Description
This amorphous alkaloid from Stephania japonica Miers is almost a tautomeric
mixture. It yields a crystalline methiodide, m.p. 207°C; [α]
20D - 32° (MeOH)
which may be used to characterize the base. Three methoxy1 groups, one
hydroxyl group and a methylimino group are present in the molecule. When
heated with AC20 at 180°C in a sealed tube, the base gives 1-acetoxy-2:S:6-
trimethoxyphenanthrene, m.p. 140°C.
References
Tomita, Ibuka, Inubushi., Tetrahedron Lett., 3617 (1964)
Tomita, Inubushi, Ibuka., J. Pharm. Soc., Japan, 87, 381 (1967)
