Identity of the Alkaloid from Crotalaria damarensis Engl. with (–)-1-Methylenepyrrolizidine, now Shown to Occur Partially Racemized in C. anagyroides H.B.& K

Abstract

An alkaloid, previously isolated from Crotalaria damarensis and described as C₁₂H₁₈O₂N₂, is shown to be (-)-1-methylenepyrrolizidine, C₈H₁₃N. The base from C. anagyroides, previously reported as this compound, is shown to be a mixture of (-)- and (+)-enantiomers. The pure (-)-enantiomer is obtained from C. anagyroides alkaloid by recrystallization of the 3-bromocamphor-8-sulphonates.