Octopamine Impurities

Octopamine (C8H11NO2, MW 153.18 g mol-1) is a para-hydroxylated phenethylamine with a beta-hydroxy substituent, typically encountered as the hydrochloride salt for laboratory use; it is a white crystalline, water-soluble compound used primarily as a research reagent and pharmacological probe. Chemically it is closely related to norepinephrine and other trace amines and acts on G protein coupled receptors in invertebrates known as octopamine receptors and on mammalian trace amine associated receptors with lower potency; its biological roles include neuromodulation and regulation of metabolism, locomotion and stress responses in invertebrates. Typical handling notes include protection from moisture and light, storage at controlled room temperature or refrigerated conditions for long term stability, and characterization by HPLC, NMR and mass spectrometry to confirm identity and purity.