Atromentic acid from Clitocybe illudens

Atromentic acid was isolated from culture liquids of Clitocybe illudens. Identification, based on analyses and spectra of the compound and a number of new derivatives, was confirmed by direct comparison of its tetramethylated derivative with a synthetic sample. Products, giving a blueing reaction have been detected in the same culture liquids, and an as yet unidentified compound has been isolated in crystalline form as its methylation product, C₄₂H₃₆O₁₂. The presence of pulvinic acid derivatives in Basidiomycetes other than the Boletaceae has been reported in only one other instance.