The isolation of Juglorubin (2) from cultures of Streptomyces spp., wh
ich produce a series of other hydroxynaphthoquinones, is described. 2
is a unique, unusually condensed ionic colorant with the formula C28H1
7NaO11. The structure of 2 was elucidated by X-ray structure analysis
of the acetyl dimethyl derivative 4. Detailled spectral information is
given for the previously unknown benzindenylid-quinone molecule, e.g.
the assignment of the C-13 NMR signals. 2 is probably formed in a com
plex reaction from two Juglomycin C units involving a late C-C-bond cl
eavage.