Isolation and preparation of 3H-tetrandrine

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/jlcr.2580341002

Tetrandrine is a biabenzytehahydroisoquinoline alkaloid. Its structure is vary complex and the preparation of labeled derivatives is difficult. We have prepared ³H-tatrandrine using the tritium gas exposure method. This method produces many fragments which make isolation and purification of small quantities difficult. We investigated these fragments of unlabeled d-tetrandrine and found almost all contain one to several hydroxide groups. Using this information, we designed a two-step paper chromatography method for isolation and purification of ³H-Tetrandrine. This method involves the application of a pH 4.7 Na₂HPO₄-citric acid buffer to the paper to block the migration of hydroxide group fragments of tetrandrine. ³H-tetrandrine was successfully with a radiochemical purity of 90%.