Ammimajanes - Novel Volatile Diterpenes from Ammi majus L. (Apiaceae)

ABSTRACT Seven diterpenes were isolated from the higher boiling fraction of the essential oil from the aerial parts of Ammi majus L. (Apiaceae). Their structure proved to base on a novel irregular acyclic hydrocarbon skeleton which is named ammimajane. Structure elucidation was accomplished by spectroscopic methods. Aside from the ammimajanes phytol, isophytol and isoelemicin were also identified.