Synthesis of the Sex Pheromone of the Oleander Scale ( Aspidiotus nerii)

J Org Chem. 2019 Jul 5;84(13):8578-8588. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.9b01001. Epub 2019 Jun 18.

Abstract

A total synthesis of the oleander scale [ Aspidiotus nerii (Bouche)] sex pheromone, the unique sesquiterpenoid containing a cyclobutane moiety of this class of compounds, has been developed. In order to implement this sex pheromone as a new environmentally friendly tool to manage this pest, a more cost-effective, multigram synthesis was required. This new synthetic route, having a Blaise reaction, iron-catalyzed carbon-carbon coupling, and [2 + 2] photocycloaddition reactions as key steps, provides a general access to 4-alkyl lactones as well as a robust access to the target sex pheromone. Starting from readily available compounds as 3-hydroxypropanenitrile, ethyl bromoacetate, and 2-acetyl butyrolactone, the synthetic sequence afforded the A. nerii sex pheromone with minimum intermediate purification and good overall yield in nine linear steps.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Hemiptera / physiology*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Sex Attractants / chemical synthesis*

Substances

  • Sex Attractants