Actinidine

(S ) -4,7 -dimethyl-6 ,7 -dihydro -5H- cyclopenta [ c] pyridine (IUPAC)

Liquid

<25 ° C

100-103 ° C (10 hPa)

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Actinidin is an iridoid monoterpene alkaloid closely related to the nepetalactone. Both substances are present in the Catnip ( Nepeta ), valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and the Australian ant Iridomyrmex nitidiceps. Actinidin and nepetalactone represent effective attractants for cats, from which the trivial name catnip results. The oil with the molecular formula C10H13N boils at 100-103 ° C (1 kPa), has antimicrobial properties and deterrent effect on birds and arthropods.

In some ant species Actinidin acts as a pheromone.