SpecDis: quantifying the comparison of calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism spectra

Phomopsichin A-D; Four New Chromone Derivatives from Mangrove Endophytic Fungus Phomopsis sp. 33

Four new chromone derivatives, phomopsichins A-D (1-4), along with a known compound, phomoxanthone A (5), were isolated from the fermentation products of mangrove endophytic fungus Phomopsis sp. 33#. Their structures were elucidated based on comprehensive spectroscopic analysis coupled with single-crystal X-ray diffraction or theoretical calculations of electronic circular dichroism (ECD). They feature a tricyclic framework, in which a dihydropyran ring is fused with the chromone ring. Compounds 1-5 showed weak inhibitory activities on acetylcholinesterase as well as α-glucosidase, weak radical scavenging effects on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) as well as OH, and weak antimicrobial activities. Compounds 1-4 showed no cytotoxic activity against MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells. Their other bioactivities are worthy of further study, considering their unique molecular structures.

Absolute Configuration Determination of 2,3-Dihydro-1H,5H-pyrazolo[1,2-a]pyrazoles Using Chiroptical Methods at Different Wavelengths

A correlation between the absolute configuration and chiroptical properties of nonracemic 1,6,7-trisubstituted 2,3-dihydro-1H,5H-pyrazolo[1,2-a]pyrazoles was studied. A series of 16 novel representatives were prepared by Cu-catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloadditions of racemic (Z)-2-benzylidene-5-oxopyrazolidin-2-ium-1-ides to tert-butyl (S)-(3-oxopent-4-yn-2-yl)carbamate, and their structures were determined by NMR, VCD, ECD, and X-ray diffraction. A clear correlation between the sign of specific rotation and configuration at position C(1) allows for easy determination of the absolute configuration of 1,6,7-trisubstituted 2,3-dihydro-1H,5H-pyrazolo[1,2-a]pyrazoles by ECD and NMR. While VCD, requiring milligram quantities, allowed the determination of the correct relative and absolute configuration without additional information from other methods, the stereochemical analysis by ECD required knowledge of the relative configuration derived from NMR at a comparable computational level.

Bissubvilides A and B, Cembrane-Capnosane Heterodimers from the Soft Coral Sarcophyton subviride

Two new biscembranoid-like compounds, bissubvilides A (1) and B (2), were isolated together with sarsolilide B (3), the proposed biogenetic precursor to 1, from the soft coral Sarcophyton subviride. The structures and absolute configurations were solved by spectroscopic analysis and TDDFT/ECD and DFT/NMR calculations. The bissubvilides represent a novel biscembranoid-like skeleton presumed to derive from a cembrane-type diene and a capnosane-type dienophile via a Diels-Alder reaction. These two molecules exerted no cytotoxicity against MG-63 or A549 tumor cells or HuH7 tumor stem cells.

Absolute configurations of phytotoxic inuloxins B and C based on experimental and computational analysis of chiroptical properties

The absolute configuration of phytotoxins inuloxins B and C, produced by Inula viscosa, and with potential herbicidal activity for the management of parasitic plants, has been determined by Time-dependent density functional theory computational prediction of electronic circular dichroism and optical rotatory dispersion spectra. The inuloxin B has been converted to its 5-O-acetyl derivative, which due to its more constrained conformational features facilitated the computational analysis of its chiroptical properties. The analysis based on experimental and computed data led to assignment of absolute configuration to naturally occurring (+)-inuloxin B and (-)-inuloxin C as (7R,8R,10S,11S) and (5S,7S,8S,10S), respectively.

A fast but accurate excitonic simulation of the electronic circular dichroism of nucleic acids: how can it be achieved?

We present and discuss a simple and fast computational approach to the calculation of electronic circular dichroism spectra of nucleic acids. It is based on a exciton model in which the couplings are obtained in terms of the full transition-charge distributions, as resulting from TDDFT methods applied on the individual nucleobases. We validated the method on two systems, a DNA G-quadruplex and a RNA β-hairpin whose solution structures have been accurately determined by means of NMR. We have shown that the different characteristics of composition and structure of the two systems can lead to quite important differences in the dependence of the accuracy of the simulation on the excitonic parameters. The accurate reproduction of the CD spectra together with their interpretation in terms of the excitonic composition suggest that this method may lend itself as a general computational tool to both predict the spectra of hypothetic structures and define clear relationships between structural and ECD properties.

