Lipophilicity estimation for a series of ferromons, by the main componentsanalysis

The lipophilic character of a series of pheromones was studied. The classic al R-Mo-values were measured by means of reversed thin layer chromatography using methanol as an organic modifier and compared with the factors scores obtained by principal components analysis, based also onto the TLC retenti on data. The significant correlation between the R-Mo-values and the specif ic hydrophobic surface area indicates that this group of pheromones could b e considered as a homologous series of compounds independently of their str uctural inhomogeneity. Finally, the reliability of the factor scores values as lipophilicity indexes is shown by their high correlation with the class ical R-Mo-values. In additition, the "lipophilicity chart" described by the first two components will have the effect of separating compounds from eac h other most effectively, from the congeneric aspect point of view.