Rapid analysis of abietanes in conifers

P.J. Kersten; B.J. Kopper; K.F. Raffa; B.L. Illman

Treesearch

Rapid analysis of abietanes in conifers

Informally Refereed

Authors:

P.J. Kersten, B.J. Kopper, K.F. Raffa, B.L. Illman

Year:

2006

Type:

Miscellaneous Publication

Station:

Forest Products Laboratory

Source:

Journal of chemical ecology. Vol. 32 (2006): pages 2679-2685.

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Abstract

Diterpene resin acids are major constituents of conifer oleoresin and play important roles in tree defense against insects and microbial pathogens. The tricyclic C-20 carboxylic acids are generally classified into two groups, the abietanes and the pimaranes. The abietanes have conjugated double bonds and exhibit characteristic UV spectra. Here, we report the analysis of abietanes by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography using multiwavelength detection to optimize quantification of underivatized abietic, neoabietic, palustric, levopimaric, and dehydroabietic acids. The utility of the method is demonstrated with methanol extracts of white spruce (Picea glauca) phloem, and representative concentrations are reported.

Keywords

Abietic, neoabietic, palustric, levopimaric, dehydroabietic, white spruce, diterpenes, HPLC, abietic acid, high performance liquid chromatography, oleoresins, carboxylic acids, dehydroabietic acid, neoabietic acid, palustric acid, pimaranes, abietanes, resin acids, levopimaric acid

Citation

Kersten, P.J.; Kopper, B.J.; Raffa, K.F.; Illman, B.L. 2006. Rapid analysis of abietanes in conifers. Journal of chemical ecology. Vol. 32 (2006): pages 2679-2685.