SEPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF METOPIUM-BROWNEI URUSHIOL COMPONENTS

The composition of Metopium brownei 3-n-alk(en)ylcatechols (urushiol) was established by GC-mass spectrometry analysis of their correspondin g TMSi ether derivatives. Bioactivity-directed fractionation of the ac etone extract from the fresh stem bark of M. brownei rendered a mixtur e of three 3-n-pentadec(en)ylcatechols with antifungal properties and toxicity to brine shrimp. HPLC separation of the methylated mixture al lowed the isolation of 3-(10'Z,13'E-pentadecadienyl)catechol, a new na tural product, 3-pentadecylcatechol and 3-(10'Z-pentadecenyl)catechol as their methyl derivatives. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by spectral means. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.