δ-Cadinol exists in nature as either of two enantiomers distinguished by the prefixes (+)- and (−)-.[1][2] The (+)-isomer was identified by E. Shinozaki in 1922 from the leaves of Torreya nucifera and originally named torreyol.[1] The (−)-isomer was isolated in 1951 by Haagen-Smit and others from Pinus albicaulus and first called albicaulol.[1] Its structure was determined in 1970 by Lars Westfelt.[2] Other names were given to δ-cadinol based on its various biological sources before the structures were confirmed, including sesquigoyol for (+)-δ-cadinol and pilgerol for (−)-δ-cadinol.[2][3]Lambertol is thought to be either (+)-δ-cadinol or (−)-δ-cadinol.[2]Cedrelanol was originally thought to be identical to (−)-δ-cadinol but was later confirmed to have the structure of τ-cadinol.[4]
Occurrence
δ-Cadinol is produced by the fungus Xylobolus frustulatus as long white needles when grown in maltagar medium.[5] It also occurs in many conifers,[1] and in many other organisms including
^Lundgren, Lennart; Bergström, Gunnar (1976). "Wing scents and scent-released phases in the courtship behavior of Lycaeides argyrognomon (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)". Journal of Chemical Ecology. 1 (4): 399. doi:10.1007/BF00988581. S2CID37093578.