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. 1975 Jan 24;187(4173):254-5.

Cyclopentyl ketones: identification and function in Azteca ants

J W Wheeler, S L Evans, M S Blum, R L Torgerson
  • PMID: 1111099

Cyclopentyl ketones: identification and function in Azteca ants

J W Wheeler et al. Science. .

Abstract

The anal gland secretions of dolichoderine ants in the genus Azteca are fortified with cyclopentyl ketones. Since these compounds, 2-methylcyclopentanone, cis-1-acetyl-2-methylcyclopentane, and 2-acetyl-3-methylcyclopentene, release sustained alarm behavior in ant workers, they constitute a new chemical class of insect pheromones. The ketones probably also function as defensive compounds and thus are part of the ants' alarm-defense system.

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