A Buxus alkaloid of the steroidal class, this base has been found in the strong
base fraction of the alkaloidal extract from Buxus microphylla Sieb. et Zucco var.
suffruticosa and B. microphylla Sieb. et Zucco var. suffruticosa Makino forma
major. It is dextrorotatory having a specific rotation of [α]23D + 98° (c 4.40,CHC13)and yields a series of salts and derivatives including the dihydrobromide, m.p.
288-292°C (dec.); dihydriodide, m.p. 276-8°C (dec.); diperchlorate, m.p. 244-
5°C (dec.); dioxalate as an amorphous powder, m.p. 264-7°C (dec.): the N:Ndiacetyl
derivative, m.p. 278-281°C (dec.) with [α]24D + 10° (c 1.94, CHC13)
and the O,N,N-triacetyl derivative, m.p. 246-8°C with [α]24D - 12° (c 2.40,
CHCI3)·
The structure and stereochemistry of the base have been elucidated from
chemical analysis, spectroscopic evidence and comparison with other alkaloids of
this class.
