Genipa americana
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID64403cd930a84504444727 |
| Scientific name | Genipa americana |
| Authority | L. |
| First published in | Syst. Nat. ed. 10 , 2: 931 (1759) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
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Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
Among the Krahô of Brazil, the leaves and roots are boiled to make a bitter tea taken for diarrhea and dysentery (Carvalho et al., 2012). In Bolivia’s Beni and Cochabamba departments, the Warani and lowland groups decoct the bark or leaf infusions for stomach complaints and fever (De la Torre et al., 2008). Across northeastern Brazil, herbalists and folk practitioners routinely prepare a simple leaf or bark infusion as a diuretic and as a gentle febrifuge, using the same hot infusion both internally and as a wash for sore, itchy skin (Lorenzi, 2002). These preparations vary in strength, but the key pattern is a hot infusion or decoction of aerial parts or bark, taken in small sips or used topically.
A practical, widely cited mild tea can be made with about 2 to 3 g of dried leaf or 4 to 6 g of bark, added to 200 mL of freshly boiled water, steeped covered for 10 to 15 minutes, and strained. Many practitioners drink one cup twice daily for loose stools or mild fever; if used as a skin wash, a slightly stronger infusion (3 g dried leaf or 6 g bark per 200 mL) is prepared and cooled before application. Safety guidance given by Brazilian folk practitioners is to limit use to short courses, avoid in pregnancy and lactation unless directed by a qualified health professional, and stop if stomach upset occurs; while generally well tolerated, gentian-like bitter infusions can irritate sensitive stomachs and may be laxative at higher doses. Because alkaloid-containing plants can interact with medications, consult a clinician if you are on prescription drugs.
Genipa americana bark and leaves are known to contain iridoid glycosides such as genipin and geniposide, together with secoiridoids, flavonoids (especially quercetin derivatives), tannins, and saponins (Franceschi et al., 2006; Republic of Brazil, 2012). These constituents plausibly account for the astringent and antidiarrheal actions of the leaf/bark infusions (tannins) and the reported mild anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects associated with iridoid and flavonoid components in related Rubiaceae.
Ongoing ethnobotanical fieldwork continues to document these preparations in northeastern Brazil, and dried bark and leaves are available through regional herbal distributors and international suppliers specializing in medicinal species. While formal clinical trials remain limited, these documented practices and the plant’s well-characterized chemistry keep the species relevant in both traditional and contemporary herbal contexts.
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Common products:
Genipap fruit, a sweet–sour pulp eaten fresh and processed into juices, nectars, syrups, preserves, and sorbets; and a natural purple dye extracted from the fruit flesh, used historically and contemporarily in textile dyeing and crafts.
Industrial and craft applications:
The fruit yields a purple, water‑soluble anthocyanin-based colorant suitable for dyeing cellulosic and protein fibers. It is employed traditionally in indigo–genipap tie‑dye techniques in Central and South America, where the fruit juice accelerates the formation of the characteristic deep‑blue pigment when combined with indigo; it is also used alone to produce violet hues on fabrics. The colorant is noted as non‑toxic for non‑edible applications such as inks or natural dyes, though such uses remain craft‑scale rather than industrial. Pectin present in the fruit suggests potential as a gelling agent in food systems; extraction yields and gel strength have been characterized in laboratory studies.
Food and beverages (non‑medicinal):
Fruits are harvested when ripe, cleaned, and the mesocarp is pulped to produce beverages (juice, diluted juice drinks, “genipap water”), syrups for desserts, and as a flavoring in cakes and pastries. Fresh fruit is consumed directly. The bright purple coloration derives primarily from cyanidin‑3‑O‑glucoside and other anthocyanins present at high levels in the pulp; anthocyanin content and total soluble solids have been reported for ripe fruits.
Colorants and tanning:
In addition to dyeing textiles, the fruit juice has been used in craft dyeing to color wood, bamboo, and other materials, where its acid (pH ~3–4) and anthocyanin profile yield stable purple hues on protein and cellulosic substrates under neutral to mildly acidic conditions. There is no evidence of the fruit or related plant parts being used for tanning; tannins are not reported to be a major component of the fruit.
Wood and fiber:
No established commercial timber, fiber, gum, resin, or starch/flour uses are reported. The tree is cultivated primarily for its fruit rather than for wood.
Fragrance and cosmetics:
No documented fragrance or cosmetic uses are recorded for this species in the sources surveyed.
Properties relevant to use:
The edible portion is characterized by high total soluble solids (≈12–16 °Brix in some cultivars), low pH (~3–4), and elevated anthocyanin content (≈100–300 mg cyanidin‑3‑O‑glucoside equivalents per 100 g fresh pulp depending on maturity), which underpin its purple color and suitability as a natural food colorant. Fruit pectin is extractable and shows functional properties consistent with use as a gelling aid under acidic conditions.
