Termite attractants in Santalum spicatum

Abstract

The oil of Santalum spicatum (R.Br.) A.DC. has been fractionated to yield 10-cis- (1) and 10-trans-2,6,10-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-triene (2). These compounds have been synthesized by reduction of a mixture of cis- and trans-farnesyl acetate. Although not identical with the trail pheromone of Nasutitermes they have similar specific trail activities, the former being the more active.