Alkaloids from greenheart. Part III. The structure of rodiasine. Mass spectra of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids

Abstract

That rodiasine is a cyclic bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid containing a biphenyl bridge, is confirmed by spectral studies and by degradation of O-methylrodiasine. Alternative structures for rodiasine are suggested, and the stereochemistry and biogenesis of the alkaloid are discussed. Molecular-ion and fragmentation peaks in the mass spectra of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids provide valuable structural information.