Two New Clerodane Diterpenes from Tinospora sagittata

Two new clerodane-type diterpenes, tinosporins C (1) and tinosporins D (2) were isolated from the stems of Tinospora sagittata (Oliv.), together with three known ones, columbin (3), tinophylloloside (4), and tinospinoside D (5). The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation, with that of the absolute configuration of compound 1 was assigned by experimental and calculated ECD spectra. The cytotoxicity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of isolated compounds were evaluated in vitro.

Three Pairs of New Isopentenyl Dibenzo[b,e]oxepinone Enantiomers from Talaromyces flavus, a Wetland Soil-Derived Fungus

Three pairs of new isopentenyl dibenzo[b,e]oxepinone enantiomers, (+)-(5S)-arugosin K (1a), (−)-(5R)-arugosin K (1b), (+)-(5S)-arugosin L (2a), (−)-(5R)-arugosin L (2b), (+)-(5S)-arugosin M (3a), (−)-(5R)-arugosin M (3b), and a new isopentenyl dibenzo[b,e]oxepinone, arugosin N (4), were isolated from a wetland soil-derived fungus Talaromyces flavus, along with two known biosynthetically-related compounds 5 and 6. Among them, arugosin N (4) and 1,6,10-trihydroxy-8-methyl-2-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-dibenz[b,e]oxepin-11(6H)-one (CAS: 160585-91-1, 5) were obtained as the tautomeric mixtures. The structures of isolated compounds were determined by detailed spectroscopic analysis. In addition, the absolute configurations of these three pairs of new enantiomers were determined by quantum chemical ECD calculations.

Axially Chiral Dimeric Naphthalene and Naphthoquinone Metabolites, from Root Cultures of the West African Liana Triphyophyllum peltatum

Root cultures of the West African liana Triphyophyllum peltatum were initiated from stem explants of in vitro cultivated shoots. From these organ cultures, three new binaphthalenes, one binaphthoquinone, and two (bi)naphthalene glucosides were isolated, with substitution patterns related to those of the naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids, which are the "normal" main metabolites of T. peltatum. The structures of the diglucoside dioncoquinoside A (1) and of the axially chiral biaryls triphyoquinols A1 (3), A2 (4), and B (5), triphyoquinoside A (6), and triphyoquinone A (7) were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis (HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR) and by application of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy in combination with the exciton chirality method and quantum-chemical ECD calculations. The root cultures likewise produced the known alkaloids dioncophylline A (8), 5'-O-demethyldioncophylline A (9), dioncopeltine A (10), habropetaline A (11), and 5'-O-methyldioncophylline D (12a/b), the naphthalene glucoside plumbaside A (2), and the naphthoquinones plumbagin (13), droserone (14), and 8-hydroxydroserone (15).

Bioactive Dibenzo-α-pyrone Derivatives from the Endophytic Fungus Rhizopycnis vagum Nitaf22

Six new dibenzo-α-pyrones, rhizopycnolides A (1) and B (2) and rhizopycnins A-D (3-6), together with eight known congeners (7-14), were isolated from the endophytic fungus Rhizopycnis vagum Nitaf22 obtained from Nicotiana tabacum. The structures of the new compounds were unambiguously elucidated using NMR, HRESIMS, TDDFT ECD calculation, and X-ray crystallography data. Rhizopycnolides A (1) and B (2) feature an uncommon γ-butyrolactone-fused dibenzo-α-pyrone tetracyclic skeleton (6/6/6/5), while rhizopycnin B (4) was the first amino group containing dibenzo-α-pyrone. Rhizopycnolides A (1) and B (2) are proposed to be biosynthesized from polyketide and tricarboxylic acid cycle pathways. The isolated compounds were tested for their antibacterial, antifungal, and cytotoxic activities. Among them, rhizopycnolide A (1), rhizopycnins C (5) and D (6), TMC-264 (8), penicilliumolide D (11), and alternariol (12) were active against the tested pathogenic bacteria Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas lachrymans, Ralstonia solanacearum, Staphylococcus hemolyticus, and Xanthomonas vesicatoria with MIC values in the range 25-100 μg/mL. Rhizopycnin D (6) and TMC-264 (8) strongly inhibited the spore germination of Magnaporthe oryzae with IC50 values of 9.9 and 12.0 μg/mL, respectively. TMC-264 (8) showed potent cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines (HCT-116, HepG2, BGC-823, NCI-H1650, and A2780) with IC50 values of 3.2-7.8 μM.

