What is "pulvinone"

n. (context organic compound English) An aromatic hydroxy-butenolide, derivatives of which occur naturally in certain fungus and moulds.

Pulvinone, an organic compound belonging to the esters, lactones, alcohols and butenolides classes, is a yellow crystalline solid. Although the pulvinone is not a natural product, several naturally occurring hydroxylated derivatives are known. These hydroxylated pulvinones are produced by fungal species, such as the in Europe common Larch Bolete (Boletus elegans, also known as Suillus grevillei), or by moulds such as Aspergillus Terreus.