| Abstract: | The magnetic circular dichroism spectra of a number of indole alkaloids show two B-terms of opposite sign in the 250–330 nm wavelength region associated with the 1Lb and 1La electronic transitions, the long wavelength, 1Lb, band being of positive sign, whereas both bands strongly overlap in absorption. Various substituents in different positions of the indole ring cause a red shift of both bands and a broadening of the long wavelength B-term. The sign pattern, howver, remains unchanged in all examples thus far investigated. Dihydroindole and oxindole, on the other hand, exhibit MCD. bands with the opposite sign sequence as compared to the indole chromophore. This observation allows identification of the indole chromophore in alkaloids from the sign pattern of the MCD. bands. |
