Iso-N-formyl-5-en-chonemorphine, a steroidal alkaloid from Sarcococca zeylanica.

Chemical investigation of the non-quaternary alkaloidal fraction of the aerial parts of Sarcococca zeylanica of the family Buxaceae furnished a steroidal alkaloid iso-N-formyl-5-en-chonemorphine, which has not been previously reported as a natural product. The structure of this alkaloid was established on the basis of spectroscopic evidence.