Abstract
DURING investigations on nitrogen-containing materials synthesized by moulds, we have isolated, in high yield, from the mycelium of Penicillium puberulum Bain., a hitherto undescribed organic substance. This substance, which exists in white and yellow forms, is photosensitive, analyses as C17H12N2O2, and melts with decomposition at 220°. Two enolic hydroxyl groups appear to be present, since reaction with diazomethane gives a dimethyl derivative, m.p. 181° (decomp.), which contains no N-methyl groups. This material crystallizes in two inter-convertible forms, either as yellow needles or as bronze-brown plates, from acetone. Acetylation of the original substance with acetic anhydride and pyridine yields a diacetyl derivative, m.p. 226° (decomp.). On heating, the original substance yields phenol, and oxidation gives p-hydroxy-benzoic acid. Oxidation of the dimethyl derivative with permanganate yields hydrogen cyanide, anisic acid and other unidentified products, and heating with sodium methoxide in methyl alcoholic solution gives ammonia, anisic acid and other products.
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CAMPBELL, A., HIRST, E., FOSS, M. et al. Nitrogenous Substances Synthesized by Moulds. Nature 155, 141 (1945). https://doi.org/10.1038/155141a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/155141a0
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