The pyrethrins and related compounds. Part XXVIII: Alkenyl- and alkynyl-substituted benzyl esters

Over 100 benzyl esters of pyrethroidal acids were synthesised and tested for insecticidal activity to establish detailed structure–activity relationships in compounds with side-chains similar to those in the natural pyrethrins. Alkenyl, and corresponding alkynyl, side-chains were effective, both at the 3- and 4-positions, as were side-chains with extended substitution in either E or Z forms. A cyano group at the α-position increases activity if the side-chain is at C-3, but lowers it drastically if the substituent is at C-4. Similarly, methyl groups at C-2 and/or C-6 may increase activity whether the unsaturated side-chain is at C-3 or C-4, but only in the absence of an α-cyano group.     

The pyrethrins and related compounds. Part XXIX: Haloallylbenzyl esters

Synthesis and bioassay of a series of esters based on pyrethroidal acids established that the activity of halosubstituted allylbenzyl esters depends on the position and stereochemistry of substitution in the allyl side-chain, on the substitution pattern on benzyl, on the esterifying acid, and, to a lesser extent, on the nature of the halogen substituent itself. The most powerful combination of the first four parameters for activity against houseflies is in (Z)-3-haloallylbenzyl esters of the (1R)-cis 3-(2,2-dibromovinyl) acid. Other combinations have moderate to low activity. Some aspects of the variation conform to previously recognised patterns, others define more precisely the requirements for the side-chain to confer activity. The pattern of response of activity to cyano-substitution at the α-position, noted earlier, persists in the current compounds, and is here analysed quantitatively.     

Organosilane insecticides. Part II: Chemistry and structure—activity relationships

Silicon effectively substitutes for quaternary carbon in etofenpr ox-type insecticides; the resulting dimethyl-4-ethoxyphenyl-3-(4-fluoro-3-phenoxyphenyl)propylsilane is a broad-spectrum insecticide with extremely low toxicity to fish. Four regions of this new silane insecticide have been systematically altered. The methyl groups on silicon appear to be critical for activity. Replacement of the fluorine with hydrogen results in a substantial loss of activity. The aromatic rings of the phenoxyphenyl fragment are best tethered by oxygen or carbonyl, the methylene and nitrogen analogs being of very low toxicity to the test species. The activity ranking of the methylene and carbonyl tethers is opposite to that found for ester pyrethroids. The relationship of insecticidal activity to the aromatic substituent para to the silicon atom has been found to correlate with the molar refractivity of the substituent. Replacement of a tetra-substituted carbon atom with a silicon atom can simplify construction of test compounds and thus be advantageously used in the exploration of structure—activity relationships. A novel method for preparing allylbenzenes from aromatic aldehydes was also developed.     

Allylamine antimycotics: Recent trends in structure—activity relationships and syntheses

Methods developed for the synthesis of terbinafine-related allylamine antimycotics are reviewed. The synthesis of the en-yne side chains were generally accomplished by means of organometallic reactions. The use of Pd⁰-catalysed coupling reactions allowed easy access to derivatives bearing sensitive side-chain substituents. As examples, four metabolites of terbinafine were prepared via this procedure. Investigations with the carbon analogue of terbinafine revealed that, within the allylamine antimycotics, the nitrogen appears to be necessary for penetration by the drug into the fungal cell. Replacement of the naphthalene moiety of terbinafine by optionally substituted benzo[b]thiophenes led to a number of derivatives with high antifungal activity. A series of benzo[b]thienyl compounds with the side chain at position 7 and different substituents at position 3 showed significantly increased activity against Candida albicans in vitro. In particular, the 3-chloro derivative with the allylamine side chain at position 7(SDZ 87–469) proved to be the most potent allylamine antimycotic reported to this date. Two novel types of lead structures, the homopropargylamines and the benzylamines show very high activity in vitro.     

The pyrethrins and related compounds. Part XLII:Structure–activity relationships in fluoro-olefin non-ester pyrethroids

A series of compounds containing fluorine atoms in place of hydrogen in olefinic non-ester pyrethroids has been synthesised using a route based on novel intermediates, ie 2-fluoroallyl acetates, which are coupled with aryl Grignard reagents, and tested against several insect species. In most cases, after introduction of fluorine at the olefinic position, the activity remains high in both the 1-aryl-1-(3-arylprop-2-enyl)cyclopropane and the (1-aryl-4-arylbut-2-enyl)cyclopropane series. In particular, the former series have potential as soil insecticides, because in tests against Diabrotica balteata, activities were high, and dose-transferability factors were increased by the introduction of fluorine. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and herbicidal activity of 1,4-benzoxazin-3-one sulfonylureas

A series of 1,4-benzoxazin-3-ones with a sulfonylurea group attached at either the 5 or 8 position have been synthesised and found to show moderate herbicidal activity. Similarly, a series of 1,4-benzothiazin-3-ones, including some of the related S-oxides and S-dioxides, with a sulfonylurea group linked at the 8 position, have been prepared and been found to be herbicidal. In both series of compounds many substituent variations were made but none of the compounds showed any useful crop selectivities.     

