chelidonic acid

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June 24, 2026

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Chelidonic acid is a crystalline acid with the chemical formula C₇H₄O₆. It is found naturally in the sap of the celandine plant and in the roots of white hellebore. Its chemical name is 4-pyrone-2,6-dicarboxylic acid.1

Chelidamic acid, with the formula C₇H₅NO₅, is a related crystalline acid that can be prepared from chelidonic acid and ammonia. It is also known as 4-pyridone-2,6-dicarboxylic acid.2

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Asparagales
Flavonoids
Chelidonic acid is characteristic of Asphodelaceae and Agavoideae but is probably absent in Orchidaceae. Chelidonic acid is rare or absent elsewhere in Asparagales and other monocotyledons. Characteristic alkaloids are found in several genera of Asparagales. Genera in the family Amaryllidaceae have a different series of…
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Chelidonic acid is characteristic of Asphodelaceae and Agavoideae but is probably absent in Orchidaceae. Chelidonic acid is rare or absent elsewhere in Asparagales and other monocotyledons. Characteristic alkaloids are found in several genera of Asparagales. Genera in the family Amaryllidaceae have a different series of…
Read More