The biotransformation of some clovanes by Botrytis cinerea

The metabolism of the fungistatic agent 2 beta-methoxyclovan-9 alpha-ol (2) by the fungus Botrytis cinerea has been investigated. Biotransformation of compound 2 yielded compounds 3-5, 7, and 9. The major metabolites of compo und 2 each show much reduced biological activity when compared with the par ent compound. Also studied were the effects of B. cinerea on the metabolism of the related compounds 2 beta-methoxyclovan-9-one (3), 2 beta-methoxyclo van-9 beta-ol (4), and clovan-2,9-dione (6). Compounds 3, 4, 8, and 9 are d escribed for the first time.