1-octen-3-ol, octenol (also known as mushroom alcohol) is a kind of secondary alcohol. It can emit special smell that can attract the biting insects such as mosquitoes. It is contained in the breath and sweat of mammals, and seems to be appreciated by insects such as mosquitoes. It is mainly produced by some plants and fungi including mushrooms and lemon balm through oxidative breakdown of linoleic acid. It can be used in combination with carbon dioxide to attract the insects to kill them. In addition, it can also be used as a food additive and used in certain perfumes. However, in animal study, it could disrupt dopamine homeostasis, and might be potentially involved in Parkinsonism.
