Eight terminal acetylenic fatty acids from 5-hexynoic to 12-tridecynoic acids and their methyl, ethyl, and isopropyl esters were synthesized via o-nitrophenyl selenides. These acids and esters all showed inhibitory effect on lettuce seed germination and seedling growth. The effect was dependent on the number of carbon atoms in acetylenic chain. 8-Nonynoic acid showed potent activity, and its methyl ester was the most effective among the test ...
