5H-Benzo[g]-1,3-benzodioxolo[6,5,4-de]quinoline-5,6(7H)-dione, 7-methy l-

The callus tissue of Stephania cepharantha has provided a number of alkaloids that have been discovered and characterized by Japanese investigators. This base forms orange needles which melt above 350°C and possess a bright orange fluorescence. The ultraviolet spectrum has absorption maxima at 219, 238, 279, 290, 303, 315 and 439 nm with a shoulder at 265 nm. It belongs to the aporphine class and contains a methylenedioxy group and a methylimino group in the molecule.

ChEBI: Cepharadione A is an isoquinoline alkaloid.

Akasu, Itokawa, Fujita, Tetrahedron Lett., 3609 (1974)