A new synthesis of natural pyrethrins

A synthesis route, based on a by-product of a prostaglandin synthesis, provides access to rethrolones and rethrins with the same stereochemistry at the ring C-4 position as the natural compounds. For cinerin I, the overall yield is good and the product is a mixture of side-chain E and Z isomers. The Z:E ratio varies from 3:1 to 10:1 depending on the conditions employed.     

Synthesis and herbicidal activities of novel 3-(substituted benzyloxy or phenoxy)-6-methyl-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)pyridazine derivatives

BACKGROUND: 4‐(3‐Trifluoromethylphenyl)pyridazine represents a new series of compounds with bleaching and herbicidal activities. RESULTS: A total of 43 novel 3‐(substituted benzyloxy or phenoxy)‐6‐methyl‐4‐(3‐trifluoromethylphenyl)pyridazine derivatives were synthesised, and their bleaching and herbicidal activities were evaluated through Spirodela polyrrhiza and greenhouse tests. Some compounds exhibited excellent herbicidal activities, even at a dose of 7.5 g ha^?1. CONCLUSION: The results showed that a substituted phenoxy group at the 3‐position of the pyridazine ring and the electron‐withdrawing group at the para ‐position on the benzene ring were essential for high herbicidal activity. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis,fungicidal activity and structure-activity relationships of a series of 1-(3-pyridyl)-1-substituted-but-3-yn-1-ols

A series of 1-(3-pyridyl)-1-substituted-but-3-yn-1-ols and some related compounds were synthesised and tested for antifungal activity against eight phytopathogenic fungi of different taxonomic classes. High activity was shown in particular against Sphaerotheca fuliginea on Cucumis sativus. The compounds containing aromatic substituents gave the best results, not only in protectant but also in systemic and eradicant tests. The quantitative structure-activity relationship suggests that steric effects play an important role in determining fungicidal activity.     

Synthesis of D-glucosamine quaternary ammonium derivatives and evaluation of their antifungal activity together with aminodeoxyglucose derivatives against two wood fungi Coriolus versicolor and Poria placenta: structure-activity relationships

BACKGROUND: Structure–activity relationships are often reported in scientific studies. These may be employed in searching for new acceptable biocides to use against harmful microorganisms, because the biocides used hitherto encounter various problems, including lack of efficiency, high toxicity and persistence. Nowadays, scientists are trying to find new, environmentally acceptable biocides to replace these earlier biocides. Different compounds from renewable materials have been studied and have shown pronounced antifungal activity against wood fungi. These include aminopolysaccharide derivatives and different quaternary ammonium polymers. A biological study carried out with these products indicated a possible relationship between amino groups and differences in biological activity observed. RESULTS: In this study, an amino group was successively fixed to different carbon atoms of glucose, and glucosamine was also modified by both N‐alkylation and quaternisation. The impact of the amino group position on antifungal activity against two wood decay fungi was investigated. The amino group at the anomeric position showed the highest antifungal activity against both Coriolus versicolor Quel. and Poria placenta (Fr.) Cooke. Furthermore, the positive impact of both N‐alkylation and quaternisation on the growth of both strains was demonstrated. CONCLUSION: The anomeric position of the amino group and the N‐alkylation and quaternisation of amino sugars considerably increase the antifungal activity of these compounds. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and fungicidal activity of 1,4-dithiino[2,3-b]quinoxaline-2,3-dicarbonitriles

A series of eleven 1,4-dithiino[2,3-b]quinoxaline-2,3-dicarbonitriles was prepared by reaction of 2,3-dichloroquinoxalines with disodium (2)-2,3-dimercapto-2-butenedinitrile in N,N-dimethylformamide. These products were tested for in-vitro fungicidal activity by a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) method. Several of these compounds showed broad-spectrum fungicidal activity. The activity exhibited by these compounds was greatly dependent upon the substituents of the quinoxaline ring, with the nitro-substituted derivatives showing the highest levels of antifungal activity. None of the compounds prepared, however, showed fungicidal activity comparable to that of the commercial fungicides screened.     

