2-methylhexacosane

2-Methylhexacosane is a saturated hydrocarbon and an insect pheromone. It has been found in the cuticle of M. dasystomus females, but not males, where it contributes to the mating behavior of males, as well as in D. melanogaster females where it modulates aggression of males towards females. 2-methylhexacosane has also been found in yellow jacket (V. vulgaris) trail extracts.

2-methylhexacosane is a natural organoalkane compound. Not only is it present in insects as a pheromone to promote mating behaviour, but it is also present in Santolina chamaecyparissus and Morettia phillaeana plants, with contents of 6.87% and 3.43%, respectively. And 2-methylhexacosane is one of the main active components of Santolina chamaecyparissus that exerts antidiabetic and anticancer effects.

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