Usnic acid

2,6 -diacetyl- 7 ,9 -dihydroxy -8, 9b -dimethyl- 1,3 (2H, 9bH ) - dibenzofurandion

Yellow solid

Fixed

1.54 g · cm -3

201-202 ° C

Attention

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Usnic acid is a natural antibiotic substance that is extracted from lichen species of the genus Usnea Lichen ( Usnea ). The antimicrobial effect is often used for skin infections, but also in anti-dandruff preparations use. Another use in infections of the upper respiratory tract.

The compound is chiral, both antipodes occur in nature. The enantiomers melt respectively at 203 ° C. Under the influence of heat easily done racemization. It is a racemic compound forms with a melting point of 197 ° C.