They are a very diversified group of compounds derived from mono and dihydroxyphenols, i.e., phenol, catechol, resorcinol, and hydroquinone. Due to their strong amphiphilic character, these compounds can incorporate into erythrocytes and liposomal membranes.
Phenolic lipids can structurally consist of a hydrophobic alkyl chain, of isoprenoid (prenyl) or non-isoprenoid (polyketide) biosynthetic origin, attached to a hydrophilic phenolic head group.
Most complex phenolic compounds are mainly present in plants. Among single-ring compounds those considered as lipids are found specifically in some plants and contain a catechol, a resorcinol or a hydroquinone nucleus alkylated by a normal carbon chain.
Phenolic compounds seem to be efficient nonenzymatic protectors against oxidative stress. They can act as antioxidants in a variety ways. They can prevent the ions of transition metals from initiating oxidation, quench the intermediates of oxidation (including ROS), and inhibit various prooxidant enzymes.
The simplest form of phenolic lipids may be that of benzoic acid, the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid. Salts of benzoic acid are used as food preservatives. Benzoic acid is an important precursor for the industrial synthesis of many other organic substances.
Phenolic lipids
