Nootkatone


Nootkatone is a natural organic compound and is the most important and expensive aromatic of grapefruit. It is a sesquiterpenoid and a ketone.
Nootkatone was previously thought to be one of the main chemical components of the smell and flavour of grapefruits. In high purity, it is usually found as colorless crystals. Crude extractives are liquid, viscous and yellow. Nootkatone is typically extracted from grapefruit, but can also be manufactured with genetically modified organisms, or through the chemical or biochemical oxidation of valencene. It is also found in Alaska yellow cedar trees and vetiver grass.

Uses

Nootkatone in spray form has been shown as an effective repellent/insecticide against deer ticks and lone star ticks. It is also an effective repellent/insecticide against mosquitos, and may repel bed bugs, head lice and other insects. It is an environmentally friendly insecticide, because it is a volatile essential oil that does not persist in the environment. It is nontoxic to humans, is an approved food additive, and "is commonly used in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals".
The CDC has licensed patents to two companies to produce an insecticide and an insect repellant. Allylix, of San Diego, CA, is one of these licensees and has developed an enzyme fermentation process that will produce nookatone more cost effectively.