Divaricatic acid is a chemical compound with the molecular formula . It is found in a variety of lichens, including some in the genera Evernia, Lepraria, and Ramalina. It is classified as a depside.
Divaricatic acid forms colorless crystalline needles with a melting point of 129 ðC.
Divaricatic acid has antibacterial properties against some Gram positive bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mutans, and Enterococcus faecium. Since it also has activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with a potency equivalent to that of vancomycin, it has been suggested as a potential treatment for MRSA. It also has molluscicidal activity against Biomphalaria glabrata (ram's horn snail) and antiparasitic activity against cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni (blood fluke).