Oxidative biosynthesis of phenylbenzoisochromenones from phenylphenalenones.

Stefan Opitz, Bernd Schneider

Index: Phytochemistry 62(3) , 307-12, (2003)

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Abstract

13C NMR analysis demonstrated incorporation of two 13C labelled phenylalanine units into phenylphenalenones and phenylbenzoisochromenones co-occurring in Wachendorfia thyrsiflora. These results suggest oxidative formation of phenylbenzoisochromenones following a late branching from a common phenylphenalenone biosynthetic pathway. A dioxygenase-type mechanism, followed by decarboxylation, is suggested for the key steps of this conversion.