CIS-9,CIS-15-OCTADECADIENOIC ACID - A NOVEL FATTY-ACID FOUND IN HIGHER-PLANTS

An unusual fatty acid, cis-9,cis-15-octadecadienoic acid, has been ide ntified in the pulp lipids of mango (Mangifera indica L.) grown in the Philippines. To our knowledge, the occurrence of cis-9,cis-15-octadec adienoic acid in higher plant lipids has not been previously reported. The structure confirmation was based on the results of chromatographi c (capillary GC, argentation thin-layer) and spectrometric (GC-MS, inf rared, ultraviolet) analysis and chemical treatment. This butylene-int errupted dienoic fatty acid is concentrated in the pulp part of mango fruit and occupies 5.4% of total acyl groups in the pulp lipids; where as a common octadecadienoic acid, linoleic acid, is a minor component (1.1%) in the same lipids. If a trivial name is desired, it is suggest ed that cis-9,cis-15-octadecadienoic acid be called ''mangiferic'' aci d.