Present in several Iboga species, this base is slightly laevorotatory, having [α]D -
5° (CHC13 ). It contains one methoxyl group, an imino group and a secondary
hydroxyl group. It forms a crystalline p-toluenesulphonyl derivative, m.p. 267-
8°C. On catalytic reduction, the base furnishes ibogaine (q.v.). The structure has
been determined from chemical and spectroscopic evidence to be decarbomethoxyvoacangarine.
Goutarel, Percheron, Janot., Compt. rend., 246,279 (1958)
Stauffacher, Seebeck., Helv. Chim. Acta., 41, 169 (1958)
Renner, Prins.,
Experientia, 15,456 (1959)
Biemann, Friedmann-Spiteller., Tetrahedron Lett., 68 (1961)
