LOCHNERINE

Description

This carboline alkaloid has been obtained from Lochnera rosea and is also present in curare (Strychnos toxifera). Early preparations have been designated Alkaloid 'C' and C-Alkaloid T. It has [α]_D + 56° (pyridine) or + n° (EtOH) and forms a crystalline picrate with a double melting point of 177-9°C and 243-5°C (dec.). The methiodide is identical with lochneram iodide, m.p. 235-8°C. A characteristic p-toluenesulphonyl derivative has been prepared, m.p. 153-4°C. One primary alcoholic hydroxyl is present and the alkaloid yields the O-acetate as colourless needles, m.p. 243°C; [α]_D - 5.6° ± 3.0° (c 0.36, pyridine). The structure is that of O-methylsarpagine.

References

Janot, LeMen., Cornpt. rend., 243, 1789 (1956)
Mors et at., Chern. Ind., 173 (1956)
Arnold et at., Helv. Chirn. Acta, 40, 705 (1957)
Arnold et al., ibid, 41, 1505 (1958)
Karrer et at., Angew. Chern., 70,644 (1958)