Phenylpropane derivatives from roots of Cosmos caudatus

One hydroxyeugenol and five coniferyl alcohol derivatives have been isolated from the roots of Cosmos caudatus. Structures of the isolated compounds were established on the basis of spectral data. Z-coniferylalcohol-3′-acetyl-4-isobutyrate and 1′,2′-dihydroxy-coniferyl alcohol-3′-isobutyryl-4-isobutyrate are new natural compounds. The other compounds, 1′-acetoxy-eugenol-4-isobutyrate, 1′,2′-epoxy-Z-coniferylalcohol-3′-(2-methylbutyryl)-4-isobutyrate, 1′,2′-epoxy-Z-coniferyl alcohol-3′-acetyl-4-isobutyrate and 1′,2′-epoxy-Z-coniferyl alcohol-3′-isobutyryl-4-isobutyrate, have been described from species of the same tribe (Heliantheae), but their antifungal properties are reported here for the first time.