Abstract
Centipedes of the order Geophilomorpha produce a viscid odorous secretion that is effectively defensive against ants (Formica exsectoides). The secretion is proteinaceous and cyanogenetic. InGeophilus vittatus, the secretion contains two cyanogenetic compounds, mandelonitrile (I) and benzoyl cyanide (II), as well as two products derived from these compounds as a result of hydrogen cyanide production [benzaldehyde (III) and benzoic acid (IV)]. Benzoyl cyanide has not been reported previously from any natural source.
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This is Paper No. 48 in the seriesDefense Mechanisms of Arthropods.
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Jones, T.H., Conner, W.E., Meinwald, J. et al. Benzoyl cyanide and mandelonitrile in the cyanogenetic secretion of a centipede. J Chem Ecol 2, 421–429 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00988807
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00988807