| Chemistry structure: |
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| Properties: | |
| White or pale-buff to slightly yellowish; odorless powder; darkens slowly on exposure to light and darkens more rapidly in solution. Mp 264–265C (decomposes). Insoluble in water; slightly soluble in alcohol; soluble in chloroform and benzene. | |
| Derivation: | |
| From Rauwolfia serpentina. | |
| Grade: | |
| USP. | |
| Hazard: | |
| Carcinogen in animals, potential cancer risk in humans. | |
| Use: | |
| Antihypertensive agent, tranquilizer. | |