Humulone (α-lupulic acid), a vinylogous type of organic acid, is a bitter-tasting chemical compound found in the resin of mature hops (Humulus lupulus).[2] Humulone is a prevalent member of the class of compounds known as alpha acids, which collectively give hopped beer its characteristic bitter flavor.
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| Names | |
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| Preferred IUPAC name
(6S)-3,5,6-Trihydroxy-2-(3-methylbutanoyl)-4,6-bis(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)cyclohexa-2,4-dien-1-one[1] | |
| Other names
α-Lupulic acid; α-Bitter acid | |
| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) |
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| ChemSpider | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.043.371 
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PubChem CID |
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| UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) |
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| Properties | |
| C21H30O5 | |
| Molar mass | 362.466 g·mol−1 |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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In terms of structure, humulone is a phloroglucinol derivative with three isoprenoid side-chains. Two side-chains are prenyl groups and one is an isovaleryl group. The acidity of the ring enol moieties that give rise to its designation as an acid lie in their vinylogous relationship with the ring and side chain carbonyl functional groups.[citation needed]
During the brewing process, humulone degrades to cis- and trans-isohumulone.[1] These “alpha acids” survive the boiling process, although numerous oxidized derivatives are produced.[3] The iso-alpha acids are significantly more soluble than humulone at the pH levels typically present in the brewing process.[4]
Humulone can be synthesized by the acylationofbenzene-1,2,3,5-tetrol with isovaleryl chloride to give 2,3,4,6-tetrahydroxyisovalerophenone. This step is followed by prenylation with 1-bromo-3-methyl-2-butene to give humulone.[5]
As determined by INADEQUATE 2D NMR, the biosynthesis of humulone in Humulus lupulus starts with an isovaleryl-CoA unit and 3 malonyl-CoA units catalyzed by phlorovalerophenone synthase. This conversion yields the benzenoid 3-methyl-1-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)butan-1-one. Dimethylallyl pyrophosphate is then obtained from the deoxyxylulose pathway, where prenylation of the benzenoid occurs, yielding humulone.[6]
Humulone is under basic research with in vitro studies to determine if it has biological properties, such as possible GABAA receptor activity[7][8]orantibacterial effects.[9]
