no longer used as a treatment due to its extreme toxicity. Strychnin has also been used in chemical manufacturing for the production of various dyes, textiles, and paints. It is considered a significant industrial poisin.

Due to its highly toxic nature, strychnin is no longer used in medical or industrial applications and is handled only in specialized laboratories for research purposes.