Brominated 3-Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic Acid Derivative from Boswellia serrata Extract Characterized by Single-Crystal X-Ray Structure Analysis and Mass Spectroscopy.

3-Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid. It is found in frankincense, which is the resin found in plants from the Boswellia genus. Single crystals of 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid methanol and acetonitrile solvates were obtained from the Boswellia serrata extract. X-Ray crystal structure analysis revealed the coexistence of a brominated derivative, 3-acetyl-11-keto-12-bromo-β-boswellic acid. Mass spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of the brominated derivative in the extract. These results provide a structural basis for insights into the chemical reactivity and possibly the biosynthesis of 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid and its related substances in B. serrata.