-Keto-acid/hydroxy-lactone isomerization in some lichen depsides, depsidones and diphenyl ethers

In some compounds in lichens, the carboxylic acid is ortho-substituted by an 2-oxoalkyl chain. This particular structure induces the existence of delta-keto-acid ka or hydroxy-lactone hl isomers, clearly identified by their NMR data and chemical properties, such as dehydration, methylation and behaviour in thermal conditions. Internal hydrogen bonding between the carboxylic acid and substituent in the ortho ' position is proposed as an isomerization modulator: an H-bond acceptor (OCH3) leads to ka isomers, whereas hl isomers are obtained with an H-bond donor (OH). NMR spectroscopy and reactivity studies of seven lichens metabolites showed that the substituent in C2 ' controls the delta-keto-acid(ka)/hydroxy-lactone(hl) equilibrium: ka is obtained with an H-bond acceptor (OCH3) and hl with an H-bond donor (OH).