[Chemistry of benzoxazinoids produced by plants as phytoalexin]

2,4-Dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one and its desmethoxy derivative (DIMBOA and DIBOA) are major phytoalexins produced by rye, wheat, zea maize and related monocotyledoneae plants. These compounds elicit a wide variety of biological activities including antifungal and mutagenic activities. Structure-activity relationships of these compounds and their derivatives (benzoxazinoids), and the reactivity of benzoxazinoids with nucleophiles are discussed in relation to the molecular mechanism of their biological activity. The electrophilic reaction mechanism of benzoxazinoids and substituent effects of namely 7-methoxy and 2-hydroxy groups are also discussed.