The observant flavour maker

What is this aromatic compound? It's the substituted butanone, 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone. Over 40 years ago, Alan Willison, after synthesising this ketone, accidently spilled some on his shoes. He placed the shoes near an open window to dry. Soon he noticed dozens of Queensland fruit flies on his shoes. Why is this significant? Alan Willison's observation paved the way for the pheromone control of insect pests. Alan Willison worked with a friend in NSW Department of Agriculture. Here is part of the 1959 Annual Report of NSW DoA. A locally-produced chemical, para hydroxy benzyl acetone, prepared by Mr A. Willison of Concord, together with some analogous compounds, was tested in a limited way. It showed some value as a male attractant for Queensland fruit flies.