UPLC-MS-guided isolation of single ether linkage dimeric 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones from Aquilaria sinensis

Abstract

Eleven novel uncommon single ether linkage dimeric 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones (aquilasinenones A–K) were isolated by a UPLC-MS guided method from artificial hole-induced agarwood originating from Aquilaria sinensis. Their structures were unambiguously deduced using HRESIMS data, detailed 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis, and experimental ECD spectra. All the compounds were tested for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity by Ellman's colorimetric method, and compounds 9–11 displayed weak AChE inhibitory activity with the inhibition ranging from 15.6% to 16.8% at a concentration of 50 μg mL⁻¹.