Gerhard Gries

A chromatography-free synthesis of (2S,12Z)-2-acetoxy-12-heptadecene — The major sex pheromone component of the pistachio twig borer moth (Kermania pistaciella)

Recently, (2S,12Z)-2-acetoxy-12-heptadecene was identified as the major sex pheromone component of the pistachio twig borer moth, Kermania pistaciella, one of the most serious insect pests of pistachio plantations in Iran and Turkey. In field studies, an attract-and-kill formulation containing (2S,12Z)-2-acetoxy-12-heptadecene demonstrated efficacy in reducing damage caused by K. pistaciella and may become a widely-used, earth-friendly tactic for control of this insect in commercial pistachio production. To further develop this technology, a cost-effective, chromatography-free synthesis of (2S,12Z)-2-acetoxy-12-heptadecene was required and is described in this communication.