Biological Activity of 6-Pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one and Its Analogs

The in vitro biological activities (antifungal, phytotoxic) for a group of fungal metabolites structurally related to 6-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one have been determined. Six compounds were tested and showed a degree of phytotoxicity in one or more of the assays employed. From among the analogs tested, (R)-5,6-dihydro-6-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one has been identified as the most active against Penicillium species.