Chemical Properties
Pale Yellow to Reddish Brown Oil
Uses
(S)-Nornicotine is a metabolite of Nicotine (N412420). Can catalyze aqueous aldol reactions.
Uses
Agricultural or horticultural insecticide.
Definition
ChEBI: A pyridine alkaloid that is nicotine lacking the methyl group on the pyrrolidine nitrogen.
Production Methods
Commercial production of nornicotine, particularly the high-purity (S)-enantiomer, has evolved from traditional tobacco extraction to sophisticated synthetic and chemoenzymatic methods. One advanced approach begins with myosmine, a compound derived from nicotinic acid, which is then converted into (S)-nornicotine using highly selective biocatalysts such as imine reductases. Enzyme-driven processes that enable efficient, scalable production while minimizing impurities like tobacco-specific nitrosamines have been developed. Another method involves converting racemic (R,S)-nornicotine into high-purity (S)-nornicotine through a combination of immobilized enzymes and reducing agents
Mechanism of action
Broad-spectrum and fast acting. Mainly respiratory action but some contact and stomach activity
Safety Profile
Poison by intraperitoneal andintravenous routes. About 1/3 the toxicity of nicotine.Causes faintness, prostration, muscular weakness, severenausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and collapse withoutconvulsions. An insecticide. When heated todecomposition it em
IC 50
Human Endogenous Metabolite
Pesticide Type
Insecticide; Metabolite
