Synthesis of (Z)-13-hexadecen-11-yn-1-yl acetate Major component of sex pheromone of the processionary moth.

The synthesis of the major component of the sex pheromone of the processionary mothThaumetopoea pityocampa is described. The synthesis uses the carbocupration of acetylene, followed by the coupling with the appropriate 1-iodoalkyne. This synthetic pheromone was shown to be of 98.8%Z purity.