A new type of annonaceous acetogenin was isolated from an ethanolic ex
tract of the roots of Goniothalamus donnaiensis. The structures of two
epimeric pairs, goniodonin and 34-epi-goniodonin, cis-goniodonin and
34-epi-cis-goniodonin, characterized by the presence of a gamma-hydrox
ymethyl-gamma-lactone moiety, were elucidated by spectral data and che
mical derivatization. Two known mono-THF acetogenins, 2,4-cis- and tra
ns-gigantetrocinone, were also found. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.