Ubiquitous in nature, 1-alkenes are found in a variety of organisms.   They are found in defensive secretions of insects, in fragrances of flowers, and in roots of certain plants [1].   Mechanistic studies revealed that the alkenes derive from the decarboxylation of an alkanoic acid via an enantiospecific cleavage of the pro -(S) C(3)-H atom and anti-elimination of the carboxyl group carbon. [1,2] However, the enzyme responsible for these biochemical reactions has not been identified..

[1] Görgen, G., Boland, W., 1989, Eur. J. Biochem. 185, 237-242.

[2] Görgen, G., Frößl, C., Boland, W., Dettner, K., 1990, Experientia 46, 700-704.