Xanthone

Xanthone is an organic compound with the molecular formula C13H8O2. It can be prepared by the heating of phenyl salicylate. In 1939, xanthone was introduced as an insecticide. Xanthone currently finds uses as ovicide for codling moth eggs and as a larvicide. It is also used in the preparation of xanthydrol, used in the determination of urea levels in the blood.

Xanthones are natural constituents of plants in the families Bonnetiaceae and Clusiaceae. Xanthones are also reported from some species in the family Podostemaceae.

Similar compounds
The chemical structure of xanthone forms the central core of a variety of naturally occurring organic compounds, such as mangostin, which are sometimes collectively referred to as xanthones. Over 200 xanthones have been identified. Many of these xanthones are found in the pericarp of the mangosteen fruit (Garcinia mangostana), which can be found in the region of Southeast Asia.