History
Who isolated Epibatidine?
The first person to isolate the compound Epibatidine was a medicinal chemist by the name of John Daly in 1976. He isolated the chemical in order to conduct further research; however, he obtained less than 1 mg. This was due to the low natural abundance of Epibatidine, only allowing for less than 1mg per 750 frogs. He named this compound alkaloid 208/210.
Image 1. Chemist John Daly.
Why weren't more samples collected?
The species of frog, Epipedobates Tricolor, was declared endangered and appeared on the IUCN Red List as a threatened species. John Daly was no longer permitted to collect samples from the rare frogs and his studies were forced to a halt. A team of scientists then tried to breed the frogs in captivity, revealing an interesting discovery. The frogs bred in captivity did not produce the toxin Epibatidine. Scientists came to the conclusion that the production of Epibatidine was due to the environment, food sources, and natural threats that the frogs experienced in the rainforests of Ecuador. The scientists were not able to replicate these conditions to the point where the toxin would be produced.
Created by: Michael Agosta
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Don't lick the frogs...
Website Guide
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Introduction to the
website
General Information
Facts about
Epibatidine. Where it can be found, how it is produced, and more.
History
The background of
Epibatidine and how the compound came to be isolated.
Uses
Discussion of the
possible uses of Epibatidine, both medically regulated and not.
Chemical Information
Molecular Formula, 3D
Models, Melting Points, and other chemical facts concerning Epibatidine.
References
A list in MLA format
of the sources for my project.
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