13,14-Dihydro-2',14β-dihydroxy-4'',5''-dimethoxylythran-12-one

Both Heirnia rnyritifolia Cham. et Schl. and H. salicifolia Link & Otto yield this macrocyc1ic alkaloid which may be crystallized from a mixture of AcOEt, MeOH and light petroleum as glistening needles. Two somewhat different values for the specific rotation have been recorded, viz. [α]²⁵_D - 174.2° (c 0.3325, CHC13) by Blomster and [α]²⁵_D - 153.4° (c 0.3, CHCI3) by Douglas. The ultraviolet spectrum exhibits a broad absorption maximum at 292 mil and an inflexion at 250 mil. Two methoxyl groups, a secondary and a phenolic hydroxyl group are present. The hydrochloride yields colourless crystals from MeOH, m.p. 330°C (dec.). The structure has been determined mainly from the infrared and mass spectra.