Organic compound in various plants
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Chemical compound
(3"Z")-Nonenal is an unsaturated aldehyde that occurs naturally in various plants.
Occurrence.
(3"Z")-Nonenal is a flavor component in various plants, such as cucumber, honeydew melon, and soy. It is the biosynthetic precursor to (2"E")-nonenal, formed by isomerases. It also occurs in the brown algae "Laminaria angustata". In the oysterplant, it contributes to its oyster-like taste.
Biosynthesis.
In various plants such as cucumbers and melons, (3"Z")-nonenal is formed from linoleic acid to 9-hydroperoxy-10,12-octadecadienoic acid and its splitting. In "Laminaria angustata", formation also occurs via arachidonic acid and its 12-hydroperoxide.
Synthesis.
(3"Z")-Nonenal can be synthesized by oxidation of (3"Z")-nonen-1-ol with pyridinium chlorochromate. The compound can also be obtained through a multi-step reaction starting from 1,4-butanediol.
Properties.
The scent is described as fruity, melony, or maritime in low concentrations. In an "in vitro" study, (3"Z")-nonenal acted as a fungicide against various types of fungi.