Two new alkaloids, raunescine and isoraunescine have been isolated by Hosansky and Smith from R. canescens. Since raunescine possesses reserpinelike pharmacological activity, its structure is of some importance. On the basis of analytical data and spectral studies, Hosansky and Smith made the logical suggestion that these compounds are similar in structure to deserpidine, differing from it only in that they possess a C-17 hydroxyl rather than a methoxyl. We wish to report chemical proof for the formulation of raunescine as I and isoraunescine as II. © 1957, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.