Isoprenoid ketones from lipid extracts of tubercle bacilli

Abstract

The isolation of a series of isoprenoid ketones from lipid extracts of human tubercle bacilli is described. The main constituents are shown to have the structure MeC(Me):CH·CH₂·[CH₂·C(Me):CH·CH₂]_n·CH₂·COMe, where n is 6 and 7, and one of the double bonds is reduced. Further studies indicate that the minor constituents have the above structure with no reduced double bond, and n= 2 to 5.