49686-57-9

Cephalotaxus harringtonia contains a number of structurally similar alkaloids. This base has newly been isolated from this source and forms colourless crystals from a mixture of MeOH-CHC13-hexane. It is laevorotatory with a specific rotation of [α]²⁶ _D- 137° (c 0.79, CHC13) and gives an ultraviolet spectrum in EtOH with absorption maxima at 242 and 291 nm. The crystalline acetate has m.p. 75-90°C.

Powell et al., 1. Org. Chern., 39, 676 (1974)