Moluccensins R–Y, Limonoids from the Seeds of a Mangrove, <i>Xylocarpus moluccensis</i>

Eight limonoids, named moluccensins R–Y (1, 2, 5–10), and six known compounds, including 6-hydroxymexicanolide (3), were isolated from the seeds of an Indian mangrove, Xylocarpus moluccensis, collected in the estuaries of Andhra Pradesh. The absolute configuration of moluccensin V (7) was confirmed by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The 1H and 13C NMR data for 6-hydroxymexicanolide (3) was assigned for the first time, and the 6R absolute configuration established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Moluccensin R (1), 6R-hydroxymexicanolide (3), and 2-hydroxyfissinolide (4) exhibited marked antifeedant activity against the third-instar larvae of Brontispa longissima at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. The most potent compound tested was 2-hydroxyfissinolide (4), with an AFC50 (concentration for 50% antifeedant activity) value of 94 μg/mL at 24 h.