The structure of plasmalogens: VI. Configuration of the double bond in the α,β-unsaturated ether linkage of phosphatidal choline*

Abstract

The infrared spectrum of α-1-alkenyl glyceryl ether, prepared from pure phosphatidal choline, shows a singlet at 6.00 μ (1667 cm−1) and a band at 13.55 μ (738 cm−1). These two bands disappear after hydrogenation of the unsaturated ether. No appreciable absorption at 10–11 μ (1000-910 cm−1) was found. This evidence is consistent with the properties of cis- and not with those of trans-1-alkenyl alkyl ethers, and permits the assignment of the cis configuration to the double bond in the α,β-unsaturated ether linkage.