Ergotoxinae Phosphas. Ergotoxine Phosphate.

Related entry: Ergot

C₃₅H₄₄N₅O₁₀P, H₂O = 743.458.

Ergotoxine phosphate, C₃₅H₄₁N₅O₆, H₃PO₄, H₂O, may be prepared by adding diluted phosphoric acid to a solution of the base in hot alcohol, and allowing the salt to crystallise out. It occurs in tufts of needle-shaped crystals, or, when quite pure, in isolated needles. Melting-point, 1861 to 1871, with decomposition. Shaken with cold distilled water, a typical colloidal solution is formed; this contains i per cent. of the salt, is strongly opalescent and frothing, and does not deposit any of the salt on standing. The addition of hydrochloric acid produces a thick jelly, but acetic acid leaves the solution liquid. The salt has an acid reaction.

Soluble in boiling alcohol (1 in 18), but less soluble in cold alcohol, and only sparingly soluble in water.

Action and Uses.—Ergotoxine phosphate acts in the same manner as the pure base, and is the salt which is most readily obtainable.

Dose.—½ to 1 ½ milligrams (1/120 to 1/50 grain).

The British Pharmaceutical Codex, 1911, was published by direction of the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.