Fluorimetric assay of ergotamine

Studies on the fluorescence properties of ergotamine in water at various pH values, and in several organic solvents are described. An assay procedure for ergotamine, based on its intense fluorescence in ethanol, is presented. Extraction of ergotamine into benzene from basic aqueous solution is followed by transfer of the extract to ethanol for fluorescence determination. The plot of fluorescence intensity vs. concentration is linear up to 5 μg ml^?1, and the assay has a limit of detection of 0.002 μg ml^?1. Reproducibility data at the 2.5-μg ml^?1 level are given.