Benzyl Alcohol/Salicylaldehyde-Type Polyketide Metabolites of Fungi: Sources, Biosynthesis, Biological Activities, and Synthesis

Marine microorganisms are an important source of natural polyketides, which have become a significant reservoir of lead structures for drug design due to their diverse biological activities. In this review, we provide a summary of the resources, structures, biological activities, and proposed biosynthetic pathways of the benzyl alcohol/salicylaldehyde-type polyketides. In addition, the total syntheses of these secondary metabolites from their discoveries to the present day are presented. This review could be helpful for researchers in the total synthesis of complex natural products and the use of polyketide bioactive molecules for pharmacological purposes and applications in medicinal chemistry.

Automated summary

Marine microorganisms are an important source of natural polyketides, which have diverse biological activities and are significant reservoirs for drug design. This review summarizes the resources, structures, biological activities, and proposed biosynthetic pathways of benzyl alcohol/salicylaldehyde-type polyketides. The total syntheses of these secondary metabolites are also presented. This review is helpful for researchers in the synthesis of complex natural products and the use of polyketides for pharmacological purposes and medicinal applications.