Three new dimeric diterpenes from Rhododendron molle

Birhodomolleins A-C (1-3), three novel diterpenoids dimerized from two grayanane diterpenes through an oxygen bridge, were isolated from the flowers of Rhododendron molle. Their structures were elucidated by interpretation of their 1D and 2D NMR and other spectroscopic data. Birhodomollein A (1) contains a rare chloro-substitution on one of the grayanane moieties. These are the first examples of dimeric diterpenes from the Ericaceae family.