Nootkatone is an organic compound, a sesquiterpenoid, which means that it is a C15 derivative that also contains an oxygen-containing functional group (a ketone).

[2] Nootkatone was originally isolated from the wood of the Alaskan yellow cedar, Cupressus nootkatensis.

[4] Allylix (Now Lallemand of Montreal, PQ), developed a fermentation process to nootkatone.

[5][6] As is true of other plant terpenoids, nootkatone activates α-adrenergic type 1 octopamine receptor (PaOA1) in susceptible arthropods, causing fatal spasms.

[12] It is an environmentally friendly insecticide because it is a volatile essential oil that does not persist in the environment.