Aurone

Aurones are a class of flavonoid chemical compounds. They are characterized by a benzofuranone skeleton, differing from other flavonoids by the presence of a five-membered ring (furanone) instead of the six-membered pyran ring found in flavones, flavanones, and related compounds. The formation of the aurone structure involves an enzymatic conversion from chalcones.

Aurones are often yellow in color and contribute to the pigmentation of certain flowers. They are found in various plant species, where they are believed to play roles in plant defense, UV protection, and pollination.

Research into aurones has explored their potential biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. They are also of interest in the field of plant biochemistry for their role in flavonoid biosynthesis. The limited distribution of aurones in the plant kingdom makes them valuable markers in chemotaxonomic studies.