The molecule is an organic anion that is a borate diester derived from a furanose and acts a universal signal molecule mediating intra- and interspecies communication among bacteria. It has a role as an autoinducer and a bacterial metabolite.
(1R,5S,8S)-3,3-dihydroxy-5-methyl-2,4,6-trioxa-3-boranuidabicyclo[3.3.0]octane-1,8-diol