MICROBIAL OXIDATION OF (-EPIMIAGNOLIN-A BY ASPERGILLUS-NIGER())

Microbial transformation of (+)-epimagnolin A has been investigated us ing Aspergillus niger. (+)-Epimagnolin A was regioselectively oxidized at the para-methoxyl group of its veratryl group and converted to (+) -de-O-methylepimagnolin A. This metabolic product was then further oxi dized at the para-position of its 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl group and (+) -de-4',4''-O-dimethylepimagnolin A was yielded. The structures of the metabolic products were determined by spectroscopic methods, as well a s by comparison of spectral data with those of known related compounds .