Attractiveness of Methylcyclohexyl n-Alkanoates to the German cockroach

Abstract

All the positional and configurational isomers of methylcyclohexanol were prepared. They were converted into C₃-C₆ n-alkanoates. Their attractiveness to the Germancockroach was tested by a comparative trap test. trans-4-Methylcyclohexyl butanoate exhibited the heights activity. This compound has the same longitudinal molecular size as that of propyl cyclohexaneacetate, and hence was supposed to interact with the receptor site that accommodates the latter. Neither cis- nor trans-3-methylcyclohexyl butanoate gave a significant result. 1-Methylcyclohexyl butanoate was also inactive. trans-2-Methylcyclohexyl butanoate, as well as cis- and trans-2-methylcyclohexyl pentanoates attracted the cockroaches only when the cis and trans pairs were tested simultaneously.