1-Octen-3-ol

1-Octen-3-ol
IUPAC name	Oct-1-en-3-ol
Other names	Amyl vinyl carbinol, 1-vinylhexanol, matsutake alcohol, vinyl amyl carbinol, vinyl hexanol, matsuica alcohol, mushroom alcohol, 3-hydroxy-1-octene
Identifiers
CAS number	(R/S): [3391-86-4] (R)-(-): [3687-48-7] (S)-(+): [24587-53-9]
PubChem	18827
SMILES	CCCCCC(C=C)O
Properties
Molecular formula	C8H16O
Molar mass	128.21204
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox references

1-Octen-3-ol, octenol for short (also known as mushroom alcohol^[1]), is a chemical that attracts biting insects such as mosquitos. It is contained in human breath and sweat, and it was once believed that insect repellent DEET works by blocking the insects' octenol odorant receptors.^[2][3] Octenol is used in combination with carbon dioxide to attract insects in order to kill them with certain electronic devices.^[4]

1-Octen-3-ol is a secondary alcohol derived from 1-octene. It exists in the form of two enantiomers, (R)-(-)-1-octen-3-ol and (S)-(+)-1-octen-3-ol.

Octenol is produced by several plants and fungi, including edible mushrooms. Its odor has been described as green and moldy or meaty; it is used in certain perfumes. It is FDA-approved as a food additive.^[5] It is of low toxicity with an LD 50 of 340 mg/kg.^[4]

[edit] See also

• Olfactory receptor
• Oct-1-en-3-one, the ketone analog that gives blood on skin its typical metallic mushroom-like smell

[edit] References