Cephalotaxus harringtonia contains a number of structurally similar alkaloids.
This base has newly been isolated from this source and forms colourless crystals
from a mixture of MeOH-CHC13-hexane. It is laevorotatory with a specific
rotation of [α]26
D- 137° (c 0.79, CHC13) and gives an ultraviolet spectrum in
EtOH with absorption maxima at 242 and 291 nm. The crystalline acetate has
m.p. 75-90°C.
Powell et al., 1. Org. Chern., 39, 676 (1974)
