APPENDIX, 



RAN QNCUL ACE^ . 



On the Crystalline Alkaloid of Aconitum Napellvis.* 



Messrs. Wyndham R. Duustan and W, H. Ince, Ph.D.j have 

 investigated the properties of a crystalline alkaloid obtained from the 

 root of Aconitiim Napellus by extraction with amyl alcohol, as sug- 

 gested by the late Mr. John Williams [Pharm. Journ. [3], xviii., 

 238). For a supply of the material they are indebted to the kindness 

 of Messrs. Howards & Sons, of Stratford. 



■ The yellowish indistinct crystals melted at 183'4'^ (corn), and by 

 crystallization from alcoholic solution were proved to be associated 

 with a srhall quantity of a gummy amorphous base. On combus- 

 tion the original substance gave mimbers- agreeing fairly well with 

 the formula C^''^H*^NO^^j which is that proposed for aconitine by 

 Wright and Luff (Journ. Chem, Soc.y 1879). The alkaloid was puri- 

 fied by repeated crystallization from a mixture of alcohol and ether, 

 or more readily by conversion into its hydrobromide and regenera- 

 tion of the alkaloid from this salt or by regeneration from its crys- 

 talline aurochloride. It crystallizes in tabular prisms belonging to 

 the rhombic system ; the crystallography of the substance lias 

 formed the subject of a separate inquiry by Mr, Tutton, The 

 ciystals are very slightly soluble in water and light petroleum, more 

 soluble in ether and alcohol, most soluble in benzene and chloro- 

 form. They melt at 188*5° (corr.). Contrary to the statements of 

 previous observers, who found aconitine to be Isevo-rotatoiy, the 

 authors found an alcoholic solution to be dextro-rolatory [(P^jyV 

 10-78°; the aqueous solution of the hydrobromide is, however, 

 Isevo-rotatoiy [a^r) — 30 '4 7°. On analysis, the pure alkaloid 

 afforded results which agreed best with the fonnula C^^H*"NO^^ 



Two crystalline aurochlorides were obtained. One (C^^H^^NO^* 

 HAuCl*), melts at 13o'5° (corr.) ; the other, a basic aurochloride 

 (C^^H^^NO^^AuCP), melts at 129° (corr.). These compounds are 

 obtained without diflficultv, and afford trustw^orthy means of 



* Tlie substance of a communication made to the Chemical Society, JMarcli 

 19, 1891. 



