Stereoselective synthesis of (5R,6S)-6-acetoxy hexadecanolide——The major component of the oviposition attractant pheromone of the mosquito Culex pipens fatigans and its enantiomer from L-glutamic acid

A concise synthesis of the mosquito oviposition attractant pheromone, (-)-(5R, 6S)- and (+)-(5S 6R)-6-acetoxy hexadecanolide from L-glutamic acid is described. The key steps are the inversion of the configuration at C-4 of 7, and the formation of δ-lactone from the γ-lactone through ring enlargement.

Scientists Say Pregnant Women Attract Mosquitoes

英国的医学杂志《柳叶刀》发表了英国研究人员和冈比亚医学调查评议会的研究结果:孕妇被蚊子叮咬的概率,是未怀孕妇女的2倍。多发于非洲和东南亚的疟疾等疾病,主要以蚊子为传播媒介。文章末尾列举了此疾对孕妇的巨大危害。因此,为防止感染疾病,孕妇尤其应制定好切实有效的避蚊措施。