Nuciferine is an aporphine alkaloid from Nelumbo lutea, the ba~e yields colourless crystals
when crystallized from EtOH. It is laevorotatory, the following specific rotations
having been recorded; [α] 22D- 157.5° and - 215°. The ultraviolet spectrum has
three absorption maxima at 230, 272 and 310 mp. Two methoxyl groups and
one methylimino group are present and the alkaloid may be characterized as the
hydrochloride, m.p. 241°C (in vacuo) and the methiodide, m.p. 177-8°C. The
optically inactive base has been synthesized and has m.p. 136-7°C, giving a
hydrochloride in the form of small colourless prisms from H20, m.p. 258°C
(dec.).
