| Coumestan | |
|---|---|
|
[1]Benzoxolo[3,2-c]chromen-6-one |
|
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 479-12-9 |
| PubChem | 638309 |
| ChemSpider | 553855 |
| Jmol-3D images | Image 1 Image 2 |
|
|
|
|
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | C15H8O3 |
| Molar mass | 236.22 g mol−1 |
| Melting point |
187–188 °C[1] |
| (verify) (what is: /?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) |
|
| Infobox references | |
Coumestan is an organic compound that is a derivative of coumarin. Coumestan forms the central core of a variety of natural compounds known collectively as coumestans. Coumestans, including coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, are found in a variety of plants. Food sources high in coumestans include split peas, pinto beans, lima beans, and especially alfalfa and clover sprouts.[2]
Coumestol has about the same binding affinity for the ER-β estrogen receptor as 17β-estradiol, but much less affinity for 17α-estradiol, although the estrogenic potency of coumestrol at both receptors is much less than that of 17β-estradiol.[3]
Because of the estrogenic activity of some coumestans, a variety of syntheses have been developed that allow the preparation of coumestans so that their pharmacological effects can be explored.[4][5]