Structure and Synthesis of the Lichen Xanthone Isoarthothelin (2,5,7-Trichloronorlichexanthone)

Abstract

The structure of isoarthothelin (2,5,7-trichloro-1,3,6-trihydroxy-8-methyl-9H-xanthen-9-one or 2,5,7-trichloronorlichexanthone)(2), a metabolite of an Australian Buellia species and Lecanora broccha, was confirmed by total synthesis. Previous reports of the natural occurrence of (2) refer for the most part to an isomeric compound.