What functional group is always found in alkaloids (such as caffeine, nicotine, and digitalis)?

Question

amine

ester

acid

amide

ether

Answer 1

The group always present in alkaloides is amino-group ( primary, secondary or tertiary amines ).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkaloid

The foxglove, Digitalis is known for its glycosides:

http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:F6S...

Answer 2

amine

Fom http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkaloid

"An alkaloid is a nitrogen-containing naturally occurring compound, produced by a large variety of organisms, including fungi, plants, animals, and bacteria. Many alkaloids have pharmacological effects on humans and other animals. "

From http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/a...

a·mine - Any of a group of organic compounds of nitrogen, such as ethylamine, C2H5NH2, that may be considered ammonia derivatives in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by a hydrocarbon radical.