Axinella polycapella

Extracts of Axinella polycapella contained 1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene (347) and 2,2, 4,4, 5,5 -hexahydroxybiphenyl (348) (207) as antimicrobial constituents. While 348 could arise through oxidative dimerization of 347, the authors think that the biphenyl 348 occurs in the living sponge and is not formed in vitro after collection. 

Wratten, S.J., and J. Meinwald Antimicrobial Metabolites of the Marine Sponge Axinella polycapella. Experientia 37, 13 (1981). 

Constit. of the sponge Axinella polycapella. Also isol. from the fruiting bodies of Gomphidus spp. Antibacterial agent. Used as 1% aq. soln. for photometric detn. of Os. Plates (Et20). Sol. H2O. Mp 140.5° subl. 9.08 pX,2 H.82 (20°). 

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