Synthesis of Rhodotorulic Acid and Its 1,4-Dimethylated Derivative

Facile syntheses of rhodotorulic acid, isolated from Rhodotorula pilimanae as a siderophore, and its 1,4-dimethylated derivative have been achieved by microwave-assisted cyclization of the corresponding dipeptide precursors.Siderophores are iron-chelating compounds utilized by bacteria and fungi under iron-limiting conditions. 1