Standards and regulation:
Food and colorant uses are governed by national regulations and, where applicable, international food‑additive and flavoring frameworks (e.g., Codex Alimentarius for food additives; regional limits for anthocyanin colorants). Specific ISO/ASTM or pharmacopoeial standards for “genipap dye” are not established; operations follow general natural‑colorant and textile‑dye good‑practice guidelines.
Sustainability and sourcing:
The species is propagated by seed or vegetative means and cultivated in small‑holder orchards throughout its native range, where fruits are sold in local markets. Although widespread in disturbed secondary growth, commercial supply remains small‑scale and market‑driven; no large‑volume industrial colorant or pectin supply chain is documented.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Genipa americana var. riobranquensis | Kuhlm. | Publ. Inst. Nac. Pesq. Amazônia Bot. 5: 4 (1957) |
| Gardenia brasiliensis | Spreng. | Syst. Veg. 1: 763 (1824) |
| Gardenia genipa | Sw. | Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ. : 51 (1788) |
| Gardenia hexandra | Willd. | Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis [Roemer & Schultes] 5: 243. 1819 [Dec 1819] |
| Gardenia oblongifolia | Poir. | Encycl. , Suppl. 2: 708 (1812) |
| Genipa americana var. caruto | K.Schum. | Fl. Bras. 6(6): 352 (1889) |
| Genipa americana f. grandifolia | Chodat & Hassl. | Bull. Herb. Boissier , sér. 2, 4: 171 (1904) |
| Genipa americana f. jorgensenii | Steyerm. | Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 23: 353 (1972) |
| Genipa americana f. parvifolia | Chodat & Hassl. | Bull. Herb. Boissier , sér. 2, 4: 171 (1904) |
| Genipa barbata | C.Presl | Symb. Bot. 2: 13 (1832) |
| Genipa brasiliana | A.Rich. | Mém. Rubiac. : 164 (1830) |
| Genipa brasiliensis | Baill. | Hist. Pl. 7: 374 (1880) |
| Genipa caruto | Kunth | Nov. Gen. Sp. 3: 407 (1820) |
| Genipa codonocalyx | Standl. | Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 17: 446 (1914) |
| Genipa excelsa | K.Krause | Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 40: 327 (1908) |
| Genipa humilis | Vell. | Fl. Flumin. 2: t. 142 (1829) |
| Genipa oblongifolia | Ruiz & Pav. | Fl. Peruv. 2: 67 (1799) |
| Genipa oleosa | Rojas Acosta | Cat. Hist. Nat. Corrientes : 67, 166 (1897) |
| Genipa pubescens | DC. | Prodr. 4: 379 (1830) |
| Genipa venosa | Standl. | J. Washington Acad. Sci. 18: 168 (1928) |
| Genipa grandifolia | Pers. | Syn. Pl. 1: 198 (1805) |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| English | jagua |
| English | genipa americana |
| Spanish | gardenia genipa |
| Spanish | jagua |
| Spanish | genipa barbata |
| Spanish | genipa excelsa |
| Spanish | genipa grandifolia |
| Spanish | genipa humilis |
| Spanish | genipa oblongifolia |
| Spanish | genipa oleosa |
| Spanish | genipa venosa |
| Spanish | genipa americana |
| Spanish | maluco |
| Spanish | jagua azul |
| Spanish | lluale |
| Spanish | shagua |
| Spanish | tejoruco |
| Spanish | xagua |
| an | genipa americana |
| Bulgarian | genipa americana |
| Catalan | genipa americana |
| Catalan | huito |
| ceb | genipa americana |
| German | genipa americana |
| German | jenipapo |
| Esperanto | genipa americana |
| Basque | genipa americana |
| ext | genipa americana |
| Persian | جنیپاپو |
| Finnish | genipa americana |
| French | genipa americana |
| Irish | genipa americana |
| Galician | genipa americana |
| gn | Ñandypa |
| Hebrew | ג'ניפה אמריקנה |
| ia | genipa americana |
| ie | genipa americana |
| ilo | genipa americana |
| io | genipa americana |
| Italian | genipa americana |
| Korean | 제니팝나무 |
| koi | Генипа |
| koi | genipa americana |
| kv | genipa americana |
| kv | Генипа |
| la | genipa americana |
| lbe | Генипа |
| lbe | genipa americana |
| Lithuanian | genipa americana |
| Lithuanian | amerikinė genipa |
| mrj | Генипа |
| mwl | jenipapo |
| Dutch | genipa americana |
| oc | genipa americana |
| Polish | genipa americana |
| Portuguese | genipa americana |
| Portuguese | jenipapeiro |
| Portuguese | bujê |
| Quechua | genipa oblongifolia |
| Quechua | genipa americana |
| Quechua | wituq |
| Quechua | witu |
| Quechua | huito |
| Quechua | jagua |
| Romanian | genipa americana |
| Russian | genipa americana |
| Russian | Генипа |
| Albanian | genipa americana |
| Swedish | genipa americana |
| udm | Генипа |
| udm | genipa americana |
| Ukrainian | genipa americana |
| Vietnamese | genipa americana |
| vo | genipa americana |
| war | genipa americana |
| Chinese | 靛欖 |
| Chinese | 靛榄 |
| Chinese | 大果茜 |
Germination/Propagation Top
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No germination or propagation data was added yet.
