Chemistry of biologically active benzoxazinoids.

2,4-Dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIMBOA) and its desmethoxy derivative (DIBOA) are major allelochemicals produced by corn, wheat, rye and related monocotyledons. These benzoxazinone derivatives have a wide variety of biological actions, including antifungal and mutagenic activities. Structure-activity relationships of these compounds and their derivatives (benzoxazinoids), the reactivity of benzoxazinoids with nucleophiles, and the substituent effects of the 7-methoxy and 2-hydroxy groups are discussed in relation to the molecular mechanisms of the biological activities.