Rumphellatin A, the first chloride-containing caryophyllane-type norsesquiterpenoid from Rumphella antipathies

A novel chloride-containing 14C norsesquiterpenoid, rumphellatin A (1), was isolated from the Formosan gorgonian coral Rumphella antipathies. The structure of metabolite 1 was determined on the basis of spectral data analysis and the configuration of 1 was further supported by molecular mechanics calculations. Rumphellatin A (1) showed activity against Gram-negative bacteria.