Biogenetic-type synthesis of 2-hydroxy-4,4,7-trimethyl-1(4H)-naphthalenone, a modified apocarotenoid from Ipomoea pes-caprae.

A biogenetic-type synthesis of 2-hydroxy-4,4,7-trimethyl-1(4H)-naphthalenone (1), a modified apocarotenoid isolated from Ipomoeapes-caprae (Linn.) R. Br. showing anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in vitro, is described. A biogenetic proposal for the natural occurrence of 1 is also presented.