Vulpinic acid
Encyclopedia
Vulpinic acid is a naturally occurring pulvinic acid derivative found in several lichen
Lichen
Lichens are composite organisms consisting of a symbiotic organism composed of a fungus with a photosynthetic partner , usually either a green alga or cyanobacterium...

 species, as well as some non-lichenized fungi. It was first isolated in 1925. It is bright yellow, and relatively toxic.

Occurrence in Lichen

Together with usnic acid
Usnic acid
Usnic acid is a naturally occurring dibenzofuran derivative found in several lichen species. It was first isolated by German scientist W. Knop in 1844 and first synthesized between 1933-1937 by Curd and Robertson. Usnic acid was identified in many genera of lichens including Usnea, Cladonia,...

 and pinastric acid, vulpinic acid is secondary metabolite of the fungi. It is speculated that the substances are used as repellent for some herbivores. The substance showed also some activity against gram-positive bacteria.
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