5-Methyltryptamine hydrochloride is a methylated derivative of tryptamine, it is a weak antagonist of 5-Hydroxytryptamine (H974990) with weak potency as stimulants of the cardiac sympathetic nerves. 5-Methyltryptamine hydrochloride is also used in the preparation of inhibitors of kinesin spindle protein (KSP), a promising class of anticancer agents.
Recrystallise the hydrochloride from H2O. The free base has m 96-98o (from *C6H6/cyclohexane) or m 99-100o (from pet ether), and the picrate has m 243o(dec) (from EtOH). [Young J Chem Soc 3493 1958, Gaddum et al. Quart J Exp Physiol 40 49 1955, R.hm Hoppe Seyler's Z Physiol Chem 297 229 1954, Beilstein 22 III/IV 4364, 22/10 V 167.]
