2,5-DialkyItetrahydrofurans, Common Components of the Cuticular Lipids of Lepidoptera
In more than 50 lepidopteran species 2,5-dialkyltetrahydrofurans were identified as components of the cuticular lipids. The chain length of these compounds varies between C25 and C37 and both cis-and trans-compounds are present. In addition, previously unknown 2-alkyl-5-(1-hydroxyalkyl)tetrahydrofurans were found in some species. The identification procedure and synthesis of representative compounds are reported.