Synthesis of methoxybenzoflavones and assignments of their NMR data

A phytotoxic root exudate from Acroptilon repens was identified as 7,8‐benzoflavone, an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 1A2 and activator of cytochrome P450 3A4. The synthetic 5,6‐benzoflavone also is a potent phytotoxin. Six 7,8‐benzoflavones and eight 5,6‐benzoflavones were synthesized in this study. The NMR data for a few of these compounds have been previously reported; however, the NMR data for most of them have not been reported. For reference purposes, the complete NMR data for the 14 benzoflavones are described. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. A phytotoxic root exudate from Acroptilon repens was identified as 7,8‐benzoflavone, an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 1A2 and activator of cytochrome P450 3A4. The synthetic 5,6‐benzoflavone also is a potent phytotoxin. Six 7,8‐benzoflavones and eight 5,6‐benzoflavones were synthesized in this study. The NMR data for a few of these compounds have been previously reported; however, the NMR data for most of them have not been reported. For reference purposes, the complete NMR data for the 14 benzoflavones are described.