An alkaloid which occurs in Tabernaemontana psychotrifolia H.B.K., this base is
laevorotatory having [α]>D - 243° and gives an ultraviolet spectrum with
absorption maxima at 222, 2S0 and 296 mp. with a shoulder at 272 mil. The
alkaloid may be purified by recrystallization from Me2CO followed by sublima_x0002_tion. It yields a crystalline methiodide, m.p. 272-4°C (dec.) which has an
ultraviolet spectrum containing an absorption maximum at 222 mp. and a
shoulder at 276 mp.. On catalytic hydrogenation with Pt02 as catalyst it gives
the dihydro derivative, m.p. 191-3°C, furnishing a methiodide, m.p. 265-SoC
(dec.). Zn dust distillation yields 3-ethylpyridine and 3-methyl-5-ethylpyridine.
Benoin, Burnell, Medina., Tetrahedron Lett., 807 (1968)
Burnell, Medina., Can. J. Chem., 49,307 (1971)
