This practical manual represents a comprehensive, up-to-date compilation of useful chemical ecology techniques and references. Written from the viewpoint of the practitioner, this book and its companion volume on bioassays describe apparatus and methods, providing detailed discussions of the advantages and limitations of various techniques. Taken together, the volumes provide the information required to isolate and identify biologically active chemicals mediating inter- and intraspecific interactions between organisms from most of the major taxa. Methods in Chemical Ecology: Chemical Methods describes both macro- and microscale techniques, paying particular attention to the problems inherent in working with microscale samples. The book is arranged in a logical sequence, beginning with chapters on the initial extraction and purification of compounds, and progressing through methods used in identification of chemical structures, including both instrumental and microchemical methods. The book finishes with chapters on the separation of enantiomers, and the use of electrophysiological techniques. Coverage includes descriptions of both cutting-edge methods such as solid phase microextraction, and methods that have been in common use for a decade or more. With minimal use of technical jargon, this volume is designed as an indispensable reference manual for graduate students as well as experienced researchers. This volume will also serve as a valuable reference book for researchers in many related disciplines, including natural-products chemistry, ecology, botany/plant sciences, zoology, entomology, marine biology and ecology, and pharmacology.

This practical manual represents a comprehensive, up-to-date compilation of useful chemical ecology techniques and references. Written from the viewpoint of the practitioner, this book and its companion volume on chemical methods describe apparatus and methods, providing detailed discussions of the advantages and limitations of various techniques. Taken together, the volumes provide the information required to isolate and identify biologically active chemicals mediating inter- and intraspecific interactions between organisms from most of the major taxa. Methods in Chemical Ecology: Bioassay Methods covers bioassay techniques from a broad spectrum of species, ranging from microorganisms in aquatic environments to mammals in terrestrial habitats. This volume is designed to assist both ecologists and chemists with the sometimes daunting task of developing bioassay techniques to be used in the isolation and identification of natural products. The contributors, all highly respected active researchers, provide insights into the many pitfalls of bioassay design based on their years of experience. With minimal use of technical jargon, this volume is designed as an indispensable reference manual for graduate students as well as experienced researchers. This volume will also serve as a valuable reference book for researchers in many related disciplines, including animal behavior, natural-products chemistry, ecology, botany/plant sciences, zoology, entomology, marine biology and ecology, and pharmacology.

Identification of chemicals that affect the naturally occurring interactions be tween organisms requires sophisticated chemical techniques, such as those docu mented in volume 1, in combination with effective bioassays. Without an effective bioassay, the identification becomes akin to looking for a needle in a haystack, but without any idea of what a needle looks like. To a large extent serniochemical identifications must be driven by bioassays. The design of bioassays for use in chemical ecology is governed by the sometimes conflicting objectives of ecological relevance and the need for simplic ity. Bioassay design should be based on observations of the interactions between organisms in their natural context, a theme that appears throughout this volume. As a result, this volume is as much about ecology and behavior as it is about specific methods. It is impossible to design a relevant bioassay, whether it is simple or complex, without understanding at least the fundamentals of how chemical cues or signals mediate the interaction in nature. Thus, the development of bioassay methods must be driven by an understanding of ecology and a knowledge of the natural history of the organisms under study. Given such an understanding, it is often possible to design assays that are both ecologically relevant and easy to perform."

This practical manual represents a comprehensive, up-to-date compilation of useful chemical ecology techniques and references. Written from the viewpoint of the practitioner, this book and its companion volume on bioassays describe apparatus and methods, providing detailed discussions of the advantages and limitations of various techniques. Taken together, the volumes provide the information required to isolate and identify biologically active chemicals mediating inter- and intraspecific interactions between organisms from most of the major taxa. Methods in Chemical Ecology: Chemical Methods describes both macro- and microscale techniques, paying particular attention to the problems inherent in working with microscale samples. The book is arranged in a logical sequence, beginning with chapters on the initial extraction and purification of compounds, and progressing through methods used in identification of chemical structures, including both instrumental and microchemical methods. The book finishes with chapters on the separation of enantiomers, and the use of electrophysiological techniques.Coverage includes descriptions of both cutting-edge methods such as solid phase microextraction, and methods that have been in common use for a decade or more. With minimal use of technical jargon, this volume is designed as an indispensable reference manual for graduate students as well as experienced researchers. This volume will also serve as a valuable reference book for researchers in many related disciplines, including natural-products chemistry, ecology, botany/plant sciences, zoology, entomology, marine biology and ecology, and pharmacology.