Structural identification of the diester preen gland wax in the Red Knot (Calidris canutus)

Abstract

The intact C32-C48 diester wax esters of the preen gland of the migrating bird Calidris canutus are shown, using synthesized standards, to comprise predominantly C12-C16 alkane-1,2-diols esterified with octanoic, decanoic, and dodecanoic acid at one position, and with predominantly even-numbered carbon fatty acids at the other position.