Structure–activity relationship study of flowering-inducer FN against Lemna paucicostata

FN1 (1) and FN2 (2), cycloadducts of α-ketol octadecadienoic acid (3) with norepinephrine (NE), induce flowering in Lemna paucicostata. In order to broaden our understanding of structural requirements of FN for flower induction, nine analogs of 3 (4–12) were synthesized and reacted with NE under basic conditions. These analogs, except for 8, 10, and 12, exhibited significant activity regarding to floral induction in L. paucicostata. Similar experiments were carried out by using 3 and epinephrine, and it was demonstrated that these products also possessed biological activity.