Synthesis and insecticidal/acaricidal activity of novel 3‐(2,4,6‐trisubstituted phenyl)uracil derivatives

A series of novel 3‐(2,4,6‐trisubstituted phenyl)uracil derivatives has been synthesised and assayed for insecticidal/acaricidal activity. The assay indicated certain requirements for optimal insecticidal activity, which can be summarised as follows: (a) the substituents on the phenyl ring should possess hydrophobicity and electron‐withdrawing properties, and the sum of their volumes determines the level of activity; (b) the substituent at the 6‐position on the uracil ring should also possess electron‐withdrawing properties and hydrophobicity, together with the correct volume; (c) the 1‐position on the uracil ring should be unsubstituted for activity against Nephotettix cincticeps and Epilachna vigintioctopunctata, but substituents with length C3 to C4 may be optimal for activity against Tetranychus urticae; (d) certain substituents at the 5‐position of the uracil ring give activity against E vigintioctopunctata and T urticae, but not against N cincticeps; (e) a thiocarbonyl group at the 2‐position of the uracil ring is less effective than a carbonyl group. Of the compounds assayed, 3‐(2,6‐dichloro‐4‐trifluoromethylphenyl)‐6‐trifluoromethyluracil showed high activity against all the species assayed. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

The effect of 2,2-dimethylchromene derivatives and some other compounds on the development of Oncopeltus fasciatus (dallas) and Locusta migratoria migratorioides (R&F)

As an adjunct to biochemical studies on the action of juvenile hormone antagonists (‘antijuvenile hormones’), a study has been made of the effects on insect development of 71 compounds based on the 2,2-dimethylchromene structure, and 30 other compounds, including especially chemicals containing acetylenic and 1,3-benzodioxole (methylenedioxyphenyl) groups, that were expected to inhibit microsomal mixed function oxidases. The ageratochromenes, 7-methoxy-2,2-dimethylchromene and 6,7-dimethoxy-2,2-dimethylchromene (precocene I and precocene II, respectively), were used for comparison. With the jar deposit method used for Oncopeltus fasciatus, and the topical application method used for Locusta migratoria, only derivatives of 2,2-dimethylchromene and 2-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)phenol, the alkene double bonds of which were activated by an alkoxy group, exhibited characteristic antijuvenile hormone actions. In the whole life-cycle exposure test on O. fasciatus, a number of other compounds had non-specific effects on development, especially at the fifth instar. Some of the compounds, including certain derivatives of 2,2-dimethylchromene with ester side-chains, had juvenile hormone agonist actions. The scope for structural optimization for antijuvenile hormone action in the 2,2-dimethylchromene series appears to be limited, and structure-activity relationships are obscured, especially for O. fasciatus, by an overlap between the prothetelic morphogenetic and lethal effects. The results are discussed in relation to the mode of action of the 2,2-dimethychromenes.     

Synthesis and fungicidal activity of tubulin polymerisation promoters. Part 1: pyrido[2,3‐b]pyrazines

BACKGROUND: The excellent fungicidal activity of [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines suggested the search for further analogues with improved properties. RESULTS: A series of novel trisubstituted pyrido[2,3‐b]pyrazines has been designed and prepared as 6,6‐biheterocyclic analogues of related 5,6‐bicyclic [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines. Their fungicidal activity was evaluated against the plant pathogens Puccinia recondita Rob. ex Desm. f. sp. tritici (Eriks.) CO Johnston (wheat brown rust), Mycosphaerella graminicola (Fuckel) Schroter (Septoria tritici Rob., leaf spot of wheat) and Magnaporthe grisea (Hebert) Barr (Pyricularia oryzae Cav., rice blast). Structure–activity relationship studies revealed the advantage of a fluoro substituent in position 6 and of a secondary amine in position 8. CONCLUSION: 8‐Amino‐7‐aryl‐6‐halogen‐substituted pyrido[2,3‐b]pyrazines have been prepared as 6,6‐biheterocyclic analogues of similarly substituted triazolopyrimidine fungicides. A concise four‐step synthesis route has been worked out to prepare these novel compounds from commercially available starting materials. [(R)‐(1,2‐Dimethylpropyl)]‐[6‐fluoro‐7‐(2,4,6‐trifluorophenyl)pyrido[2,3‐b]pyrazin‐8‐yl]amine showed excellent activity against three economically important phytopathogens. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fungicidal activity of N-(2-cyano-2-methoximinoacetyl)amino acids and their derivatives

More than 20 N-(2-cyano-2-methoximinoacetyl)amino acids and derivatives were synthesised and tested for antifungal activity against grape downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara viticola (de Bary) Berl. & de Toni, and rape downy mildew, Peronospora parasitica Fr. Two of the compounds containing a free carboxylic acid group, a moiety which has been shown to confer phloem mobility on compounds, showed high activity, especially against P. parasitica, in protectant tests. These results indicate that there is no incompatibility between the acid function and fungicidal activity. A number of the esters showed activity comparable with that of cymoxanil in the protectant tests, and the tert-butyl esters of the methionine derivative and its sulfone were more than ten times as active as the commercial compound.     

