Isolation and synthesis of 1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane and 1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecan-3-and -4-ols from the olive fly (Dacus oleae)

The major component of the sex pheromone of the olive fly has been shown to be 1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane (16). Two hydroxyspiroacetals, 1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecan-3- and -4-ols (17a) and (18a), have also been isolated from the rectal glands of the female olive fly, and stereoselective syntheses of these developed.