Isolation of a new carotenoid pigment from an undescribed Gorgonian of the genus Muricella

Abstract

Muricellaxanthin, a novel carotenoid pigment has been isolated by activity-guided separation from an undescribed gorgonian of the genus Muricella collected from Jaeju Island. Structure of this compound has been determined by a combination of spectral methods. Stereochemistry has been defined by interpretation of nOe data and comparison of CD data with related compounds. Muricellaxanthin exhibited potent lethality against brine-shrimp larvae.