This gly<:oalkaloid occurs in several species of Solanum including S. aviculare, S.
sodomeum, S. verbascifolium and S. xanthocarpum. The alkaloid crystallizes
from 80 per cent EtOH with 4.5 H20, m.p. 245-250°C (dec.), the anhydrous
form being obtained from absolute MeOH. It has [α]25D - 68° (EtOH) and
yields the following salts: hydrochloride, m.p. 265°C; picrate, m.p. 199-201 °C;
picrolonate, m.p. 230-loC and the acetyl derivative, m.p. l35-8°C. On alkaline
hydrolysis, the alkaloid gives solasodine and one mole each of galactose, glucose
and rhamnose. The solution in concentrated H2S04 eventually gives a crimson
colour with a brown fluorescence.
