Phylogenetic distribution of bromophenols in marine algae and the generation of a comprehensive bromophenol database

Marine algae are the source of a plethora of halogenated compounds, in particular brominated phenols, possessing various bioactivities. Since these natural products are typically unavailable commercially, isolation is usually indispensable for biological activity testing. However, targeted isolation may be challenging due to difficulties in identifying desired compounds via high-resolution LC-MS in crude extracts or fractions. While bromophenols have been extensively reviewed regarding their bioactivities, less attention has been given to their distribution and chemotaxonomic relevance among marine algae. Knowledge of the distribution of bromophenols may aid species identification and also point to species containing potentially novel compounds. To facilitate targeted and untargeted isolation of bromophenols from marine algae, an overview of the distribution and chemotaxonomic relevance of algal bromophenols considering recent phylogenetic findings is presented along with key analytical features of bromophenols relevant for mass spectrometric identification. Additionally, a comprehensive database listing brominated phenols from marine algae and their key analytical properties has been constructed.

Automated summary

Marine algae are a rich source of halogenated compounds, particularly the bioactive brominated phenols. Isolation of these natural products is essential for biological activity testing as they are not typically commercially available. However, identifying desired compounds in crude extracts or fractions via high-resolution LC-MS can be challenging. This review provides an overview of the distribution and chemotaxonomic relevance of bromophenols in marine algae, along with key analytical features for their mass spectrometric identification. Additionally, a comprehensive database listing brominated phenols from marine algae and their key analytical properties has been constructed.