Vinqa rosea yields this complex dimeric alkaloid which forms colourless crystals
that are best purified by recrystallization from acetonitrile. It crystallizes with 8
moles of H20 and loses solvent when heated at In-5°C. It is also dextro?
rotatory with [α]26D + n° (CHCI3)’ A crystalline SUlphate is known which has
m.p. 238-242°C (dec.) and [α]D - 8.3° (MeOH). The N(b)-oxide is identical
with pleurosine (q.v.).
Svoboda., J. Amer. Pharm. Assoc., 47,834 (1959)
Neuss et al., J. Amer. Chern. Soc., 81,4754 (1959)
Revised structure:
Neuss et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 783 (1968)
