Tryptamine
Introduction:
Tryptophan is a monoamine alkaloid found in plants, animals and fungi. It contains an indole nucleus and is similar to tryptophan in structure (lacking a carboxyl group), hence its name. It exists in mammalian brain in trace amounts and is thought to play the role of neuromodulator and neurotransmitter. Tryptamine is a kind of compounds with tryptamine as the parent structure, containing many bioactive substances, such as neurotransmitters.
Physical and chemical properties:
White acicular crystal, melting point 118 ℃ (145-146 ℃ decomposition). It is soluble in ethanol and acetone, and almost insoluble in ether, benzene, chloroform and water.
Tryptamine is a biogenic imine derived from decarboxylation of tryptophan. It stimulates smooth muscle contraction. It exists in animals and plants. It is formed by oxidation of amine oxidase. It is the precursor of Harman (→ Harman alkaloid). 5-hydroxy derivatives (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) exist in mammalian plasma and amphibian skin, and have vasoconstrictive effects.
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