Saturated analogues of poison ivy allergens. Synthesis of trans,trans- and cis,trans-3-alkyl-1,2-cyclohexanediols and sensitizing properties in allergic contact dermatitis

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jm00152a018

Saturated analogues of poison ivy and oak allergens (3-alkylcatechols), i.e. trans,trans-3-alkyl-1,2-cyclohexanediols (alkyl = CH₃, n-C₅H₁₁, n-C₁₀H₂₁, n-C₁₅H₃₁), have been prepared and used to sensitize guinea pigs. Only long-chain derivatives (carbon chain length > C₁₀) are contact sensitizers. The sensitized animals cross-react to PDC (i.e. pentadecylcatechol, one of the allergens of poison ivy), but the converse is not true (PDC-sensitized animals do not react to cyclohexanediols). cis,trans-3-n-Pentadecyl-1,2-cyclohexanediol has also been synthesized and shown to be a sensitizer. There is not cross-reaction between trans,trans- and cis,trans-3-n-pentadecylcyclohexanediols, excluding a common skin metabolite.