Abstract: Disclosed is the compound 6-vinyldecanal and its use as a sex pheromone synergist. The invention also includes a composition of matter, comprising 6-vinyldecanal and an agriculturally acceptable carrier. The invention further includes a composition suitable for attracting insects, comprising 6-vinyldecanal and an insect sex pheromone, as well as traps containing such a composition.

Abstract: A pheromonal compound produced by the banded cucumber beetle has been identified as 6,12-dimethylpentadecan-2-one. Both the synthetically prepared racemic compound and the purified natural pheromone elicited responses by banded cucumber males in field tests. By attracting adult beetles to field traps, this compound is a useful tool for the monitoring and controlling of this major agricultural pest.

Abstract: (Z)-5-(1-decenyl)dihydro-2(3H)-furanone, isolated from virgin female Japanese beetles, Popilla Japonica, attracted males of the species in field bioassays. However, the synthesized racemic mixture of this compound did not attract male Japanese beetles. The Z- and E-isomers and the saturated analog of both enantiomers of this compound were synthesized stereospecifically. Pure synthetic (R,Z)-5-(1-decenyl)dihydro-2(3H)-furanone was competitive with live females and with the pheromone isolated from live females in attracting males. Male response was strongly inhibited by small amounts of the (S,Z)-isomer.