10.1248/cpb.31.436
The research focused on the isolation and identification of biologically active compounds from the wood of Abies sachalinensis, a species of fir tree. The purpose of the study was to identify plant constituents that exhibit insect juvenile hormone activity, specifically focusing on (+)-juvabione and its analogs. The researchers successfully isolated (+)-juvabione and two new analogs, along with trans-4-hydroxyeinnamic acid and vanillin. The structures of the new analogs were established using chemical and spectral evidence. The chemicals used in the process included various solvents for extraction and purification, such as acetone, ether, and benzene, as well as reagents for the synthesis and analysis of the compounds, like diazomethane for methylation, chromium trioxide-pyridine complex for oxidation, and NaBH4 for reduction. The study concluded with the determination of the absolute configurations of the hydroxyl groups in the isolated compounds using Horeau's rule and by comparing the compounds to known juvenile hormone mimics. The findings contribute to the understanding of the chemical ecology of fir trees and may have implications for pest control through the use of natural juvenile hormone mimics.