Homologous long-chain delta-lactones in leaf cuticular waxes of Cerinthe minor

A homologous series of eleven delta-lactones (1,5-alkanolides) was identifi ed in cuticular waxes from leaves of Cerinthe minor L., six of them represe nting novel compounds. They accounted for 79% of the total coverage of 41 m u g wax per cmi leaf area. Various chemical transformations with product id entification by GC-mass spectrometry and GC-FTIR were employed to assign th e structures. The chain-lengths of the delta-lactones ranged from C-22 to C -32 and even-numbered homologues were prevalent. Additionally, aldehydes (C -26-C-30), alkanes (C-23-C-29), primary alcohols (C-26-C-32), alkanoic acid s (C-20-C-32), wax eaters (C-40-C-56) and lupeol were detected. (C) 1999 El sevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.