RESUMEN
Abstract The gorgonian Phyllogorgia dilatata is endemic to the Brazilian coast which is listed as threatened with extinction. This species is known to produce sterols, mono- to tetra-terpenes, conjugated polyenals and peptides. The main objective of this study is to present an alternative method for identification of different classes of compounds based upon a Raman mapping technique using FT-Raman spectroscopy. The Raman analysis performed directly on the tissues (in situ) revealed the occurrence of peridinin, diadinoxanthin, conjugated polyenal and linoleic acid, that were also confirmed by Raman analysis of partitioned crude extracts. We have demonstrated that the technique has potential for use in guiding chromatographic separations and in providing information with respect to the early stages of a tissue necrosis through “purpling”. It may become a valuable non-destructive technique for monitoring the accumulation or production of metabolites during a biological interaction.