A unique new tetracyclic tetraterpenoid has been isolated from the Chinese soft coral Sarcophyton tortuosum Tixier-Durivault and designated as methyl sartortuoate. Its chemical and crystal structures as well as its absolute configuration were determined by IR, UV, NMR and X-ray diffraction analysis. The authors have also suggested a possible route for its biogenesis. A unique new tetracyclic tetraterpenoid has been isolated from the Chinese soft coral Sarcophyton tortuosum Tixier-Durivault and designated as methyl sartortuoate. Its chemical and crystal structures as well as its absolute configuration were determined by IR, UV, NMR and X-ray diffraction analysis. The authors have also suggested a possible route for its biogenesis.