Chapter 14
Fatty Acids and Esters as Antimicrobial/Insecticidal Agents Jon J. Kabara
Downloaded by UNIV OF ARIZONA on September 13, 2013 | http://pubs.acs.org Publication Date: December 24, 1987 | doi: 10.1021/bk-1987-0325.ch014
Department of Biomechanics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
Structure-function relationships of fatty acids and monoesters are reviewed. Many of the generalistics found concerning chain length, unsaturation, esterification and geometrical isomerism hold whether germicidal or insecticidal properties are being considered. Saturated fatty acids reach their optimal effects with chains 12 carbons long. Monounsaturation increases the activity of long (C14 or greater) but not short (
