The nature and origin of the poison of Lotus Arabicus / by Wyndham R. Dunstan and T.A. Henry.

  • Dunstan, Wyndham R. (Wyndham Rowland), 1861-1949.
Date:
1901
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The nature and origin of the poison of Lotus Arabicus / by Wyndham R. Dunstan and T.A. Henry. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    The hydrolysis of lotusin by hydrochloric acid may, therefore, in the light of the evidence now given, be represented as taking place according to the following equation :— C28H3lO]6N + 2H,0 = 2C6H13Og + C15H10O6 + HCN. (Lotusin.) (Dextrose.) (Lotoflavin.) Action of Acetic Anhydride on Lotoflavin. Tetracetyl-lotoflavin. When the colouring matter is dissolved in acetic anhydride and the solution warmed at 100° C. for about 2 hours a nearly colourless solution is produced. To isolate the products, the mixture was poured into excess of water, and the whole shaken well at intervals until the odour of acetic anhydride had disappeared. The liquid was then poured off and the precipitated acetyl derivative washed, dried, and dissolved in hot alcohol, and the solution set aside. On cooling, it deposited colour- less needles, which, after re-crystallisation from alcohol, showed a constant melting point of 176-178° C. On combustion, the following results were obtained |—- •0739 gramme gave ‘1636 gramme C02 = 60’29 per cent. C. •0250 H20 = 4-34 H. 102 •2255 , co2 = 60-36 „ - c. •0399 , Hob = 378 , H. C16H602(C2H302)4 requires C 607 per cent. ; H 3'9 per cent. The amount of lotoflavin produced on hydrolysis of the acetyl derivative was determined and found to be as follows :— •1185 gramme gave 0756 gramme = 63'8 per cent. T014 „ -0641 „ = 63-2 C^HgO^CaHgO^ requires 62‘9 per cent. The substance is therefore tetracetyl-lotoflavin. Action of Methyl Iodide on Lotoflavin. The Isomeric Trimethyl Ethers of Lotoflavin. About 1 gramme of lotoflavin was dissolved in methyl alcohol and a small amount of solid potash added to the solution and then methyl iodide in excess. The mixture became hot and the reaction progressed rapidly. The solution was boiled for an hour to ensure complete methylation. The excess of methyl iodide and the ■solvent were then distilled off and the residue mixed with water to remove the