The benzophenones: Isolation, structural elucidation and biological activities

Abstract The benzophenones are a group of ca. 146 compounds comprising a 13-carbon core that can be prenylated and/or further cyclized producing numerous structurally unique compounds. Benzophenones have a limited natural distribution and are concentrated in the Clusiaceae and a few other plant families such as the Moraceae. Benzophenones display many biological activities including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, cytotoxic, and anti-HIV activities. This chapter reviews the biosynthesis, sources, isolation, structural determination, and biological activities of benzophenones. Our experiences with the activity-guided isolation and structural elucidation of xanthochymol by ID and 2D NMR from Garcinia xanthochymus fruits are discussed in detail.