Feruloylputrescine

Description

Salsola subaphylla contains this alkaloid which is extremely hygroscopic and for which no definite melting point has been obtained. It gives crystalline salts and derivatives, e.g. the hydrochloride, melting over a very wide range of temperature; the hydriodide which behaves similarly to the hydrochloride, picrate, m.p. 218.5°C. On hydrogenation over Pt02 it yields the dihydro derivative giving a hydrochloride, m.p. 139-140oC and a picrate, m.p. 174.6-175°C. When boiled with 30 per cent KOH it forms putrescine and ferulic acid and has the probable structure given above.

The Uses of Feruloylputrescine

Feruloylputrescine is an effector of plant root systems, influencing development of nutrient gathering root systems. Inhibition of the formation of this compound causes the development of a dominant or ‘tap’ root.

Definition

ChEBI: Subaphyllin is a hydroxycinnamic acid.

References

Ryabinin, Il'na., Dokl. Akad. Nauk SSSR, 67, 513 (1949)