The Structures of Two Novel Neolignans, Asatone and Isoasatone

Abstract

Abstract Isolation and structures of two novel neolignans, asatone (1) and isoasatone (2), are described. The structure of the latter, established by means of an X-ray crystallographic analysis of its dihydroxy derivative, is in full agreement with its chemical and spectral data. From a biogenetic point of view, furthermore, thermal and photochemical reactions of these neolignans and their derivatives were carried out. In particular,asatone was photochemically converted into isoasatone.