Brazilian gorgonians: a source of odoriferous compounds?

The gorgonian Phyllogorgia dilatata Esper is an octocoral known to be source of biologically active terpenes. In this study, odoriferous compounds present in P. dilatata tissues were investigated, due to their exotic olfactory notes. The search of volatile compounds was performed in a dichloromethane/methanol extract submitted to a silica gel vacuum chromatography and HPLC, yielding the isomers (Z,E) and (E,E)-germacrones, identified by GC/MS, 1 and 2D NMR. The stereochemistry of (E,E)-germacrone, as well as its preferred conformation, was confirmed by NOESY. Sensory analysis of the two isomers revealed a fragrant, citrus, woody and weak marine odor, similar to the odor of the natural gorgonian, and (E,E)-germacrone has a three times more intense aroma than the (Z,E) isomer.

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