Divaricatic acid

Divaricatic acid is a chemical compound with the molecular formula. It is found in a variety of lichens, including some in the genera Evernia, Lepraria, and Ramalina. It is classified as a depside.
Divaricatic acid forms colorless crystalline needles with a melting point of 129 °C.
Divaricatic acid has antibacterial properties against some Gram positive bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mutans, and Enterococcus faecium. Since it also has activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with a potency equivalent to that of vancomycin, it has been suggested as a potential treatment for MRSA. It also has molluscicidal activity against Biomphalaria glabrata and antiparasitic activity against cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni.