The gas-liquid chromatography of tertiary St~yc?z9zos alkaloids is described. Examination of the alkaloids from S. nux-vomica L. has shown that the method can be readily used for the detection and estimation of strychnine in brucine and vice versa; a new minor base, icajine, has been detected and isolated.
Alkaloids from S. icaja Baill. have also been examined. JAMINET'S alkaloid A from this plant has been shown tb be a mixture of vornicine and icajine.
Relationships between the relative retention times and chemical structures are discussed. '.. * ,.'
The work discussed in the introduction shows that if brucine and less polar bases like vomicine and novacine are chromatographed on any very polar stationary phase, their retention. times will be very long. Such stationary phases would not be suitable for a rapid ,analysis The slightly, polar SE-52. .( a. methylpl~enylsilicone polymer) was therefore tried and proved satisfactory for ,the, purpose in view.;, ! ,'.
., The apparatus used in .the experiments ,was an Aerograph zo$+rD,,-:provided with a hydrogen-flame ionization detector (hydrogen flowrate ,25 ml/min) . ,The carrier, gas was nitrogen at ai flow (rate of .35'ml/min. Therecorder .was'a.Honeywell; A 2.k x r/8 in, Inox, (stainless steel) column filled with 100~120 mesh. Aeropak 30' coated with ,',