Very-long-chain 3-hydroxy fatty acids, 3-hydroxy fatty acid methyl esters and 2-alkanols from cuticular waxes of Aloe arborescens leaves

Leaf waxes of Aloe arborescens were found to contain various aliphatic compound classes in characteristic chain length and isomer distributions. Three homologous series were identified as 3-hydroxy fatty acids and their methyl esters (both mainly C28), and 2-alkanols (mainly C31). Based on structure similarities and chain length distributions, the biosynthetic pathways leading to these novel wax constituents can be hypothesized.