Bombykol biosynthesis from deuterium-labeled (Z)-11-hexadecenoic acid

Summary (Z)-11,12d ₂]-11-Hexadecenoic acid was applied topically to the pheromone gland of silkworm pupa. After eclosion, the gland components were analyzed by capillary GC-MS. (Z)-11-Hexadecenoic acid, a characteristic fatty acid of the gland, was found to be a precursor of bombykol, (Z)-11-hexadecenol and bombyk acid.We are greatful to Dr Y. Tamaki and Mr H. Sugie of the National Institute of Agricultural Science for mass spectrometric analysis and Dr M. Noda of Kyoto Prefectural University for valuable discussion. This work was supported by a Grant-in-aid for Scientific Research (to K.H. No. 56112011) from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture of Japan.