ABSOLUTE-CONFIGURATION OF 4-METHYL-3-HEPTANONE AND 4-METHYL-3-HEPTANOL FROM MANDIBULAR GLANDS OF VIRGIN MALES AND FEMALES OF ATTA SEXDENS RUBROPILOSA

(S)-(+)-4-Methyl-3-heptanone is the principal component in the secreti on from the mandibular glands of unmated and mated males and females o f Atta sexdens rubropilosa. In mated and unmated females, it is essent ially the only component in the glandular secretion. In unmated males up to 50% of the secretion is a mixture of (3S, 4S)- and (3R, 4S)-4-me thyl-3-heptanor. After mating, the amount of alcohol in the males decr eases markedly.