This indole alkaloid occurs in the leaves of Lespedeza bicolor var. japonica and,
when pure, is a colourless oil. Its MeOH solution, the ultraviolet spectrum exhibits
absorption maxima at 223.4, 279 and 291 mJi. The crystalline hydrochloride has
m.p. 163-4°C (dec.); the picrate forms long, yellow needles from MeOH, m.p.
160-2°C (dec.) and the styphnate, also yellow needles, has m.p. 170°C (dec.).
The structure has been established as 3-(dimethylaminoethyl)-1-methoxyindole.