Chemical Properties
WHITE TO LIGHT BEIGE ADHERING CRYSTALLINE SOLID
Uses
Acetylcholine is an endogenous neurotransmitter at cholinergic synapses that amplifies action potential of the sarcolemma thereby inducing muscle contractions. Acetylcholine bromide is used as an acetylcholine receptor agonist to identify, characterize and differentiate among types of cholinergic receptors. Acetylcholine bromide is used as an inhibitor to identify and characterize natural and mutated butyrylcholinesterase(s).
Definition
ChEBI: The bromide salt of acetylcholine.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Endogenous neurotransmitter at cholinergic synapses; amplifies action potential of the sarcolemma thereby inducing muscle contractions.
Purification Methods
The bromide is a hygroscopic solid, but less so than the hydrochloride salt. It crystallises from EtOH as prisms. Some hydrolysis occurs in boiling EtOH, particularly if it contains some H2O. It can also be recrystallised from EtOH or MeOH by adding dry Et2O. [Heilbronn Acta Chem Scand 12 1492 1958, Beilstein 4 IV 1446.]
