Myrmicacin Explained

Myrmicacin (3-hydroxydecanoic acid) is a chemical compound of the β-hydroxycarboxylic acid class. It is named after the South American leaf-cutter ants (Myrmicinae) in which it was first discovered,^[1] but is also found in royal jelly.^[2] Myrmicacin is believed to act as a herbicide which prevents seeds collected by the ants from germinating within the nest.^[1]

See also

• 3,10-Dihydroxydecanoic acid
• 3,11-Dihydroxydodecanoic acid

Notes and References

1. Schildknecht. Hermann. Koob. Knut. Myrmicacin, The First Insect Herbicide. Angewandte Chemie International Edition in English. 10. 2. 1971. 124–125. 0570-0833. 10.1002/anie.197101241. 4995467.
2. 21082360. 2011. Kodai. T. Nakatani. T. Noda. N. The absolute configurations of hydroxy fatty acids from the royal jelly of honeybees (Apis mellifera). 46. 3. 263–70. 10.1007/s11745-010-3497-x. Lipids. 4039489.