Helictotrichon

by | Mar 15, 2018 | Helictotrichon

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Nitropentadecene, or more precisely (E)-1-nitropentadec-1-ene, is a highly toxic unsaturated nitroalkene, the only aliphatic nitro compound known to be synthesized by insects.[citation needed] It is produced by termite soldiers of genus Prorhinotermes (Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae) as a defensive chemical.[1][2] Nitropentadecene is biosynthesized and stored in one of the exocrine glands, a frontal gland, of termite soldiers, and it is released upon attack of enemy.

References

  1. ^ Piskorski R, Hanus R, Vašíčková S, Cvačka J, Šobotník J, Svatoš A, Valterová I (2007). "Nitroalkenes and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons from the frontal gland of three Prorhinotermes termite species". Journal of Chemical Ecology. 33 (9): 1787–94. Bibcode:2007JCEco..33.1787P. doi:10.1007/s10886-007-9341-y. PMID 17665266.
  2. ^ Vrkoč J, Ubik K (1974). "1-Nitro-trans-1-pentadecene as the defensive compound of termites". Tetrahedron Letters. 15 (15): 1463–1464. doi:10.1016/S0040-4039(01)82519-3.[dead link]
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