Definition. - An alkaloid [C8H13(C6H5CO)NO.COOCH3] obtained from several varieties of coca.

Description and Properties. - Slightly soluble in water (1: 600), much more so in alcohol (1: 5), more readily in both when warm; insoluble in glycerin.

Cocaine is a methyl compound of benzoylecgonine. When it is boiled with water methyl alcohol is first split off, then benzoic acid; these changes occur more rapidly with dilute acids or barium hydroxide. Conversely cocaine may be built up by introducing the methyl and benzoyl groups into ecgonine (a compound having the empirical formula, C9H15NOs).

Dose. - "Average dose: 0.030 Gm. =30 milligrammes (1/2 grain)." U. S. P.

Official Preparation

Oleatum Cocainae - Oleati Cocainae - Oleate of Cocaine. - Containing 5 per cent. of cocaine.