Determination of the Absolute Configurations of Chiral Drugs Using Chiroptical Spectroscopy

Chiroptical spectroscopy has emerged as a promising tool for the determination of absolute configurations and predominant conformations of chiral molecules in academic laboratories. This promise has led to the adaption of chiroptical spectroscopic methods as valuable tools in chiral drug discovery research programs of the pharmaceutical industry. Most major pharmaceutical companies have invested in in-house chiroptical spectroscopy applications and reported successful outcomes. In the context of continuously increasing applications of chiroptical spectroscopy for chiral molecular structure determination, a review of recent developments and applications for chiral drugs is presented in this manuscript.

Biotransformation of Resveratrol: New Prenylated trans-Resveratrol Synthesized by Aspergillus sp. SCSIOW2

Arahypin-16 (1), a new prenylated resveratrol with a unique dihydrobenzofuran ring, has been isolated as a microbial metabolite of resveratrol (2) from whole-cell fermentation of Aspergillus sp. SCSIOW2. The stereochemistry of 1 was determined by ECD calculations. 1 showed about half of the extracellular radical scavenging effect (IC50 = 161.4 μM) compared with resveratrol (IC50 = 80.5 μM), while on biomembranes it exhibited the same range of protection effects against free radicals generated from AAPH (IC50 = 78.6 μM and 87.9 μM).

The "racemic approach" in the evaluation of the enantiomeric NorA efflux pump inhibition activity of 2-phenylquinoline derivatives

Among the mechanisms adopted by bacteria, efflux pumps (EPs) have been recognized as being significantly involved in contributing to resistance to commonly used antibacterial agents. However, little is known about their three-dimensional structures or the steric requirements for their inhibition. Lack of such knowledge includes NorA, one of the most studied Staphylococcus aureus EPs. In the present study, the use of two commercialized Cinchona alkaloid-based zwitterionic chiral stationary phases allowed the enantioseparation of four 2-((2-(4-propoxyphenyl)quinolin-4-yl)oxy)alkylamines 1-4 previously found to be potent S. aureus NorA efflux pump inhibitors when tested as racemates. In the identified optimal polar-ionic conditions (MeOH/THF/H2O-49/49/2 (v/v/v)+25mM formic acid, 12.5mM diethylamine), repeated consecutive injections of 1 allowed the isolation of sufficient amount of its enantiomers (2.6mg and 2.8mg, for (R)-1 and (S)-1, respectively) and then to evaluate their ability to inhibit the S. aureus NorA efflux pump. The biological evaluation highlighted the main contribution of the (R)-1 enantiomer to both the EtBr efflux inhibition and synergistic effect with against SA-1199B (norA+/A116E GrlA) respect to the racemate activity. The comparison between the experimental electronic circular dichroism and the time-dependent density functional theory calculations spectra of the two isolated enantiomeric fractions allowed for all compounds a clear and easy assignment of the enantiomeric elution order.

Ancistrotectoquinones A and B, the First Quinoid Naphthylisoquinoline Alkaloids, from the Chinese Liana Ancistrocladus tectorius

From the leaves and stems of Ancistrocladus tectorius (Ancistrocladaceae) from the Chinese island Hainan, two novel-type 7,3′-coupled naphthylisoquinolines, named ancistrotectoquinones A (4) and B (5), were isolated. They are the first alkaloids with a 1,4-naphthoquinone portion coupled to an isoquinoline moiety. Due to the lowered degree of steric hindrance next to the biaryl axis and for electronic reasons, 4 and 5 occur as pairs of configurationally semi-stable, and, thus slowly interconverting atropo-diastereomers. The Gibbs free energies of activation between the two atropisomers of ancistrotectoquinone A (4a/b) were determined by measuring the time-dependent decrease of diastereomeric purity of freshly separated samples enriched with the M- or P-atropisomer and, computationally, by DFT calculations. The absolute configurations at the biaryl axes of the atropo-diastereomers of 4a/b and 5a/b were assigned by online LC-CD analysis. The stereostructure of 4a/b was further confirmed by its semi-synthesis from the likewise 7,3′-coupled ‘normal' naphthylisoquinoline alkaloid ancistrotectorine (6), by biomimetic oxidation with Fremy's salt.

