There is still some doubt as to whether this base occurs as such in Solanum
aviculare and S. xanthocarpum or whether it is an artifact formed from Sola_x0002_sonine (q.v.) during the extraction process. The base is laevorotatory having [α]20D - 92.4° (C6H6) and the following salts and derivatives have been prepared:
hydrochloride, m.p. 314°C; hydriodide, m.p. 293°C; oxalate, m.p. 248°C; tartrate, m.p. 222°C; picrate, m.p. 1.4l-2°C; picrolonate, m.p. 234°C; acetyl
derivative, m.p. 195°C; benzoyl compound, m.p. 2l6-7°C and the 3:5-dinitrobenzoyl derivative, m.p. 191.5-193°C. The alkaloid forms a sparingly soluble
digitonide and yields Diels's hydrocarbon on selenium dehydrogenation.
