Abstract
For the investigation of the stereochemisrty of the hydroxyl group in the saturated isoprenoid of 2- and 3-hydroxyarchaeol, important biomarker for the existence of methanogenic archaea and anoxic oxidation of methane, the racemic equivalents were prepared and the properties of the 4 isomers mixture were investigated. Two separated gas chromatographic peaks were observed about the 2-hydroxyarchaeol equivalent. Further, (at least) the mixture of the two compounds was observed from the 13C NMR spectra. Thus, it is strongly suggested that natural 2-hydroxyarchaeol is a single isomer. On the other hands, single peak on gas chromatogram were observed in case of 3-hydroxyarchaeol, however, the mixture of the two compounds was observed from the 13C NMR spectra. Chiral preparation and determination of stereochemistry of the saturated isoprenoidal part and 2- and 3-hydroxyarchaeol will be presented.
