Alkaloid

Name:
Alkaloid
Detailed information:
A basic nitrogenous organic compound of vegetable origin. Usually derived from the nitrogen ring compounds pyridine, quinoline, isoquinoline, and pyrrole, designated by the ending -ine. Though some are liquids, they are usually colorless, crystalline solids, having a bitter taste, and which combine with acids without elimination of water. They are soluble in alcohol, insoluble or sparingly soluble in water. Examples are atropine, morphine, nicotine, quinine, codeine, caffeine, cocaine, and strychnine.