Linear diterpenes from the marine brown alga Bifurcaria bifurcata: a chemical perspective

This article will give a complete overview of linear diterpenes isolated from the brown alga Bifurcaria bifurcata. For this purpose all published acyclic diterpenoids are listed and gathered in three main biosynthetic families with respect to their structural similarities. These are the C-12 oxidized (e.g. eleganediol), the C-13 oxidized (e.g. eleganolone), and the direct geranylgeraniol derivatives. The origin and plausible biosynthesis of all compounds are discussed. Additionally, the issues concerning the configurational assignment such as the configuration of trisubstituted double bonds and the configuration of oxidized stereogenic centers are pointed out. Special emphasis is also given on synthesis, biological activities (cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and antifouling activities), chemotaxonomy, and ecology of the compounds.