Facile Synthesis of Cyclohexanediones and Dialkylresorcinols – Bioactive Natural Products from Entomopathogenic Bacteria

A synthesis for the recently identified, widespread bacterial natural product classes of dialkylresorcinols and cyclohexanediones was developed. The synthesis route is similar to the biosynthesis route in that the formation of the cyclohexanedione ring results from two parts, as exemplified by the synthesis of the multifunctional isopropylstilbenes identified in Photorhabdus luminescens. Testing of these compounds revealed good bioactivity against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and T. cruzi, the causative agents of sleeping sickness and Chagas disease, respectively.