Nepetalactone

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Nepetalactone is a lactonechemical compoundfirst isolated in the plantcatnip, Nepeta cataria (apparently named after the Italiantown of Nepete). It was first isolated in 1941.

Nepetalactone's structure is two rings – a cyclopentaneand a cyclic ester, making a terpenoid. Empirically it is C₁₀H₁₄O₂. The structure and the effect of the compound is similar to valepotriates. There are a number of isomersof nepetalactone.

As 4aα,7α,7aα-nepetalactone it is the active chemical in Nepeta cataria that causes its characteristic effect on cats. Around 75% of cats are affected: susceptibility is gene-linked. The chemical interacts as a vapour at the vomeronasal organ.

In humans the compound has a number of very mild effects; it is a weak sedative, antispasmodic, febrifugeand antibacterial. In high doses it also has an emeticeffect.

It also has an effect on some insects, repelling the cockroachand mosquito, poisonousto some common flies, but a sex pheromone to aphids.

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepetalactone Wikipedia article Nepetalactone.