The 400 MHz H-1-NMR spectra of some therapeutically important ergot de
rivatives (three bases, four protonated bases and four dihydroergoline
salts) are analysed in terms of the low field chemical shift region (
above 5 ppm). common resonances of rings C and D (below 5 ppm) and C-8
substituent features. Attention is drawn to data of specific analytic
al value. and a scheme for the rapid identification of members of this
group of ergots proposed. Features which provide evidence of the solu
te conformation of ring D, and isomerization to less active C-8 epimer
s are also emphasized.