Sex Attractant of the Pink Bollworm Moth: Isolation, Identification, and Synthesis

Abstract

The sex attractant produced in extremely small amount by the virgin female pink bollworm moth has been isolated in pure form and identified as 10-propyl-trans- 5, 9-tridecadienyl acetate. Successful synthesis of this molecule confirms the structure and makes possible its practical use to help control this destructive pest of cotton. The attractant, for which the common name "propylure" is suggested, may be the first naturally occurring compound with propyl branching to be reported.