Structure of norerythrostachaldine, a cytotoxic alkaloid from Erythrophleum chlorostachys (Leguminosae)

Abstract

Norerythrostachaldine (1) and its naturally occurring 3β-acetate (2) are highly cytotoxic aldehydic bases considered to be 19- oxonorcassaidine and its 3β-acetate. The carbon skeleton, stereochemistry and position of oxygen substituents were established by lithium aluminium hydride reduction of (1) to give the tetrol (3) which was identical with a sample prepared from norerythrostachamine (4).