Studies on the structure of the plant wax nonacosan-10-ol, the main component of epicuticular wax conifers

Int J Biol Macromol. 2003 Nov;33(1-3):31-5. doi: 10.1016/s0141-8130(03)00061-8.

Abstract

The main component presents in the epicuticular waxes of needles of Pinus halepensis and the most of conifers, the secondary alcohol nonacosan-10-ol, has been investigated by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. The results obtained from these physical techniques permitted to establish a definitive structural model of the molecular arrangement of this wax, basically in good agreement with the model formulated by other authors from theoretical formulations. Biological implications of the proposed structure have been also formulated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Calorimetry / methods
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Pinus / chemistry
  • Tracheophyta / chemistry
  • Triterpenes / chemistry*
  • Waxes / chemistry*
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • 10-nonacosanol
  • Triterpenes
  • Waxes