An inseparable two-sponge association, consisting of a Haliclona sp. a
nd a choristid sponge, yielded two unstable enol sulfates, (1E)-2-(3',
4'-dihydroxyphenyl)ethylene sulfate [3] and (1Z)-2-(3',4'-dihydroxyphe
nyl)ethylene sulfate [4]. Methanolysis convened the enol sulfates into
2-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-1,1,2-trimethoxyethane [5] by an oxidative
mechanism.