MYCOCHRYSONE: II. CARBON SKELETON, PRINCIPAL CHROMOPHORE, AND OXYGEN FUNCTIONS
A mono-and di-methyl ether and two diacetates of mycochrysone have been prepared. Elemental analyses of these derivatives and of the purified pigment itself are consistent with a revised C20H12O7 formula for mycochrysone.The formation of a leucohexaacetate suggests that the molecule contains two hydroxyl or potential hydroxyl oxygen functions in addition to the quinonoid and phenolic (or enolic) groups already shown to be present. The infrared spectra of mycochrysone and derivatives provide evidence that the remaining oxygen atom is ketonic. The principal chromophore of mycochrysone is related to 8-hydroxy-1,2-naphthoquinone. Hydrogenation experiments indicate that the pigment has a perylene carbon skeleton.