Rhodium is playing an important role in the synthesis of a newly discovered compound capable of deterring mosquitoes.

The new compound was developed after scientists successfully replicated some of the secretions of the gaur, an Asian wild ox.

An American team of researchers produced the gaur acid in the laboratory using a complicated process.

One of the first steps is using rhodium to catalyse an allylic etherification reaction, helping to create the correct spatial configuration.

Indiana University's P. A. Evans told Chemie.DE that the process had proved complicated but ultimately successful.

"Our new stereospecific reaction scheme for the synthesis of cyclic ethers is very flexible," he said.

"By choosing different building blocks, we can control both the ring size and the spatial arrangement of the side chains. The total synthesis of gaur acid demonstrates the potential utility of this method."

The new compound has been shown to ward off the yellow-fever-spreading Aedes mosquito, deterring the insects from landing and feeding.