Butenolide derivatives from the plant endophytic fungus Aspergillus terreus

Three new butenolides containing 5-hydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one core, asperteretal A (1), asperteretal B (2), and asperteretal C (3), together with seven known butenolides (4-10), were obtained from an endophytic fungus Aspergillus terreus PR-P-2 isolated from the plant Camellia sinensis var. assamica. The structures of compounds 1-3 were elucidated on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis including UV, IR, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, and ECD spectra. Compounds 1, 3, 5 and 6-8 showed potent inhibitory effects on NO production in RAW 264.7 lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages, and compounds 5 and 8 also exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against HL-60 cell line.

Lignans and triterpenoids from Vitex negundo var. heterophylla and their biological evaluation

Three new phenylnaphthalene-type lignans, vitexnegheteroins E-G (1-3), and a new polyoxygenated ursane-type triterpene, vitexnegheteroin H (9), were isolated from the seeds of Vitex negundo var. heterophylla, together with ten known compounds. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR experiments, as well as their mass spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of compounds 1 and 2 were determined by comparing their experimental ECD spectra with that calculated by the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) method. The isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxicities against three human cancer cell lines, inhibitory activities on lipopolysaccharide-induced NO production in murine microglial BV-2 cells, and antioxidant activities for ABTS radical scavenging.

Good Computational Practice in the Assignment of Absolute Configurations by TDDFT Calculations of ECD Spectra

Quantum-mechanical calculations of chiroptical properties have rapidly become the most popular method for assigning absolute configurations (AC) of organic compounds, including natural products. Black-box time-dependent Density Functional Theory (TDDFT) calculations of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra are nowadays readily accessible to nonexperts. However, an uncritical attitude may easily deliver a wrong answer. We present to the Chirality Forum a discussion on what can be called good computational practice in running TDDFT ECD calculations, highlighting the most crucial points with several examples from the recent literature. Chirality 28:466-474, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Eremophilane Sesquiterpenes from a Deep Marine-Derived Fungus, Aspergillus sp. SCSIOW2, Cultivated in the Presence of Epigenetic Modifying Agents

Chemical epigenetic manipulation was applied to a deep marine-derived fungus, Aspergillus sp. SCSIOW2, resulting in significant changes of the secondary metabolites. Three new eremophilane-type sesquiterpenes, dihydrobipolaroxin B (2), dihydrobipolaroxin C (3), and dihydrobipolaroxin D (4), along with one known analogue, dihydrobipolaroxin (1), were isolated from the culture treated with a combination of histone deacetylase inhibitor (suberohydroxamic acid) and DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (5-azacytidine). 1-4 were not produced in the untreated cultures. 2 and 3 might be artificial because 1 could form 2 and 3 spontaneously in water by intracellular acetalization reaction. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were assigned based on ECD spectroscopy combined with time-dependent density functional theory calculations. All four compounds exhibited moderate nitric oxide inhibitory activities without cytotoxic effects.

Circular Dichroism is Sensitive to Monovalent Cation Binding in Monensin Complexes

Monensin is a natural antibiotic that exhibits high affinity to certain metal ions. In order to explore its potential in coordination chemistry, circular dichroism (CD) spectra of monensic acid A (MonH) and its derivatives containing monovalent cations (Li(+) , Na(+) , K(+) , Rb(+) , Ag(+) , and Et4 N(+) ) in methanolic solutions were measured and compared to computational models. Whereas the conventional CD spectroscopy allowed recording of the transitions down to 192 nm, synchrotron radiation circular dichroism (SRCD) revealed other bands in the 178-192 nm wavelength range. CD signs and intensities significantly varied in the studied compounds, in spite of their similar crystal structure. Computational modeling based on the Density Functional Theory (DFT) and continuum solvent model suggests that the solid state monensin structure is largely conserved in the solutions as well. Time-dependent Density Functional Theory (TDDFT) simulations did not allow band-to-band comparison with experimental spectra due to their limited precision, but indicated that the spectral changes were caused by a combination of minor conformational changes upon the monovalent cation binding and a direct involvement of the metal electrons in monensin electronic transitions. Both the experiment and simulations thus show that the CD spectra of monensin complexes are very sensitive to the captured ions and can be used for their discrimination. Chirality 28:420-428, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Three new trixane glycosides obtained from the leaves of Jungia sellowii Less. using centrifugal partition chromatography

