serpentine Property

Melting point:

1490 °C

Density 

3.15 g/cm3

Hazard and Precautionary Statements (GHS)

serpentine Chemical Properties,Usage,Production

Description

This alkaloid has been isolated from Rauwolfia serpentina Benth and forms yellow plates from MeOH or EtOH. The earlier formula of C₂₀H₂₀0₃N₂ has recently been altered to that given above. The hydrochloride hydrate has m.p. l33-5°C or 248-260°C (dry);[α]⁴⁰_D + 188° (H₂0); nitrate, m.p. 172°C; nitrite, m.p. l65-6°C (dec.); perchlorate, m.p. 256°C; picrate, m.p. 26l-2°C and methiodide, 245-6°C. The base also yields a monobromo-hydrobromide, m.p. 257-8°C (dec.). On heating to 210°C it isomerizes to isoserpentine, colourless prismatic rods, m.p. 230-2°C yielding a hydrochloride, m.p. 271-2°C; [α]³⁴_D+ 168.08° (H₂0) and the picrate, m.p. 263-4°C.

Definition

serpentine: Any of a group of hydrousmagnesium silicate mineralswith the general compositionMg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄. Serpentine is monoclinicand occurs in two main forms:chrysotile, which is fibrous and thechief source of asbestos; and antigorite,which occurs as platy masses. Itis generally green or white with amottled appearance, sometimes resemblinga snakeskin – hence thename. It is formed through the metamorphicalteration of ultrabasicrocks rich in olivine, pyroxene, andamphibole. Serpentinite is a rockconsisting mainly of serpentine; it isused as an ornamental stone.

Agricultural Uses

Serpentine is a mineral consisting of magnesium silicate. With a green and white color and a mottled appearance, this mineral looks like a snake's skin. Serpentine has a general composition of Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄.

References

Siddiqui, Siddiqui., J. Ind. Chem. Soc., 8,667 (1931)
Siddiqui, Siddiqui., ibid, 9, 539 (1932)
Siddiqui, Siddiqui., ibid, 12, 37 (1935)