6870-67-3

This alkaloid of the pyrrolizidine group of bases occurs in Senecio cineraria D.C., S. crucifolia and S. Jacobea. It is a laevorotatory base with [α]¹⁷_D - 46.3° (CHCl 3 ). The alkaloid forms crystalline salts and derivatives, e.g. the hydrochloride, m.p. 220°C; [α]¹⁹_D - 14.3° (H20); nitrate, m.p. 234°C; methiodide, m.p. 255°C and the picrate, m.p. 180°C which is soluble in H20. The alkaloid contains two active hydrogens and on alkaline hydrolysis yields retronecine and jaconecic acid, ClOH16 0 6, m.p. 182°C; [α]²⁵_D + 31.7° containing three O-methyl groups

Jacobine is a pyrrolizidine alkaloid which has been shown to be an herbivore insect deterrent and may be used in the protection of vegetation. Extracted from Crassocephalum plant of West Africa.

ChEBI: Jacobine is a pyrrolizine alkaloid.

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