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Updated: Sep 20, 2026

Coulomb Explosion Imaging as a Tool to Distinguish Between Stereoisomers
Published on: August 18, 2017
Insect chemistry and chirality
Patricia Y Hayes1, Mary T Fletcher, Sharon Chow
1Department of Chemistry, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
Abstract:
Examination of the chemistry of a number of Australian insect species provided examples of unusual structures and encouraged determinations of their absolute stereochemistry by stereocontrolled syntheses and chromatographic comparisons. Inter alia, studies with the fruit-spotting bug (Amblypelta nitida), certain parasitic wasps (Biosteres sp.), the aposematic shield bug (Cantao parentum), and various species of scarab grubs are summarized. The determination of enantiomeric excesses (ee's) for component epoxides, lactones, spiroacetals, and allenes are described. Stereochemical and related aspects of the biosynthesis of spiroacetals in certain fruit-fly species (Bactrocerae sp.) are also presented.
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