An alkaloid of this name was discovered by Tanret but when this alkaloid was
shown to be (±)-pelletierine, the name was adopted for this particular base
isolated from Punica granatum. The alkaloid is an oily liquid which yields a
number of well crystalline salts and derivative: the hydrochloride, m.p. 143°C;
hydrobromide, m.p. 149°C; picrate, m.p. 147 -8°C and the picrolonate, m.p. 185-6°C. The N-acetyl derivative is an oily liquid, b.p. 110-5°C/0.I mm while
the N-benzoyl compound is crystalline with m.p. 72-4°C. The alkaloid may be
prepared by the demethylation of methylisopelletierine, the action being revers_x0002_ible.