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
-
Northern America click to expand
-
Mexico
- Mexico Gulf
- Mexico Southeast
- Mexico Southwest
-
Mexico
-
Southern America click to expand
-
Brazil
- Brazil North
- Brazil Northeast
- Brazil South
- Brazil Southeast
- Brazil West-central
-
Caribbean
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Haiti
- Leeward Islands
- Puerto Rico
- Trinidad-Tobago
- Windward Islands
-
Central America
- Belize
- Costa Rica
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Panamá
-
Northern South America
- French Guiana
- Guyana
- Suriname
- Venezuela
-
Southern South America
- Argentina Northeast
- Paraguay
-
Western South America
- Bolivia
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Peru
-
Brazil
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000971808 |
| UNII | C22I013G6O |
| USDA Plants | GEAM |
| Tropicos | 27900116 |
| INPN | 629766 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:751331-1 |
| The Plant List | kew-89085 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 771037 |
| Observations.org | 357506 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 58486 |
| IUCN Red List | 61958206 |
| IPNI | 751331-1 |
| iNaturalist | 118965 |
| GBIF | 2895593 |
| Freebase | /m/01t5y0 |
| EPPO | GEIAM |
| EOL | 1096067 |
| USDA GRIN | 395 |
| Wikipedia | Genipa_americana |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
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Phytochemical Profile Top
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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Benzenoids / Anthracenes / Anthraquinones / Hydroxyanthraquinones | |||||
| 6,1'-O,O-dimethylaverantin | 60199901 | Click to see CCCCCC(C1=C(C=C2C(=C1O)C(=O)C3=C(C2=O)C=C(C=C3O)OC)O)OC | 400.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.53.1342 |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Terphenyls / P-terphenyls | |||||
| Echoside E | 76314408 | Click to see CN1C2=C(C(=C(C(=C2SC1=O)C3=CC=CC=C3)O)OC4C(C(C(C(O4)C(=O)O)O)O)O)C5=CC=CC=C5 | 525.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.53.1342 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty acid esters / Fatty acid methyl esters | |||||
| methyl (4aR,7aR)-7-(hydroxymethyl)-2-(4-methoxy-4-oxobutyl)-1-oxo-5,7a-dihydro-4aH-cyclopenta[c]pyridine-4-carboxylate | 162860031 | Click to see | 323.34 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.55.632 |
| methyl 7-(hydroxymethyl)-2-(4-methoxy-4-oxobutyl)-1-oxo-5,7a-dihydro-4aH-cyclopenta[c]pyridine-4-carboxylate | 73298976 | Click to see | 323.34 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.55.632 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Iridoids and derivatives | |||||
| (+)-Genipin | 442424 | Click to see | 226.23 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.55.632 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-4039(01)85186-8 |
| methyl (1R,4aR,7aR)-1,7a-dihydroxy-7-(hydroxymethyl)-4a,5-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carboxylate | 16655217 | Click to see | 242.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.55.632 |
| Methyl 1-hydroxy-7-(hydroxymethyl)-1,4a,5,7a-tetrahydrocyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carboxylate | 23340 | Click to see | 226.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.55.632 |
| methyl 1,7a-dihydroxy-7-(hydroxymethyl)-4a,5-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carboxylate | 73298977 | Click to see | 242.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.55.632 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Terpene glycosides / Iridoid O-glycosides | |||||
| (1S,4aS,5R,7S,7aS)-5,7-dihydroxy-7-methyl-1-[(2S,3S,4R,5S,6S)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-4a,5,6,7a-tetrahydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carboxylic acid | 162985513 | Click to see | 392.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.55.632 |
| 5,7-dihydroxy-7-methyl-1-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-4a,5,6,7a-tetrahydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carboxylic acid | 14378605 | Click to see | 392.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.55.632 |
| 6alpha-Hydroxygeniposide; Deacetylasperulosidic acid methyl ester | 3515876 | Click to see COC(=O)C1=COC(C2C1C(C=C2CO)O)OC3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O | 404.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.55.632 |
| 7-(Hydroxymethyl)-1-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-1,4a,5,7a-tetrahydrocyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carboxylic acid | 323273 | Click to see | 374.34 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.53.1342 |
| Deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester | 6325021 | Click to see COC(=O)C1=COC(C2C1C(C=C2CO)O)OC3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O | 404.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.55.632 |
| Gardenoside | 442423 | Click to see COC(=O)C1=COC(C2C1C=CC2(CO)O)OC3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O | 404.40 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.53.1342 https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50078A032 |
| Genameside B | 11495491 | Click to see | 422.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.53.1342 |
| Genameside C | 11692460 | Click to see | 550.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.53.1342 |
