Special chemical components of the heartwood of <i>Ougeinia dalbergioides</i> Linn

Abstract

Abstract The major crystalline components of the heartwood are found to be three isoflavanones: (i) a new compound called 'dalbergioidin' whose constitution is established as 5,7,2',4'- tetrahydroxyisoflavanone, (ii) a known compound, homoferreirin, and (iii) another new com pound called 4 ougenin ’ whose constitution is established as 5,2',4L trihydroxy-7miethoxy- 6 -methyKsoflavanone. The synthesis of ougenin dimethyl ether has been carried out by two methods. The biogenetic relations are discussed. Acetylation of homoferreirin at higher temperatures yields only the acetate of the enol form while at room temperature it gives a mixture of this and the normal acetate.