This carboline alkaloid from Aspidosperma polyneuron crystallizes from EtOH
as the solvate with m.p. 245-247.5°C; [α]D - 68° (c 0.67, pyridine) and from
C6H6 as the solvate, m.p. 243-6°C; [α]D + 1° (CHCI3) or - 73° (c 0.82,
pyridine). The ultraviolet spectrum in EtOH has absorption maxima at 228 and
281 mJ.1, while that in acidic solution (EtOH-HCl) has maxima at 221" and
273 mJ.1. The methiodide has m.p. 263-5°C and the O-acetate, m.p. 27)-2°C;
[α]D - 92° (c 0.71, pyridine). Oxidation with chromic acid yields the corresponding aldehyde, m.p. 285'--6°C. Reduction with LiAIH4 gives the diol, m.p.
260-5°C; [α]D - 36° (c 1.05, pyridine) or - 14° (c 1.1, MeOH).
Antonaccio et al., f. Amer. Chem. Soc., 84, 2161 (1962)
