Limonoids from Khaya anthotheca(Welw.) C.DC.

Abstract

Khaya anthotheca occurs in two distinct chemical varieties. The timber of one, indigenous to East Africa, yields khivorin and a new compound identified as methyl 3β-isobutyryloxy-1-oxomeliacate, while the seeds yield khivorin, 3-deacetylkhivorin, and a new compound identified as 14β,15β-epoxy-16-oxo-1α,3α,7α-triacetoxy-meliacan. The second, indigenous to West Africa, lacks the characteristic lactones of other Khaya species. The timber contains anthothecol, while the seeds contain havanensin, deoxyhavanensin, and their acetates. An investigation has been made of the influence of the C-7 substituent on the course of the known acid catalysed isomerisation of havenensin.