Nepetalactone

( 4aS, 7S, 7aR ) -5,6,7,7 a- tetrahydro- 4,7- dimethyl- cyclopenta [ c] pyran- 1 - ( 4aH )-one

Liquid

71-72 ° C ( 5 Pa)

1.4859 (25 ° C)

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Nepetalactone is a chemical compound and a natural substance from the group of iridoids.

Occurrence and effect

Nepetalactone secretion was detected in the hind leg of female aphids of the species Myoura vicia and serves as a pheromone.

It is also found in catnip ( Nepeta cataria ) and is responsible for ensuring that cats are attracted by the smell of this plant. The natural function of the Nepetalactons in the plant is likely to be a repellent against insects, which could be shown, at least in experiments with the pure substance.

In the mouse nepetalactone acted as to certain opioid receptor subtypes.