A method for extraction of alkaloid

A liquid-liquid extraction process for the extraction of alkaloids from a source using an alkyl phosphine oxide of Formula A:

• wherein R1, R2 and R3 are each independently selected from C1-C10 alkyl which is straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl, as an extractant in combination with a diluent selected from xylene or limonene in an extraction column, wherein the said process comprises the steps of:
• (i) installing an organic phase distributor at the bottom of the column, consisting an outlet port of organic phase at the top of the column, and installing an aqueous phase distributor at the top of the column, consisting an outlet port of aqueous phase at the bottom of the column,
• (ii) disbursing the aqueous phase and organic phase into the column, whereby the two phases undergo extraction and mass transfer using a stack of reciprocating plates inside the column, at pH ranging from 8 to 10, and
• (iii) separating the organic phase and subsequent back extraction to provide alkaloids.

A process for the extraction of alkaloid from the source, using an alkyl phosphine oxide or mixtures thereof as an extractant;

• wherein the alkyl phosphine oxide is represented by Formula A:
• wherein R1, R2 and R3 are each independently selected from hexyl or octyl, and wherein the extraction process comprises:
• a. preparing an aqueous phase solution of alkaloids by mixing the source with water;
• b. separately, preparing an organic phase consisting of the extractant;
• c. contacting the aqueous solution of step (a) with the organic phase of step (b);
• and
• d. separating the organic phase.