Chemical examination of plant insecticides. Part I. Chemical components of Derris feruginea

Abstract

Detailed chemical examination of the roots of D. ferruginea has now been carried out. Of the two varieties, the rotenone-free one is further characterised by not giving any crystalline component. The rotenonebearing variety yields besides rotenone (4·3%), only a small amount of dehydro-rotenone. The chemical chaaracteristics of rotenone-bearing D. ferruginea and D. elliptica are compared. It seems to be possible to use chemical composition to distinguish one from the other.