( 1180 ) 
of 0.2 gram of tryptophane. This, according to the classic method 
of Perer Griess '), was mixed in methyl alcohol solution with sodium 
hydroxide and an excess of methyl iodide. After a few hours, 
the aleohol and the excess of methyl iodide were removed by distil- 
lation in a waterbath. If now the residue is taken up with a little 
water and mixed with dilute nitric acid a nitrate crystallises in delicate 
needles when the sides of the beaker are rubbed with a glass rod. 
I obtained about 0.12 gram of the nitrate. 
The nitrate exhibits in its reactions the greatest resemblance with 
the nitrate of hypaphorine. Like the latter it has no sharp melting 
point; at about 220° the two preparations contained in capillary 
tubes were converted amid effervescence into a black mass. This 
decomposition point depends on the manner of heating. 
On boiling with aqueous potassium hydroxide the synthetic nitrate 
also yields vapours having an odour of amine and indol *). 
From the experiments described we may draw the conclusion that 
it is highly probable, that hypaphorine is identical with a-trimethyl- 
8 indolpropio-betaine : 
ANS CH Ch 6 = 0 
altan el 
| CH N-—O 
bea (eH). 
derived from tryptophane. 
NH 
In order to get perfect certainty and also to be able to perform 
the required analyses, | intended to carry out the synthesis of this 
betaine on a larger scale, when last week I received from Dr. BARGER 
in London a letter communicating that by methylating tryptophane 
according to ENGELAND*) and treating the product formed in this 
reaction with dilute aqueous potassium hydroxide, he had obtained 
a betaine, the nitrate of which has the same properties as that of 
hypaphorine. A determination of the rotatory power could be made. 
Found |@]p = + 94° whereas GresHorr states + 91 —93°. 
In consequence, I limit myself to the short, preliminary communi- 
cation of my results and intend to return to the synthesis, jointly 
with Dr. BARGER. 
Utrecht. Org. Chem. Lab. Uniwersity. 
1) B. 8, 1406 [1875]. 
2) Tryptophane when boiled with strong aqueous potassium hydroxide certainly 
yields a distillate which gives with HNO, the indol reaction, but with hypaphorine 
the splitting takes place much more easily, which fact is not readily accounted for 
by the formula. 
5) B. 42, 2962 [1909]; 43, 2662 [19í0j. 
