Biological Activity of (R)- and (S)-14-Methyl-1-Octadecene, as the Chiral Component of the Sex Pheromone of the Peach Leafminer Moth, Lyonetia clerkella LINNE(Lepidoptera : Lyonetiidae)

Abstract

The two enantiomers of 14-methyl-1-octadecene, the sex pheromone of the peach leafminer moth, Lyonetia clerkella LINNE, were synthesized. Fields tests showed that the sex pheromone has the (S)-configuration. (R)-, (S)-14-methyloctadecanes, (R)-, (S)-14-methyl-l, E12-octadecadienes and (R)-, (S)-14-methyl-l, Z12-octadecadienes were synthesized as analogues of the pheromone of this species and tested under field conditions. Only saturated (S)-14-methyloctadecane showed slight activity.