Newly Discovered Components of Sex Pheromone.

The pine-tree lappet moth, is a harmful defoliator of pine forests in Europe and Asia and a potentially invasive species in North America. The lures for trapping males based on two known components of its sex pheromone appeared weakly attractive to male moths. Identification of all components of the sex pheromone might allow for the development of more effective lures.

Asymmetric nitroaldol reaction. Synthesis of taxotere side chain and (-)-bestatin using (1R)-8-phenylmenthyl glyoxylate.

The nitroaldol reaction of (1R)-8-phenylmenthyl glyoxylate (3b) with 1-nitro-1-phenylmethane (4) or with 1-nitro-2-phenylethane (13) led stereoselectively to adducts syn-2b and syn-12b, which were then transformed into the Taxotere side chain and (-)-bestatin hydrochloride in overall yields of 52% and 31%, respectively.