Fluorescence data and studies on the lipid solubility and chemical structure of N-propyl-ajmaline as compared to ajmaline.

The quaternary N-propyl-ajmaline was found to have a higher lipid solubility than ajmaline. Lipid solubility was pH dependent. From chemical, fluorescence and IR-spectroscopic studies it is concluded that the existence of N-propyl-ajmaline in a tautomeric state between a carbinol-ammonium and an aldehyde-amine structure is responsible for the high lipid solubility.