Cocaine

Nathan Camarata

The Basics
IUPAC name: methyl (1R,2R,3S,5S)-3(benzoyloxy)-8-methyl8-azabicyclo[3.2.1] octane-2-carboxylate MP: 98C BP: 187C MW: 303.353 g/mol Density: 1.216 g/ml Most widely used illicit drug after marijuana.

Early Use and Synthesis

Comes from

Erythroxylum coca.

Earliest known use about 8000 years ago. First isolated by German scientist Friedrich Gaedcke in 1855.

How It Works
Reported Effects
- Euphoria - Copious amounts of energy -Increased alertness and body temperature - Decreased appetite

Cocaine Notables
Sigmund Freud One of the earliest advocators of cocaine use. Felt it could help depression or treat morphine addiction. "Woe to you my Princess, when I come, I will kiss you quite red and feed you till you are plump. And if you are forward, you shall see who is the stronger, a gentle little girl who doesn't eat enough or a big wild man who has cocaine in his body."
Sigmund Freud age 28 addressing his wife, from 'On Coca'

Cocaine Notables
Angelo Mariani

French chemist who patented wine in 1863. Originally contained 7.2 mg of cocaine per ounce.

Cocaine Notables

John Stith Pemberton American pharmacist created company in 1886. Made many health claims for his product and marketed it as "delicious, refreshing, exhilarating, invigorating" and touted it as a "valuable brain tonic" that would cure headaches, relieve exhaustion and calm nerves. Today, Coca Cola is worth around $150 billion.

Cocaine Today

Declared illegal by Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 and Harrison act in 1914. Classified as Schedule II; can be used for legitimate medical purposes only. Arrested if found in possession. Nearly 20,000 Kgs of cocaine are seized at Mexico border every year.