The characterization of 2,3-alkanediol diacyl esters obtained from the Harderian glands of Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus).
A major lipid class in the Harderian glands of the Mongolian gerbil was investigated. The IR and 1H-NMR spectra suggested that it was a wax-like compound. Fatty acids present were capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, arachidic, and behenic acids in ratios of 3.0%, 16.3%, 16.5%, 29.5%, 5.1%, 16.4%, and 9.8%, respectively. Odd-numbered, branched chain and unsaturated fatty acids were not present in large amounts. The structure of the alcohol moiety was elucidated to be 2,3-alkanediol with carbon chain lengths from C12 to C22 by GC-MS of the TMS and isopropylidine derivatives. Lemieux-von Rudloff oxidation of these alcohols confirmed the 2,3-diol structure, giving fatty acids two carbon units shorter.
D000818:Animals; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D004075:Diglycerides / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000032:analysis; D005849:Gerbillinae; D005989:Glycerides / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006243:Harderian Gland / Q000032:analysis*; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000032:analysis*; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D013055:Spectrophotometry, Infrared
D004075:Diglycerides; D005227:Fatty Acids; D005989:Glycerides