The bulbs of several Narcissus species contain this alkaloid which crystallizes in
the form of pale yellow needles with a pronounced yellow-green fluorescence. It
is best purified by recrystallization from either acetic acid or an aqueous mixture
of methoxyethyl alcohol. It is dextrorotatory with [α]589 + 145° or [Qh64 +
983° (c 1.5, EtOH). The ultraviolet spectrum in neutral solution (EtOH) has
absorption maxima at 252, 302 and 329 mil, while that in alkaline solution
(0.01 N/NaOH) has the maxima at 219, 249,310 and 355 mil. The O-methyl
ether forms shiny needles which also exhibit a strong blue fluorescence. The tri_x0002_acetate has been prepared as an amorphous, non-crystallizable substance. With
FeC13 the alkaloid gives a violet colour.
