Extracting Alkaloids from Ergot of Rye

When isolating the ergot-alkaloids, their decomposability and conversion into inactive isomers has to be taken into account. For this reason the process should be accomplished rapidly, in order that the large quantity of ballast substances, mainly fats, do not effect the process. 

Prior art procedures utilize a preliminary purification, e.g. extraction. This prolongs the reaction times, but causes considerable losses of alkaloids and undesirable isomerisation. 

More recent processes omit the preliminary extraction. However, this has numerous other drawbacks. Whether the extracts are concentrated or various additives are used to prevent the formation of emulsions, the alkaloids are exposed to the action of heat and various reagents. The removal of the ballast substances requires a repeated transfer of the alkaloids from one solvent into another which prolongs the isolation procedure, lowers the yield and reduces the quality of the product. 

The process according to the invention as hereinafter exemplified avoids the above mentioned drawbacks to a high degree. The preliminary extraction is not necessary and separation of the alkaloids from the ballast substances proceeds easily and rapidly. 

The process according to the invention is illustrated in detail by the following example  

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LEK Tovarna Farmacevtskih Improvements in or Relating to Extracting Alkaloids from Ergot of Rye 1972 GB 1,299,557... 

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