Which of the following phenols is isolated from defensive secretion of grasshopper species?
Which of the following phenols is isolated from defensive secretion of grasshopper species?
4 - Methylphenol
Benzene-1, 3- diol
2, 5 - dichlorophenol
Phenol
Solution
The defensive froth emitted by the grasshopper Romalea microptera contains several odorous compounds (phenols, terpenes, benzoquinone), including a chlorinated aromatic compound, 2,5-dichlorophenol. This compound, which is repellent to ants and therefore defensively useful to the grasshopper, probably stems from herbicide or herbicide derivative ingested by the insect with its diet. Although there is precedent for the defensive employ by one species of chemical agents produced by another, no instance was known involving secondary utilization of a pesticide dispensed by man.