Iridoids

Nepetalactones are a group of iridoid analog stereoisomers produced by Nepeta cataria (catnip) and certain other plants in the genus Nepeta in order to repel insects. They are also produced by many aphids, in which they are sex pheromones. Nepetalactones are cat attractants, and cause the behavioral effects that catnip induces in domestic cats. However, they affect visibly only about two thirds of adult cats. They produce similar behavioral effects in many other felids, especially in lions and jaguars. In 1941, the research group of Samuel M. McElvain was the first to determine the structures

thumb|Chemical structure of iridomyrmecin Iridoids are a type of monoterpenoids in the general form of cyclopentanopyran, found in a wide variety of plants and some animals. They are biosynthetically derived from 8-oxogeranial. Iridoids are typically found in plants as glycosides, most often bound to glucose.

Genipin is a chemical compound found in Genipa americana fruit extract. It is an aglycone derived from an iridoid glycoside called geniposide which is also present in fruit of Gardenia jasminoides.

Iridomyrmecin is a defensive chemical, classified as an iridoid, isolated from ants of the genus Iridomyrmex. It has also evolved into a sex pheromone in wasps such as Leptopilina, with host species using the smell of iridomyrmecin as a way of detecting the presence of the parasitoid wasps. Iridomyrmecin is also found in a variety of plants including Actinidia polygama.

Dihydroactinidiolide is a volatile terpene. It has a sweet, tea-like odor and is used as a fragrance. Dihydroactinidiolide occurs naturally in black tea, fenugreek, fire ants, mangoes, and tobacco. It has also been prepared synthetically.

Actinidiolide is a cat attractant.