A tetracyclic alkaloid present in Sophora species, this base crystallizes from H20
as the monohydrate, m.p. 54-5°C which becomes anhydrous in vacuo. It has
[α]18D - 29.44° (EtOH) and yields the following salts: hydrochloride, m.p. >
300°C; hydriodide, m.p. 277-9°C; aurichloride, m.p. l66-7°C; platinichloride,
m.p. 207-212°C (dec.); picrate, m.p. ISS-7°C and the methiodide, m.p. 200-2°C. Reduction of the base by electrolysis yields a crystalline, volatile base,
ClsH26N2, b.p. l53-4°C/5 mm; [α]D - 26.2° (EtOH) and giving a methiodide
with a melting point above 300°C. Attempted degradation by the Hofmann
process has proved unsuccessful.
