Isolation of 2,6-dibromophenol from the marine hemichordate, Balanoglossus biminiensis

Abstract

2,6-Dibromophenol has been isolated from a luminous marine enteropneust, Balanoglossus biminiensis, found on intertidal beach areas at Sapelo Island, Georgia. This compound, responsible for the characteristic "iodoform-like" odor of these animals, is present in relatively large amounts; the estimated quantity per organism is 10 to 15 milligrams. Identity of the isolated substance as 2,6 dibromophenol is based on analyses of ultraviolet, infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, mass spectrometry analysis, and on melting-point data.