Abstract: A method of separating ZE-nepetalactone and EZ-nepetalactone from catnip oil involving mixing catnip oil dissolved in at least one water immiscible, non-halogenated organic solvent with at least one inorganic base dissolved in water to form a biphasic mixture, stirring the biphasic mixture to hydrolyze ZE-nepetalactone to form ZE-nepetalic acid, separating the aqueous phase containing ZE-nepetalic acid from the organic phase containing EZ-nepetalactone in the biphasic mixture, and optionally acidifying the aqueous phase to about pH 4.5 and adding at least one water immiscible, non-halogenated organic solvent to azeotropically lactonize the ZE-nepetalic acid in the presence of a catalytic amount of p-toluene sulfonic acid to form ZE-nepetalactone.

Abstract: A method of separating ZE-nepetalactone and EZ-nepetalactone from catnip oil involving mixing catnip oil dissolved in at least one water immiscible, non-halogenated organic solvent with at least one inorganic base dissolved in water to form a biphasic mixture, stirring the biphasic mixture to hydrolyze ZE-nepetalactone to form ZE-nepetalic acid, separating the aqueous phase containing ZE-nepetalic acid from the organic phase containing EZ-nepetalactone in the biphasic mixture, and optionally acidifying the aqueous phase to about pH 4.5 and adding at least one water immiscible, non-halogenated organic solvent to azeotropically lactonize the ZE-nepetalic acid in the presence of a catalytic amount of p-toluene sulfonic acid to form ZE-nepetalactone.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for attracting and subsequently trapping and/or killing adults of the Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis, or interfering with their reproduction. The aggregation pheromones, 4-(n-heptyloxy)butanal and 4-(n-heptyloxy)butan-1-one, in combination with a trap or toxicant, provide means for monitoring, killing or inhibiting the reproduction of these insects.

Abstract: Compounds useful as cockroach attractants, the synthesis of the compounds, and methods of controlling cockroach populations with the compounds are disclosed. The compounds are pyrans having the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1 is a methyl, ethyl, propyl, or methoxy group andR.sup.2 is a branched alkyl side chain having from 7 to 11 carbons. Preferably, R.sup.2 is a 2,4-dimethyl-substituted alkyl group. Most preferably R.sup.1 is methyl and R.sup.2 is 2,4-dimethylheptanyl. The pyrans can be used as an attractant in cockroach traps comprising, in addition to a pyran according to Formula (I) above, a support and a cockroach restraint. Alternatively, the pyran of the present invention can be combined with a biocontrol agent or an insecticide to form a cockroach control composition.

Abstract: Compounds useful as cockroach attractants, the synthesis of the compounds, and methods of controlling cockroach populations with the compounds are disclosed. The compounds are pyrans having the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1 is a methyl, ethyl, propyl, or methoxy group andR.sup.2 is a branched alkyl side chain having from 7 to 11 carbons. Preferably, R.sup.2 is a 2,4-dimethyl-substituted alkyl group. Most preferably R.sup.1 is methyl and R.sup.2 is 2,4-dimethylheptanyl. The pyrans can be used as an attractant in cockroach traps comprising, in addition to a pyran according to Formula (I) above, a support and a cockroach restraint. Alternatively, the pyran of the present invention can be combined with a biocontrol agent or an insecticide to form a cockroach control composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a new aggregation pheromone for the bark beetle Ips pini identified as lanierone. Lanierone is the compound 4,4,6-trimethyl-2-hydroxy-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1-one and can be used, for example, to attract or trap bark beetles for monitoring or controlling the reproduction of the bark beetles.