A common biochemically important butenolide is ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Butenolide derivatives known as karrikins are produced by some plants on exposure to high temperatures due to brush fires. In particular, 3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one was found to trigger seed germination in plants whose reproduction is fire-dependent.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a crucial biomolecule with butenolide derivatives called karrikins produced by plants when exposed to high temperatures from wildfires. 3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one was identified as a compound that triggers seed germination in fire-dependent plant species.