ISSN:
1573-1561
Keywords:
Monomorium spp.
;
Hymenoptera
;
Formicidae 2,5-dialkylpyrrolidines
;
ant venom alkaloids
;
methoxymercuration-demercuration
;
chemotaxonomy
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract A comparative analysis of the venomous alkaloids produced by ant species in the subgenusMonomorium of the genusMonomorium has been undertaken. All species produce mixtures of unsymmetricaltrans-2,5-dialkylpyrrolidines, but the proportions of the constituents may vary considerably between species. All alkaloids contain both C6 and C9 side chains which are present as C9-saturated. C6-monounsaturated, and both C6-and C9-monounsaturated dialkylpyrrolidines. The structure of 2-(1-hex-5-enyl)-5-(1-non-8-enyl)pyrrolidine, a previously undescribed alkaloid, was proved by unambiguous synthesis after the location of the double bonds was established by the methoxymercuration-demercuration followed by mass spectrometry. The possible chemotaxonomic significance of the mixtures of venomous alkaloids produced by these species ofMonomorium is discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00984024
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