The lachrymatory principle of Petiveria alliacea

The lachrymatory principle of Petiveria alliacea has been isolated from a fresh homogenate of the root. Its structure and geometric configuration have been determined as ( Z)-thiobenzaldehyde S-oxide by means of NMR, IR, MALDI-MS and by comparison with an authentic compound obtained by synthesis. This unique compound represents only the third naturally occurring sulfine (thiocarbonyl S-oxide) to be reported. Its formation and possible subsequent rearrangements are discussed. Its antibacterial and antifungal activities are also reported. Isolation of ( Z)-thiobenzaldehyde S-oxide from a fresh homogenate of the root of Petiveria alliacea L. is described. This unique compound represents only the third naturally occurring sulfine (thiocarbonyl S-oxide) to be reported. Its formation and possible subsequent rearrangements are discussed. Its antibacterial and antifungal activities are also reported.