Abstract
The structure of the Substance F was assumed from its properties, its derivatives, and the color reactions. In order to prove this structure, N-methyldeacetylcolchiceine, m.p. 129-131°, C21H25O5N, was prepared from colchicine. This substance was found to be identical in melting points and various properties with a substance (VII) of m.p. 129-131°, C21H25O5N, obtained by the hydrolysis with diluted hydrochloric acid of (III), C22H27O5N, formed by the methylation of Substance F. It follows, therefore, that the structure of Substance F may be represented by Formula D or E in Fig. 3.
