Much of the data collected in this chapter was gleaned from Chemical Abstracts and is so indicated by listing a CA reference although such a reference is often included for the convenience of readers even where the original was available. Two azafluoranthine alkaloids, which are of a new type of alkaloid structure, were isolated. Imeluteine and rufescine were isolated from the stems of the plant and their structures were assigned on spectral evidence. These structures were confirmed by syntheses. The amide 3 prepared from known compounds was reacted with phosphorus oxychloride in acetonitrile to generate a dihydroisoquinoline which on reduction, diazotization, and treatment with activated copper gave dihydroimeluteine. Dehydrogenation to the natural alkaloid was effected by heating in p-cymene with palladium/charcoal. Rufescine was synthesized by a parallel series of reactions from the amide. © 1975, Academic Press, Inc.