# Very-Long-Chain Resorcinolic Lipids of Ailanthus altissima Samaras

## TL;DR

Researchers found two new long-chain resorcinolic lipids in Ailanthus altissima seeds, which show antifungal properties and vary with environmental conditions.

## Contribution

Discovery of two new resorcinolic lipids and their antifungal activity in Ailanthus altissima samaras.

## Key findings

- Two new 5-n-alkylresorcinol homologues were isolated from Ailanthus altissima samaras.
- AR levels varied between urban-grown trees but not with tree physiological state.
- The AR mixture showed antifungal activity against Fusarium and Rhizoctonia phytopathogens.

## Abstract

Two new very-long-chain 5-n-alkylresorcinol (AR) homologues, that is, 5-n-nonacosylbenzene-1,3-diol and 5-n-hentriacontylbenzene-1,3-diol, were isolated from acetone extracts of Ailanthus altissima samaras. These phenolic compounds were detected in nearly equal proportions, although their total content varied considerably between samples from urban-grown trees. No correlation was observed between AR levels and the physiological state of the tree, suggesting that environmental conditions may strongly influence AR biosynthesis in A. altissima. Furthermore, the isolated AR mixture exhibited antifungal activity against soil-borne phytopathogens of the genera Fusarium and Rhizoctonia.