Description
An aporphine alkaloid from Nelumbo lutea, the ba~e yields colourless crystals
when crystallized from EtOH. It is laevorotatory, the following specific rotations
having been recorded; [α] 22
D- 157.5° and - 215°. The ultraviolet spectrum has
three absorption maxima at 230, 272 and 310 mp.. Two methoxyl groups and
one methylimino group are present and the alkaloid may be characterized as the
hydrochloride, m.p. 241°C (in vacuo) and the methiodide, m.p. 177-8°C. The
optically inactive base has been synthesized and has m.p. 136-7°C, giving a
hydrochloride in the form of small colourless prisms from H20, m.p. 258°C
(dec.).
Chemical Properties
It is easily soluble in organic solvents with low polarity such as benzene, ether, chloroform, and halogenated alkanes. It also has good solubility in hydrophilic organic solvents such as acetone and ethanol, but has low solubility or is almost insoluble in water. It comes from the dried leaves of the lotus plant of the Nymphaeaceae family.
Safety Profile
Poison by ingestion andintraperitoneal routes. When heated to decomposition itemits toxic fumes of NOx.
References
Gulland, Haworth., J. Chern. Soc., 590 (1928)
Yunusov, Konovalova, Orekhov., Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr., 70 (1940)
Arthur, Cheung., J. Chern. Soc., 2306 (1959)
Kupchan et al., Tetrahedron, 19, 227 (1963)
