Synthesis and Bioassay of Racemic and Chiral <i>trans</i>-α-Necrodyl Isobutyrate, the Sex Pheromone of the Grape Mealybug <i>Pseudococcus maritimus</i>
作者:Yunfan Zou、Kent M. Daane、Walt J. Bentley、Jocelyn G. Millar
DOI:10.1021/jf904452v
日期:2010.4.28
A concise synthesis of the racemic form of the female-produced pheromone of the grape mealybug was developed. The synthesis was readily adapted to production of both enantiomers of the pheromone via lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolution of an intermediate in the synthesis. Replicated field trials revealed that, contrary to a preliminary report, the (R,R)- rather than the (S,S)-enantiomer is the attractive stereoisomer. Lithium aluminum hydride reduction of the insect-produced compound to a-necrodol followed by analysis on a chiral stationary phase GC column showed that the insect-produced material was actually an 85:15 mixture of the (R,R)- and (S,S)-enantiomers. The racemic form of the pheromone was highly attractive to male mealybugs, and in one of two field bioassays, the racemic material was significantly more attractive than the pure (R,R)-enantiomer, suggesting that the (S,S)-enantiomer might act synergistically.