(Z)-6-Dodecen-4-olide
Chemical compound
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Z)-6-Dodecen-4-olide is a volatile, unsaturated lipid and γ-lactone found in dairy products, and secreted as a pheromone by some even-toed ungulates. It has a creamy, cheesy, fatty flavour with slight floral undertones in small concentrations,[1][2] but contributes towards the strong, musky smell of a few species of antelope and deer in higher concentrations.
-6-Dodecen-4-olide.svg)
Skeletal structure of (Z)-6-dodecen-4-olide | |
 Space-filling model of (Z)-6-dodecen-4-olide | |
| Names | |
|---|---|
| Preferred IUPAC name
5-[(2Z)-Oct-2-en-1-yl]oxolan-2-one | |
| Other names
Cis-6-Dodecen-4-olide
2(3H)-furanone dihydro-5-(2-octenyl) (6Z)-4-hydroxy-6-dodecenoic acid lactone | |
| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) |
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| ChemSpider | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.038.619 |
| EC Number |
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PubChem CID |
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| UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) |
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| Properties | |
| C12H20O2 | |
| Molar mass | 196.286 |
| Odor | Cheesy, soapy, fatty with a fruity nuance |
| Density | 1.0±0.1 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | estimated 17.6 °C |
| Boiling point | estimated 311.2±11.0 °C |
| estimated 15.6 - 64.9 mg/L | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0±0.7 mmHg |
| Hazards | |
| Flash point | 127.5±16.7 °C |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Function
(Z)-6-Dodecen-4-olide is believed to play a part in olfactory communication between individuals of the Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus), and is secreted into urine during a rut.[3] (Z)-6-Dodecen-4-olide is then deposited onto the tuft of hair making up the tarsal gland of the deer, as the urine runs down the gland, during a behavior called rub-urination. Similarly, it has also been identified in secretions of the interdigital and pedal glands of the bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus) and the blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi)[4][5] where it is believed to play a role in carrying information about the dominance status, sex, health condition and possibly other characteristics of the animal it came from. The (Z)-6-dodecen-4-olide is replenished daily to maintain the pungent smell. It has also been isolated from Polianthes tuberosa,[6] a perennial plant used in the perfume industry since the 17th century for its powerful floral scent.