Nitropentadecene, or more precisely (''E'')-1-nitropentadec-1-ene, is a highly toxic unsaturated
nitroalkene A nitroalkene, or nitro olefin, is a functional group combining the functionality of its constituent parts, an alkene and nitro group, while displaying its own chemical properties through alkene activation, making the functional group useful in spe ...
, the only
aliphatic
In organic chemistry, hydrocarbons ( compounds composed solely of carbon and hydrogen) are divided into two classes: aromatic compounds and aliphatic compounds (; G. ''aleiphar'', fat, oil). Aliphatic compounds can be saturated, like hexane, or ...
nitro compound
In organic chemistry, nitro compounds are organic compounds that contain one or more nitro functional groups (). The nitro group is one of the most common explosophores (functional group that makes a compound explosive) used globally. The nitr ...
known to be synthesized by insects. It is produced by
termite
Termites are small insects that live in colonies and have distinct castes (eusocial) and feed on wood or other dead plant matter. Termites comprise the infraorder Isoptera, or alternatively the epifamily Termitoidae, within the order Blattode ...
soldiers of genus ''
Prorhinotermes
''Prorhinotermes'' is a genus of termites belonging to the family Rhinotermitidae.
The species of this genus are found in Malesia and Australia.
Species:
*'' Prorhinotermes canalifrons''
*'' Prorhinotermes flavus''
*'' Prorhinotermes hainanen ...
'' (
Isoptera
Termites are small insects that live in colonies and have distinct castes (eusocial) and feed on wood or other dead plant matter. Termites comprise the infraorder Isoptera, or alternatively the epifamily Termitoidae, within the order Blattode ...
,
Rhinotermitidae
Rhinotermitidae is a family of termites (Isoptera). They feed on wood and can cause extensive damage to buildings or other wooden structures. About 345 species are recognized, among these are severe pests such as '' Coptotermes formosanus'', ''Co ...
) as a defensive chemical.
Nitropentadecene is biosynthesized and stored in one of the exocrine glands, a frontal gland, of termite soldiers, and it is released upon attack of enemy.
References
{{reflist
Nitro compounds
Alkene derivatives