Synthesis and herbicidal potential of substituted aurones

BACKGROUND: With the objective of exploring the herbicidal activity of substituted aurones, a series of 4,6‐disubstituted and 4,5,6‐trisubstituted aurones were synthesised, and their herbicidal activities against Brassica campestris L. and Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) Beauv. were evaluated in laboratory bioassays. Effects of some of the compounds were evaluated on seed germination. The most active compounds in the laboratory were evaluated in the greenhouse. RESULTS: The compounds were characterised by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and HRMS; some of them were further identified by IR. A (Z)‐configuration was assigned to the aurones, based on spectroscopic and crystallographic data. Bioassay results of root growth showed that the aurones had a moderate herbicidal activity against the dicotyledonous plant Brassica campestris. (Z)‐2‐Phenylmethylene‐4,6‐dimethoxy‐3(2H)‐benzofuranone(6o) was the most active compound, with 81.3 and 88.5% inhibition at 10 and 100 µg ml^?1 respectively, equal to the activity of mesotrione. Some of the aurones possessed some inhibition of germination on several plant species. For glasshouse tests, the substituted aurones had lower herbicidal activity than metolachlor and mesotrione. CONCLUSION: It is possible that aurone derivatives, which possess structures different from those of the commercial herbicides, may become novel lead compounds for the development of herbicides against dicotyledonous weeds with further structure modification. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and precocious-metamorphosis-inducing activity of 3-pyridyl ethers

A new series of 5-(substituted phenoxy)pentyl 3-pyridyl ethers induced precocious metamorphosis in larvae of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Both 2- and 4-pyridyl ethers were inactive, indicating that the 3-pyridine moiety was essential for the activity. Octyl, dodecyl and farnesyl 3-pyridyl ethers had no activity. Among the compounds tested so far, 5-(4-propylphenoxy)pentyl 3-pyridyl ether showed the highest activity. The activity fell off with increasing or decreasing length of the carbon chain between two oxygen atoms. Introduction of a methyl group at the 6 position of the pyridine ring completely eliminated the activity. Precocious metamorphosis induced by 3-pyridyl ethers was fully reversible by a simultaneous application of a small amount of tebufenozide, an ecdysteroid agonist, or methoprene, a JH agonist. © 1998 SCI.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of [1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)alkyl]-1-silacyclopentanes

A series of 1-aryl-1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)alkyl-1-silacyclopentanes has been synthesized by four-step reactions starting from 1-chloroalkyltrichlorosilane and tested for fungicidal activities in vitro for ten fungi and in vivo for four fungi occurring in rice, cucumber, tomato etc. Biological activities of the title compounds are strongly dependent upon the p-substituent on the phenyl group in the following order: F>Cl>Ph>OEt>H. Especially, 1-p-fluorophenyl-1-[1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)alkyl]-1-silacyclopentanes (alkyl=methyl or ethyl) showed significant fungicidal activity with a broad spectrum comparable to flusilazole in in-vivo assay. © 1998 SCI.     

Acaricidal 1,2,4,5-tetrazines

A series of 1,2,4,5-tetrazines has been synthesised and screened for acaricidal activity. Laboratory tests have shown several of the compounds to be highly active mite ovicides. Further examination in the field has identified a highly active compound, which gives prolonged control of mites on top fruit. The selected compound (clofentezine) is shown to be safe to mite predators and beneficial species and has been developed commercially for use on top fruit. (Clofentezine is the B.S.I. approved common name of 3,6-bis-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine).     

Guanidinium and amidinium fungicides: A new class of carbocation mimetic ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors

A novel class of chemical has been designed with the aim of inhibiting the Δ¹⁴-reductase and Δ⁸-Δ⁷-isomerase enzymes in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway in fungi. Use was made of knowledge about the mechanisms of both enzymes and the mode of action of known, fungicidal inhibitors of these enzymes. Pioneer examples have been synthesised and have been demonstrated to be potent inhibitors of ergosterol biosynthesis in Ustilago maydis (DC) Corda, acting in the same manner as the commercial fungicide fenpropimorph. They also showed excellent fungicidal activity against Erysiphe graminis DC f. sp. hordei Marchal (powdery mildew of barley) and Puccinia recondita Rob. ex Desm. (wheat leaf rust) in in-vivo glasshouse tests. Using these compounds as a starting point, systematic structural variation has been carried out. Testing of a wide range of analogues at high volume confirms the potential of this class of compound to control mildew and rust pathogens at levels comparable to those of the standards. Correlation of in-vivo and enzymatic data is good and the structure-activity relationship developed for this series of compounds closely parallels that found for the morpholine/piperidine class of fungicides, suggesting a common mode of action.