The root bark of Hunteria urnbellata (K. Schum) Hall yields this alkaloid which
forms colourless needles from EtOH and has a specific rotation of [α]D - 217°
(c 0.45, CHCl). The ultraviolet spectrum in EtOH has absorption maxima at
230-4, and 295 nm, shoulders at 276 and 299 nm and inflexions at 248 and
288 nm. The O-acetate gives an ultraviolet spectrum with absorption maxima
at 230, 285, 289 and 293 nm with an inflexion at 251 nm. The base has also
been characterized as the methyl ether, m.p. 250°C (dec.) when crystallized
from MeOH-CHC13 , giving an ultraviolet spectrum in EtOH with absorption
maxima at 230 and 294 nm and an inflexion at 250 nm. Thermolysis of the
alkaloid furnishes eburnamenine.
Morita, Hesse, Schmid, Helv. Chirn. A eta, 52, 59 (1969)
