Homologous long-chain alkanediols from Papaver leaf cuticular waxes

Abstract

In cuticular waxes from leaves of Papaver alpinum sensu Markgr., P. dubium L., P. nudicaule L., P. orientale L., P. rhoeas L. and P. somniferum L., six new alkanediols carrying one primary and one secondary hydroxyl function were identified. Five of them, docosane-1,3-diol, hexacosane-1,7-diol, octacosane-1,9-diol, nonacosane-1,10-diol and triacontane-1,11-diol, form a homologous series. Their molecular geometries and relative proportions suggest a biosynthetic relationship to the corresponding primary alkanols.