Identification Tests

1. Serotonin Hydrochloride (C10H12N2O.HCl) It is obtained as hygroscopic crystals, sensitive to light having mp 167-168°C. It is water soluble and the aqueous solutions are found to be stable at pH 2-6.4. 2. Serotonin complex with Creatinine Sulphate Monohydrate (C14H21 N5O6S.H2O) (Antemovis) It is obtained as plates which decomposes at 215°C. Its uvmax (water at pH 3.5): is 275 nm (ε 15,000). It has two dissociation constants pK1' = 4.9 and pK2' = 9.8. The pH of a 0.01 molar aqueous solution is 3.6. It is found to be soluble in glacial acetic acid; very sparingly soluble in methanol and ethanol (95%); and insoluble in absolute ethanol, acetone, pyridine, ethyl acetate, chloroform, benzene and ether. Uses 1. It is a potent vasoconstrictor. 2. It is also a neurotransmitter in the CNS and is important in sleep-walking-cycles. B. Psilocin Synonyms Psilocyn. Biological Sources It is obtained from the sacred mushroom of Mexico known as Teonanacatl. It is also found in the fruiting bodies of Psilocybe maxicana Heim, (Agaricaceae).