Jungia sellowii (Asteraceae) is a shrub that grows in Southern Brazil and polar extract of its leaves presents anti-inflammatory properties. Cyperane, guaiane, nortrixane, and trixane sesquiterpene types were reported as the main metabolites in Jungia species. This work aims to describe the isolation and identification of sesquiterpenes in the leaves of J. sellowii using liquid-liquid partition and centrifugal partition chromatography. Thus, the crude extract of fresh leaves of J. sellowii was partitioned with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and butanol, respectively. The butanol fraction was then subjected to a selected ternary system optimized for the CPC (centrifugal partition chromatography): ethyl acetate-ethanol-water (9:2:10, v/v/v). The separation was carried out isocratically at a flow rate of 25 mL/min at 1200 rpm, affording seven fractions A to G. TLC of fractions B, C and F displayed a single spot corresponding to three new glycosylated sesquiterpenoids. Their structures were established by using spectroscopic data in comparison to those reported in the literature. Furthermore, the isolates were evaluated for their leishmanicidal and cytotoxic effects. No cytotoxic effect was observed against the three cancer cell lines (HL60, JURKAT and REH), but compound 1 showed a weak antiprotozoal activity. Liquid-liquid partition and CPC turned to be a versatile technique of glycoside purification which is environmentally friendly and requires a limited amount of organic solvents.

Multimetallic Architectures from the Self-assembly of Amino Acids and Tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine Zinc(II) Complexes: Circular Dichroism Enhancement by Chromophores Organization

Stereodynamic optical probes are becoming very popular for their capability to act as molecular sensors for the determination of the enantiomeric excess (ee) of chiral compounds. Herein, we describe a new molecular architecture formed by the self-assembly of three zinc metal ions, two modified tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine ligands, and two amino acids. This system is the structural and functional serendipitous evolution of our previous probe for the determination of amino acids ee. In the new system, one of the metals templates in close proximity two chromophores enhancing their exciton coupling.

Eutypenoids A-C: Novel Pimarane Diterpenoids from the Arctic Fungus Eutypella sp. D-1

Eutypenoids A-C (1-3), pimarane diterpenoid alkaloid and two ring A rearranged pimarane diterpenoids, were isolated from the culture of Eutypella sp. D-1 obtained from high-latitude soil of the Arctic. Their structures, including absolute configurations, were authenticated on the basis of the mass spectroscopy (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray crystallography, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) analysis. The immunosuppressive effects of eutypenoids A-C (1-3) were studied using a ConA-induced splenocyte proliferation model, which suggested that 2 exhibited potent immunosuppressive activities.

Dysiherbols A-C and Dysideanone E, Cytotoxic and NF-κB Inhibitory Tetracyclic Meroterpenes from a Dysidea sp. Marine Sponge

Four new tetracyclic meroterpnes, dysiherbols A-C (1-3) and dysideanone E (4), were isolated from a Dysidea sp. marine sponge collected from the South China Sea. Their complete structures and absolute configurations were unambiguously determined by a combination of NMR spectroscopic data, ECD calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Within the sesquiterpene quinol structures, dysiherbols A-C possess an intriguing 6/6/5/6-fused tetracyclic carbon skeleton. The NF-κB inhibitory and cytotoxic activity evaluation disclosed that dysiherbol A (1) showed potent activity with respective IC50 values of 0.49 and 0.58 μM, which were about 10-fold and 20-fold more potent than those of dysiherbols B (2) and C (3), which feature hydroxy and ketone carbonyl groups at the C-3 position.

