What Is Xanthone?

Xanthone is a heterocyclic organic compound that is composed of stable carbon-structure molecules. Xanthone is used as an ovicide for killing codling moth eggs. Xanthone occurs in nature in certain plants, herbs, and fruits. Almost 200 species of xanthones have been identified so far. Mangosteen fruit, primarily found in Southeast Asia, is the greatest natural source of xanthone.

Synthesis

• Synthetic xanthones were first produced in 1939 from phenyl salicylate. Today, large amounts of xanthones are synthesized industrially through a variety of preparation methods such as by the oxidation of xanthene (a white crystalline heterocyclic compound) with chromic acid, by heating salol or phenyl salicylate with concentrated sulfuric acid, and by the distillation of fluoran with lime.

Natural source

• Xanthones are found in some selected plant species i.e. Clusiaceae, Podostemaceae, and Bonnetiaceae. But, mangosteen fruit, mostly found in the regions of Southeast Asia, is the primary natural supply of xanthones. The fruit contains about 40 types of xanthones in its pericarp.

Physical and chemical properties

• Solid xanthones are crystalline needles. Its melting point and boiling point are 173 and 349 degrees C respectively. Xanthones are heat resistant molecules and do not degrade on mild heating. It evaporates quickly in steam. Xanthones in reaction with potassium hydroxide or caustic potash give off phenol and salicylic acid. Xanthones produce marked blue inflorescence when fuse with concentrated solution of sulfuric acid. Unlike proteins, xanthones are heat resistant molecules; they don't degrade or degenerate when heated.

Xanthone derivatives

• The chemical structure of xanthone is the basis of a wide range of organic compounds (called xanthone derivatives) like tetrahydroxyxanthone. Xanthone derivatives are the key ingredients in the production of high quality polyester in the textile industry. Polyester film is also used in the production of cost-effective solar cells.

Health Claims

• Xanthone is high in certain antioxidants. Alternative health practitioners have made several unverifiable claims about the health benefits of xanthone, but no studies have been done to verify the claims.