479-37-8

A bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid present in Berberis tachonoskyana, the base may be recrystallized from C6H6 when it forms colourless needles containing solvent, m.p. 135-6°C (dec.). It is dextrorotatory with [α] ⁹ _D + 98.5° (MeOH). Two methoxyl groups, two phenolic hydroxyl groups and two methylimino groups are present in the molecule. The O,O-dimethyl ether is identical with iso_x0002_tetrandrine and the corresponding diethyl ether crystallizes as small granules with m.p. 196-8°C; [α] ²⁵ _D+ 140°. The structure given has been determined primarily from the mass spectrum.

ChEBI: Obamegine is a member of isoquinolines and a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid.

Tomita, Kugo.,J. Pharm. Soc., Japan, 79,317 (1959)
Kugo., ibid, 79,322 (1959)
Mass spectrum: Dejongh, Shrader, Cava.,J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 88, 1052 (1966)