Sorazolons, Carbazole Alkaloids from Sorangium cellulosum Strain Soce375

Sorazolons A (1) to E2 (9) were isolated from Sorangium cellulosum strain Soce375. Their molecular structures were elucidated using extensive HRESIMS and NMR analysis. The absolute configuration of sorazolon A (1) was determined by comparison of the experimental CD spectrum with quantum chemical calculated spectra for both enantiomers. Sorazolons D2 (7), E (8), and E2 (9) exhibit a moderate cytotoxic activity against mouse fibroblast cell line L929 with IC50 values between 5.0 μM and 0.09 mM.

Systematic study on the TD-DFT calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra of chiral aromatic nitro compounds: A comparison of B3LYP and CAM-B3LYP

B3LYP is one of the most widely used functional for the prediction of electronic circular dichroism spectra, however if the studied molecule contains aromatic nitro group computations may fail to produce reliable results. A test set of molecules of known stereochemistry were synthesized to study this phenomenon in detail. Spectra were computed by B3LYP and CAM-B3LYP functionals with 6-311++G(2d,2p) basis set. It was found that the range separated CAM-B3LYP gives better predictions than B3LYP for all test molecules. Fragment population analysis revealed that the nitro groups form highly localized molecule orbitals but the exact composition depends on the functional. CAM-B3LYP allows sufficient spatial overlap between the nitro group and distant parts of the molecule, which is necessary for the accurate description of excited states especially for charge transfer states. This phenomenon and the synthesized test molecules can be used to benchmark theoretical methods as well as to help the development of new functionals intended for spectroscopical studies.

Antiviral Merosesquiterpenoids Produced by the Antarctic Fungus Aspergillus ochraceopetaliformis SCSIO 05702

Five new highly oxygenated α-pyrone merosesquiterpenoids, ochraceopones A-E (1-5), together with one new double bond isomer of asteltoxin, isoasteltoxin (6), and two known asteltoxin derivatives, asteltoxin (7) and asteltoxin B (8), were isolated from an Antarctic soil-derived fungus, Aspergillus ochraceopetaliformis SCSIO 05702. Their structures were determined through extensive spectroscopic analysis, CD spectra, quantum mechanical calculations, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Ochraceopones A-D (1-4) are the first examples of α-pyrone merosesquiterpenoids possessing a linear tetracyclic carbon skeleton, which has not been previously described. All the isolated compounds were tested for their antiviral, cytotoxic, antibacterial, and antitubercular activities. Among these compounds, ochraceopone A (1), isoasteltoxin (6), and asteltoxin (7) exhibited antiviral activities against the H1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses with IC50 values of >20.0/12.2 ± 4.10, 0.23 ± 0.05/0.66 ± 0.09, and 0.54 ± 0.06/0.84 ± 0.02 μM, respectively. A possible biosynthetic pathway for ochraceopones A-E (1-5) was proposed.

Structure and Absolute Configuration of Pseudohygrophorones A(12) and B(12), Alkyl Cyclohexenone Derivatives from Hygrophorus abieticola (Basidiomycetes)

Pseudohygrophorones A(12) (1) and B(12) (2), the first naturally occurring alkyl cyclohexenones from a fungal source, and the recently reported hygrophorone B(12) (3) have been isolated from fruiting bodies of the basidiomycete Hygrophorus abieticola Krieglst. ex Gröger & Bresinsky. Their structures were assigned on the basis of extensive one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopic analysis as well as ESI-HRMS measurements. The absolute configuration of the three stereogenic centers in the diastereomeric compounds 1 and 2 was established with the aid of (3)JH,H and (4)JH,H coupling constants, NOE interactions, and conformational analysis in conjunction with quantum chemical CD calculations. It was concluded that pseudohygrophorone A(12) (1) is 4S,5S,6S configured, while pseudohygrophorone B(12) (2) was identified as the C-6 epimer of 1, corresponding to the absolute configuration 4S,5S,6R. In addition, the mass spectrometric fragmentation behavior of 1-3 obtained by the higher energy collisional dissociation method allows a clear distinction between the pseudohygrophorones (1 and 2) and hygrophorone B(12) (3). The isolated compounds 1-3 exhibited pronounced activity against phytopathogenic organisms.