Pharma & Specialty Chemical Standards

Galantamine, IUPAC name (2R,3S,5S,6S)-2-(dimethylamino)-3-hydroxy-6-(phenylmethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-one, is a carboline alkaloid with molecular formula C17H21NO3 and molecular weight 287.35 g/mol. Its structure features a tetrahydro-β-carboline core fused to a pyranone ring, with a dimethylamino group and phenylmethyl substituent. Therapeutically, it is used in Alzheimer’s disease treatment as a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and nicotinic receptor modulator. Key physicochemical properties include water solubility (pKa ~7.5), melting point 130–135°C, and crystalline solid form. Mechanism of action involves dual binding to acetylcholinesterase’s catalytic and peripheral anionic sites, enhancing cholinergic transmission.