γ-Coniceine (obtained from the seeds of Conium maculatum)

B. γ-Coniceine

Biological Source It is obtained from the seeds of Conium maculatum L. (Umbelliferae).

Chemical Structure

2, 3, 4, 5-Tetrahydro-6-propylpyridine.

Characteristic Features

(i) It is a colourless liquid alkaloid.

(ii) It possesses a distinct mousy odour.

(iii) It is steam volatile.

(iv) Its physical parameters are: bp 171°C; d₄¹⁵ 0.8753; n_D¹⁶ 1.4661.

(v) It is slightly soluble in water, but freely soluble in ethanol, chloroform and ether.

Identification Test

(i)  -Coniceine when subjected to reduction, it gives rise to a racemic mixture of dl-coniine.

(ii) It forms γ-coniceine hydrochloride (C₈H₁₅N.HCl) which gives hygroscopic crystals from ether mp 143°C.