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

Abstract

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.