Abstract

Glucosinolates investigation is an ongoing research activity and new structures are documented. Extraction and purification of fair amounts of glucosinolates from suitable plant species that contain high concentrations of a single or a small number of glucosinolates represent one of the most used sources of these compounds. In some cases, for obtaining enough amounts several synthesis paths are available. Occurrence in nature of some glucosinolates, such as long-chain olefinic ones, during the years of investigation are reported only by their breakdown products and not confirmed with spectroscopic data, and as such have to be re-evaluated. Despite the generally adopted scheme of glucosinolate degradation, there is further evidence that some isothiocyanates degrade further into various compound classes. As precursors of biologically active compounds, glucosinolates represent compounds with wide possible implementation and thus the novel sources by the isolation and synthesis are reviewed.