Structure and formation of the fluorescent compound of Lignum nephriticum

Org Lett. 2009 Jul 16;11(14):3020-3. doi: 10.1021/ol901022g.

Abstract

The intense blue fluorescence of the infusion of Lignum nephriticum (Eysenhardtia polystachya), first observed in the sixteenth century, is due to a novel four-ring tetrahydromethanobenzofuro[2,3-d]oxacine which is not present in the plant but is the end product of an unusual, very efficient iterative spontaneous oxidation of at least one of the tree's flavonoids.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Flavonoids / chemistry
  • Fluorescence
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / isolation & purification
  • Fluorescent Dyes / metabolism
  • Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings / chemistry*
  • Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings / isolation & purification
  • Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings / metabolism
  • Molecular Structure
  • Plants, Medicinal / chemistry*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Flavonoids
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings
  • matlaline