Mimosine (leucaenine) 5th communication )

Abstract

Abstract The identity of mimosine from Mimosa pudica and of l ‐leucaenine from Leucaena glauca Bentham is proved by means of a mixed melting point and Debije‐Scherrer diagram. The action of diazomethane on the dihydrochloride of mimosine methyl ester leads to a total degradation of the molecule, by which the pyridine ring is broken. Amongst other things there is produced a compound C 4 H 8 O 3 N 2 and 3: 4‐dimethoxy‐pyridine. The same compounds are produced by the action of diazomethane on 3‐methoxy‐4‐pyridone. Some of the properties of mimosine are in agreement with the assumption of a polar structure, which is comparable with a β‐betaine.