Isolation and X-Ray Crystal Structure of (E)-4-(r-1',t-2',c-4'-Trihydroxy-2',6',6'-trimethyl-cyclohexyl)but-3-en- 2-one, a Constituent of New Zealand Thyme Honey

Abstract

A trihydroxy ketone isolated from the extractives of New Zealand thyme honey has been shown by X-ray crystallographic analysis to be (E)-4-(r-1′,t-2′,c-4′-trihydroxy-2′,6′,6′- trimethylcyclohexyl)but-3-en-2-one. Since this compound appears to occur only in thyme honeys, its presence is considered to afford a chemical procedure for the verification of floral source.