Xanthone
Xanthone is an organic compound with the molecular formula C13H8O2. In 1939, xanthone was introduced as an insecticide and it currently finds uses as ovicide for codling moth eggs and as a larvicide. Xanthone is also used in the preparation of xanthydrol, which is used in the determination of urea levels in the blood. It can also be used as a photocatalyst.Synthesis
Xanthone can be prepared by the heating of phenyl salicylate:
Xanthone derivatives
The chemical structure of xanthone forms the central core of a variety of naturally occurring organic compounds, such as mangostin, which are sometimes collectively referred to as xanthones or xanthonoids. Over 200 xanthones have been identified. Many xanthones are phytochemicals found in plants in the families Bonnetiaceae, Clusiaceae, Podostemaceae, and others. They are also found in some species of the genus Iris. Some xanthones are found in the pericarp of the mangosteen fruit as well as in the bark and timber of Mesua thwaitesii.
