Chemical examination of plant insecticides. Part II. Chemical components of Derris scandens

Abstract

The roots of Derris scandens obtained from the Central Provinces of India have now been investigated in detail. From the chloroform extractives (7·0%) three crystalline substances could be isolated and characterised. There is no rotenone. The major component is scandenin, as in the case of the American sample examined by Clark; but the yield is much higher. The other two substances appear to be new compounds and are therefore named 'Nallanin' and 'Chandanin'. Lonchocarpic and robustic acids are not found in the Indian roots. Nallanin has the molecular formula C₂₆H₂₆O₅, contains one methoxyl and two hydroxyls, one of which seems to be phenolic and the other alcoholic. On the other hand, Chandanin has the molecular formula C₂₉H₃₀O₇ possesses three methoxyls and four phenolic hydroxyls; it seems to be rather extraordinary in its characteristics.