An Aspidosperma alkaloid, this base occurs in several members of this species
and particularly in A. ulei. It forms colourless crystals having the double
melting point given above. It is slightly dextrorotatory with [α]25D + 11.5°
(CHCI3 ) and gives an ultraviolet spectrum having a broad absorption maximum
at 307-8 Mu.1 and a second maximum at 316 IT1J.1. The hydrochloride is crystalline
with m.p. 241-2°C and the tnethiodide has m.p. 204-6°C. Oxidation with
KMn04 yields formaldehyde indicative of an exocyc1ic methylene group.
Schmutz, Hunziker, Hirt., Helv. Chim. Acta, 40, 1189 (1957)
Schmutz, Hunziker, Hirt., ibid, 41, 288 (1958)
Buchi, Warnhoff.,J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 81,4433 (1959)
Ondetti, Deulofeu., Tetrahedron Lett., No.7, 1 (1959)
Synthesis:
Wilson et ai., Chem. Commun., 584 (1968)
