Quinine

Quinine is a naturally occurring cinchona alkaloid associated with the bark of Cinchona species in the Rubiaceae family. The free-base compound is identified by CAS 130-95-0 and has the molecular formula C20H24N2O2 with a molecular weight of 324.42 g/mol. Commercial material is commonly supplied in an anhydrous form for synthesis, resolution, analytical, and research applications.

Commercial sourcing requires clear distinction between the free base and salts such as quinine sulfate and quinine hydrochloride. Quinine is also closely related to quinidine and other cinchona alkaloids. Buyers evaluating high-assay material should consider the analytical method, chromatographic composition, related-alkaloid profile, stereochemical identity, and intended technical use rather than relying on a purity percentage alone.

SKU: BOT-PHY-0388 Categories: Phytochemicals, Alkaloids Tags: Alkaloids, Cinchona, Cinchona Alkaloids, Cinchona spp., Quinine, Quinoline Alkaloids

Ingredient Profile & Common Uses

As a defined chiral molecule, quinine differs fundamentally from whole cinchona bark powder and multi-component botanical extracts. Its structure combines a methoxy-substituted quinoline system with a stereochemically defined quinuclidine amino-alcohol framework. Quinidine is a closely related stereoisomer, making structural and stereochemical identity particularly important in synthesis and analytical applications.

Commercial grades use different analytical definitions. High-assay anhydrous products may be specified by nonaqueous titration, perchloric-acid titration, total-base assay, HPLC purity, or a combination of these approaches. Related cinchona alkaloids can influence chromatographic composition, so two materials carrying similar headline assay values may not have equivalent impurity profiles or suitability for the same application.

The free base is only sparingly soluble in water, with published aqueous solubility of approximately 500 mg/L at 15°C, while showing greater compatibility with selected organic solvents and forming salts under acidic conditions. Its acid-base behavior, light sensitivity, stereochemistry, and low aqueous solubility are relevant to solution preparation, crystallization, chiral resolution, and analytical method development.

Application Areas

Chiral Resolution

Quinine is used as a resolving reagent in chiral separation systems where its defined stereochemistry can support formation of separable diastereomeric interactions during crystallization and recovery.

Asymmetric Synthesis

The cinchona alkaloid framework is used in asymmetric chemistry as a chiral starting material, resolving reagent, or structural component where stereochemical control is required.

Photochemical & Fluorescence Research

Its characteristic UV and fluorescence behavior supports photochemical and fluorescence-related research. Chemical form, concentration, solvent environment, and pH are important when quantitative optical measurements are involved.

Analytical & Chemical Research

The defined molecular structure and stereochemistry support chromatographic method development, spectroscopy, impurity profiling, cinchona alkaloid separation, and chemical reference work.

Typical Specifications

Parameter	Information
Product Name	Quinine
Commercial Form	Anhydrous free base
Chemical Class	Cinchona alkaloid
CAS Number	130-95-0
EC Number	205-003-2
PubChem CID	3034034
MDL Number	MFCD00198096
Molecular Formula	C20H24N2O2
Molecular Weight	324.42 g/mol
Reference Melting Point	Approximately 177°C; decomposition may occur
Aqueous Solubility	Approximately 500 mg/L at 15°C
Related Alkaloid of Interest	Dihydroquinine
Closely Related Stereoisomer	Quinidine

Compound Identity & Purity

Quinine contains a quinoline aromatic system and a tertiary amine within its quinuclidine framework. Four stereogenic centers give the molecule a defined three-dimensional configuration, which is particularly important in chiral resolution and asymmetric chemistry. Quinidine is a stereoisomer rather than an alternative name for the same chemical entity.

Commercial assay values should be interpreted together with the test method. High-assay products may use approximately 98–99% titrimetric or total-base criteria while applying a separate HPLC requirement for chromatographic composition. Dihydroquinine is a commercially relevant related alkaloid, and some established grades can contain measurable amounts while still meeting a high total-base assay. HPLC data therefore add information that a single titration result cannot provide.

The free base should also be distinguished from quinine sulfate, hydrochloride, bisulfate, and hydrated salt forms. Salt formation changes molecular weight, aqueous behavior, regulatory identity, and application suitability, so specifications should be compared only within the same chemical form.

Technical & Quality Considerations

Analytical evaluation should establish chemical and stereochemical identity while distinguishing the material from related cinchona alkaloids. Relevant approaches include chromatographic analysis, infrared spectroscopy, NMR, titration, melting behavior, and specific optical rotation. For purity-critical work, buyers should review the reported analytical method, chromatographic profile, related-alkaloid data, and optical identity together.

The free base is sparingly soluble in water and can form protonated salts in acidic systems. This behavior affects dissolution, extraction, crystallization, sample preparation, and solvent selection. Light sensitivity should also be considered during handling and solution work, particularly where analytical consistency or photochemical performance is important.

For chiral-resolution and synthesis projects, R&D teams should evaluate assay basis, related-alkaloid profile, solvent compatibility, reagent ratio, crystallization behavior, optical identity, and recovery efficiency. Analytical and fluorescence applications additionally depend on chemical form, concentration, solvent or acid environment, and instrument conditions. Application-specific regulatory review should distinguish the free base from quinine sulfate and hydrochloride where food or pharmaceutical use is involved.

Packaging & Commercial Supply

Essencefield supports product evaluation, formulation trials, commercial orders, and ongoing ingredient supply. Packaging, storage, and shipping arrangements are determined by product characteristics, order quantity, stability requirements, and destination-market needs.

Supply Item	General Information
Sample	Available upon request for formulation, testing, and supplier evaluation
Order Quantities	100 g · 1 kg · 5 kg · 25 kg · 100 kg · 500 kg · Bulk
Sample Lead Time	Typically 5–7 days after sample confirmation
Production Lead Time	Typically 15–30 days after order and specification confirmation
Packaging	Suitable protective inner packaging with bags, cartons, drums, or other appropriate outer packaging
Storage	Store in tightly sealed, suitable protective packaging in a cool, dry environment. Protect from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Specific storage conditions follow the approved product specification.
Documentation	COA · Product Specification · TDS · SDS · Applicable declarations (as applicable)

Final order quantities, lead times, packaging, documentation, and shipping arrangements are confirmed according to the selected product and commercial requirements.