Methiodide
Encyclopedia
In organic chemistry, a methiodide is a chemical derivative produced by the reaction of a compound with methyl iodide. Methiodides may be formed through the methylation
Methylation
In the chemical sciences, methylation denotes the addition of a methyl group to a substrate or the substitution of an atom or group by a methyl group. Methylation is a form of alkylation with, to be specific, a methyl group, rather than a larger carbon chain, replacing a hydrogen atom...

 of amine
Amine
Amines are organic compounds and functional groups that contain a basic nitrogen atom with a lone pair. Amines are derivatives of ammonia, wherein one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by a substituent such as an alkyl or aryl group. Important amines include amino acids, biogenic amines,...

s:
R3N + CH3I → (CH3)R3N+I


Methiodides are generally prepared to alter chemical or pharmacological properties. Examples include:
  • Cocaine methiodide, a charged cocaine
    Cocaine
    Cocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. The name comes from "coca" in addition to the alkaloid suffix -ine, forming cocaine. It is a stimulant of the central nervous system, an appetite suppressant, and a topical anesthetic...

     analog which cannot pass the blood brain barrier and enter the brain
  • Bicuculline methiodide, a water-soluble form of bicuculline
    Bicuculline
    Bicuculline is a light-sensitive competitive antagonist of GABAA receptors. It was originally identified in 1932 in plant alkaloid extracts and has been isolated from Dicentra cucullaria, Adlumia fungosa, Fumariaceae, and several Corydalis species. Since it blocks the inhibitory action of GABA...

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