nepetalactone
/nɪˌpiːtəˈlaktəʊn/Chemistry
noun
A monoterpenoid lactone containing a methylcyclopentane ring, C10H14O2, which is found in some plants of the mint family (especially the catmint Nepeta cataria), and has a scent that is strongly attractive to many cats and repellent to many insects.
- Naturally occurring nepetalactone is a mixture of cis-trans and trans-cis isomers..
Origin
1940s. From nepeta + lactone.