| Genameside D | 11570273 | Click to see | 550.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.53.1342 |
| Genipin 1-gentiobioside | 3082301 | Click to see COC(=O)C1=COC(C2C1CC=C2CO)OC3C(C(C(C(O3)COC4C(C(C(C(O4)CO)O)O)O)O)O)O | 550.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.53.1342 |
| Geniposide | 107848 | Click to see | 388.40 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50078A032 https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.53.1342 |
| Geniposidic Acid | 443354 | Click to see C1C=C(C2C1C(=COC2OC3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O)C(=O)O)CO | 374.34 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.53.1342 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-4039(01)85186-8 https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50078A032 |
| methyl (1S,4aS,6R,7S,7aS)-6,7-dihydroxy-7-(hydroxymethyl)-1-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-4a,5,6,7a-tetrahydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carboxylate | 11690334 | Click to see | 422.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.53.1342 |
| methyl (4aR,7aS)-7-(hydroxymethyl)-1-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-1,4a,5,7a-tetrahydrocyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carboxylate | 137706142 | Click to see | 388.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50078A032 |
| methyl (4aR,7S,7aS)-7-hydroxy-7-(hydroxymethyl)-1-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-4a,7a-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carboxylate | 138113473 | Click to see | 404.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50078A032 |
| Methyl 1-[3,4-dihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-5-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-7-(hydroxymethyl)-1,4a,5,7a-tetrahydrocyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carboxylate | 73063764 | Click to see | 550.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.53.1342 |
| Methyl 7-(hydroxymethyl)-1-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-1,4a,5,7a-tetrahydrocyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carboxylate | 3515873 | Click to see | 388.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.53.1342 |
| methyl 7-hydroxy-7-(hydroxymethyl)-1-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-4a,7a-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carboxylate | 100058 | Click to see | 404.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.53.1342 |
| Scandoside, methyl ester | 442433 | Click to see | 404.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.55.632 |
| Shanzhiside | 11948668 | Click to see | 392.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.55.632 |
| Tarennoside | 182279 | Click to see | 358.34 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50078A032 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Terpene lactones | |||||
| (4S,4aR,7aS)-4,7-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4,4a,5,7a-tetrahydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]pyran-3-one | 160701616 | Click to see C1C=C(C2C1C(C(=O)OC2)CO)CO | 198.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.55.632 |
| (4S,4aS,7aS)-4,7-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4,4a,5,7a-tetrahydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]pyran-3-one | 101675239 | Click to see C1C=C(C2C1C(C(=O)OC2)CO)CO | 198.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.55.632 |
| 4,7-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4,4a,5,7a-tetrahydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]pyran-3-one | 130146212 | Click to see | 198.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.55.632 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Triterpenoids | |||||
| [(1R,3aS,4S,5aR,5bR,7aR,9S,11aR,11bR,13aS,13bR)-4-hydroxy-3a-(hydroxymethyl)-5a,5b,8,8,11a-pentamethyl-1-prop-1-en-2-yl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,7a,9,10,11,11b,12,13,13a,13b-hexadecahydrocyclopenta[a]chrysen-9-yl] dodecanoate | 163050706 | Click to see | 641.00 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.53.1342 |
| > Organic acids and derivatives / Carboxylic acids and derivatives / Dicarboxylic acids and derivatives | |||||
| 2-acetyloxy-2-[(3S,4R)-3-hydroxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]furan-4-yl]acetic acid | 5317551 | Click to see | 242.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-4020(01)99179-3 |
| Genipinic acid | 12310086 | Click to see COC(=O)C(C1CCC2=C1C(OC2)O)C(=O)O | 242.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-4020(01)99179-3 |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Sugar alcohols | |||||
| Mannitol | 6251 | Click to see | 182.17 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01185929 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Dihydrofurans | |||||
| 2-[(3S,4S)-3-hydroxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]furan-4-yl]acetic acid | 5317549 | Click to see | 184.19 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-4020(01)99179-3 https://doi.org/10.1021/JF60228A023 |
| Genipic acid | 78384968 | Click to see | 184.19 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1021/JF60228A023 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-4020(01)99179-3 |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |