Synthesis and insecticidal activity of novel carbamate derivatives as potential dual-binding site acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

In biological systems, bivalent ligands often possess increased functional affinity for their receptors compared with monovalent ligands. On the basis of the structure of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a series of novel carbamate heterodimetic derivatives were designed and synthesized with the aim of increasing the potency toward AChE inhibition. The AChE inhibitory ability of all the novel compounds was tested using AChE obtained from the brain of the housefly. The bioassay results showed that compounds 6j, 6k, 6m, 6n, 6p, and 6q had increased inhibitory activities in comparison with parent phenyl N-methylcarbamate (MH) at the concentration of 100 mg/L. Among them, the most potent AChE inhibitor of these compounds was 6q (IC(50) = 12 μM), which showed 62-fold greater AChE inhibitory activity than that of MH and 12-fold greater activity than metolcarb (MT), which suggested that the 3-nitrophenoxy moiety of compound 6q was able to interact with the aromatic amino acid residues lining the gorge and the phenyl N-methylcarbamate moiety was able to interact with the catalytic sites of AChE, simultaneously. The insecticidal activities of compounds 6j, 6k, 6m, 6n, 6p, and 6q were further evaluated. Consistent with the result in vitro bioassay, those compounds demonstrated better activities against Lipaphis erysimi than parent compound MH at the concentration of 300 mg/L, and compound 6q showed the best insecticidal activity, causing 98% mortality after 24 h of treatment.     

Furan-2,5-dimethylene-tethered bis-imidacloprid insecticide conferring high potency

Bis-imidacloprid (bis-IMI) analogues with suitable alkylene spacers have plant-systemic insecticidal properties. The alkylene-tethered bis-IMI binds in a unique mode to the insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) wherein the chloropyridine moieties are embraced by two distinct and distant domains. The heptamethylene spacer optimally bridges these two subsites, yet the linker itself binds in a relatively nonspecific manner. This investigation examines the hypothesis that a bis-IMI analogue with a heteroaromatic tether, which undergoes specific interaction(s) with the newly recognized receptor cavity, may enhance the potency relative to those of the alkylene-tethered derivatives. Remarkably, a novel bis-IMI with a furan-2,5-dimethylene fulcrum showed highest receptor potency and insecticidal activity among the analogues with various chemotype spacers. The nAChR structural model, simulating the binding site interactions of the furan-2,5-dimethylene-tethered bis-IMI, reveals that the furan ring is nestled in a hydrophobic pocket, consisting of three aromatic amino acids, and is stabilized via hydrogen bonding.     

Synthesis and biological activities of novel pyrazole oxime derivatives containing a 2-chloro-5-thiazolyl moiety

A series of novel pyrazole oxime derivatives containing a 2-chloro-5-thiazolyl moiety were synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and elemental analysis. The preliminary bioassays showed that all of the title compounds had low acaricidal activity against Tetranychus cinnabarinus . However, most of them exhibited excellent insecticidal activity against Aphis medicagini at the dosage of 0.5 mg/mL, and some compounds still showed good insecticidal activity against A. medicagini even at the dosage of 0.2 mg/mL. Meanwhile, some title compounds displayed fungicidal and plant growth regulatory activities.     

Synthesis, insecticidal, and acaricidal activities of novel 2-aryl-pyrrole derivatives containing ester groups

A series of novel 2-aryl-pyrrole derivatives containing ester groups were synthesized, and their structures were characterized by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The insecticidal activities against oriental armyworm, mosquito, diamondback moth, green rice leafhopper, and bean aphids and acaricidal activities against spider mite of these new compounds were evaluated. The results of bioassays indicated that some of these title compounds exhibited excellent insecticidal and acaricidal activities. The insecticidal activities against oriental armyworm of compounds IVa, IVd, IVe, IVf, IVg, IVi, IVk, and IVp were equal to commercialized Chlorfenapyr, and the insecticidal activities of most of compounds IVb, IVc, IVd, IVf, IVg, IVj, IVk, IVl, IVs, IVt, IVu, IVw, IVx, IVz, and Chlorfenapyr against mosquito at 0.10 mg kg (-1) were 100%, and the acaricidal activities of compounds IVd, IVe, IVf, IVg, IVh, IVi, and IVk were equal or superior to Chlorfenapyr. Especially, the results indicated that the acaricidal activity of [4-bromo-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-cyano-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyrrol-1-yl]methyl 3-methylbutanoate ( IVg) against spider mite was 2.65-fold as high as that of Chlorfenapyr from the value of LC 50.     

Insecticidal activity of Paraherquamides, including paraherquamide H and paraherquamide I, two new alkaloids isolated from Penicillium cluniae

Paraherquamide H (1) and paraherquamide I (2), two new compounds of the paraherquamide (PHQ) family, together with the already known paraherquamide A (3), paraherquamide B (4), paraherquamide E (5), VM55596 (N-oxide paraherquamide) (6), paraherquamide VM55597 (7), and five known diketopiperazines (8-12) have been isolated from the culture broth of Penicillium cluniae Quintanilla. The structure of 1 and 2, on the basis of NMR and MS analysis, was established. It is worth noticing that, in both cases, an unusual oxidative substitution in C-16 was found, which had only previously been detected in PHQ 7. Isolated compounds were tested for insecticidal activity against the hemipteran Oncopeltus fasciatus Dallas. Mortality data have allowed preliminary structure activity relationships to be proposed. The most potent product was 5 with a LD(50) of 0.089 microg/nymph.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, and insecticidal activity of novel N-alkyloxyoxalyl derivatives of 2-arylpyrrole

Two series of novel N-alkyloxyoxalyl derivatives of 2-arylpyrrole were synthesized, and their structures were characterized by (1)H NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The insecticidal activities of the new compounds were evaluated. The results of bioassays indicated that some of these title compounds exhibited excellent insecticidal activities, and their insecticidal activities against oriental armyworm, mosquito, and spider mite are comparable to those of the commercialized Chlorfenapyr.     

Design, synthesis, structure, and acaricidal/insecticidal activity of novel spirocyclic tetronic acid derivatives containing an oxalyl moiety

A series of novel spirocyclic tetronic acid derivatives containing an oxalyl moiety was designed and synthesized via the key intermediate 3-(2,4,6-trimethyl)-2-oxo-1-oxaspiro[4.4]-decyl-3-en-4-ol. The target compounds were identified by (1)H NMR and elemental analysis or high-resolution mass spectrum (HRMS). The results of bioassays indicated that most of the target compounds possessed excellent acaricidal activities against carmine spider mite larvae and eggs. Especially, diisopropylamino oxalyl compound 7g and piperidine oxalyl compound 7h were 1.4- and 2.3-fold as high as the activities of commercial Spiromesifen, respectively, against spider mite eggs. Moreover, most of the target compounds exhibited insecticidal activities against Lepidoptera pest. Interestingly, compounds containing alkylamino-substituted oxalyl moiety showed obvious selectivity between spider mite larvae and eggs because the activities against spider mite eggs of 7g and 7h were 25-fold those against spider mite larvae, whereas Spiromesifen had no significant differences in these activities. This meant that the introduction of an oxalyl moiety to spirocyclic tetronic acid might lead to novel biological activity characteristics.     

Synthesis and insecticidal activity of some novel fraxinellone-based esters

In continuation of a program aimed at the discovery and development of natural products-based insecticidal agents, two series of novel fraxinellone-based esters were synthesized by modification at the C-4 or C-10 position of fraxinellone and evaluated for their insecticidal activity against the pre-third-instar larvae of Mythimna separata in vivo. An efficient method for the stereoselective synthesis of 4α-hydroxyfraxinellone from fraxinellonone was developed, and the steric configuration of 6h was unambiguously confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Among 37 compounds, some derivatives displayed potent insecticidal activity; especially compounds 6h, 6q, 6t, and 7q showed more promising insecticidal activity than toosendanin, a commercial botanical insecticide derived from Melia azedarach . This suggested that introduction of the fluorine atom on the phenyl ring could lead to a more potent compound than one possessing chlorine or bromine. Meanwhile, introduction of the heterocyclic fragments at the C-4 or C-10 position of fraxinellone was essential for their insecticidal activity. This will pave the way for further design, structural modification, and development of fraxinellone as an insecticidal agent.     

Design, synthesis, and biological activities of milbemycin analogues

Milbemycins have received considerable interest in agricultural chemistry due to a special action mode, extremely high activity against arachnoide pests, low toxicity to mammals, and environmentally benign characteristics. Two series of novel milbemycin analogues (4Ia-6IIc) containing alkyl and aryl groups at the 4'- and 13-positions were designed and synthesized by five schemes. These analogues were identified by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and elemental analysis (or HRMS). Their insecticidal activities against carmine spider mite, oriental armyworm, and black bean aphid were evaluated. The results showed that all of the title compounds had low acaricidal activity against carmine spider mite. However, most of them exhibited good insecticidal activities against oriental armyworm and black bean aphid at a concentration of 200 mg L(-1). The most potent substituents of 2,2-dimethylbutanoyl (4Ib), phenylacetyl (4IIm), and (Z)-1-(methoxyimino)-1-phenylacetyl (4IIn) exhibited the highest larvicidal activities, and its insecticidal LC(50) values against oriental armyworm were 0.250, 0.204, and 0.350 mg L(-1), while its insecticidal LC(50) values against black bean aphid were 0.150, 0.070, and 0.120 mg L(-1), respectively. These substituents provided some hints for further investigation on structure modification.     

Isolation and structural elucidation of eight new related analogues of the mycotoxin (-)-botryodiplodin from Penicillium coalescens

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the organic extract derived from the terrestrial fungus Penicillium coalescens led to the isolation of the known mycotoxin (-)-botryodiplodin (1) and eight new structurally related analogues (2-9). The structures of the novel compounds were determined by MS and NMR studies, including 1D and 2D NMR. A likely biogenetic pathway from the aldehydic open form of 1 (C7 unit, U1) is proposed for these metabolites. Among all the isolated metabolites, only (-)-1 showed antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal activity. This latter activity appears to be a new property attributed to (-)-1.     

Synthesis, insecticidal activity, and QSAR of novel nitromethylene neonicotinoids with tetrahydropyridine fixed cis configuration and exo-ring ether modification

To keep the nitro group in the cis position, a series of nitromethylene neonicotinoids containing a tetrahydropyridine ring with exo-ring ether modifications were designed and synthesized. All of the compounds were characterized and confirmed by 1H NMR, high-resolution mass spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and IR. The bioassay tests showed that some of them exhibited good insecticidal activities against pea aphids. On the basis of 10 nitromethylene derivatives, the quantitative structure-bioactivity relationship (QSAR) was analyzed and established. The results suggested that AlogP98 and Dipole_Mopac might be the important parameters related with biological activities.     

Design, synthesis, and insecticidal evaluation of new benzoylureas containing isoxazoline and isoxazole group

Twenty-two new benzoylphenylureas containing isoxazoline and the isoxazole group were designed and synthesized, and their structures were characterized by (1)H NMR and elemental analysis (or HRMS). The larvicidal activities against Oriental armyworm, mosquito, and diamondback moth of the new compounds were evaluated. Compounds I-1 and III-1 showed nearly the same level of insecticidal activity against Oriental armyworm as commercial insecticide Flucycloxuron and surprisingly exhibited much higher larvicidal activities against diamondback moth than Flucycloxuron.     

Syntheses and biological activities of octahydro-1H-cyclopenta[d]pyrimidine derivatives

Various nitromethylene derivatives were synthesized regioselectively. Compounds 8a-f were obtained by the reaction of 1-((5-chloropyridin-2-yl)methyl)-2-(nitromethylene)-octahydro-1H-cyclopenta[d]-pyrimidine (3) with primary amines and formaldehyde. The synthesized compounds were identified by 1H NMR, HRMS (EI), and IR, and preliminary bioassays indicated that most of them showed moderate insecticidal activities against Aphis craccivora. The relationship between hydrophobicity and biological activity was also discussed.     

Insecticidal activity of penitrems,including penitrem G,a new member of the family isolated from Penicillium crustosum

Penitrem G (7), a new indole-diterpenoid compound, has been isolated together with the already known mycotoxins penitrems A-D (1-4) and F (6) from the mycelium of Penicillium crustosum Thom. The structure of penitrem G was established on the basis of spectroscopic data. In addition, paspaline (8), another indole-diterpenoid mycotoxin that has not been previously described in this fungus, was also isolated. These compounds were tested for insecticidal activity against the hemipteran Oncopeltus fasciatus Dallas and the dipteran Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann. Penitrems A-D and F showed convulsive and insecticidal activities against both insect species. In addition, important reductions in the fecundity and fertility of the surviving C. capitata females were observed. In contrast, penitrem G and paspaline did not show any kind of activity. Mortality data and sublethal effects of the treatments have allowed preliminary structure-activity relationships to be proposed.     

Insecticidal and fumigant activities of Cinnamomum cassia bark-derived materials against Mechoris ursulus (Coleoptera: attelabidae)

The insecticidal and fumigant activities of Cinnamomum cassia (Blume) bark-derived materials against the oak nut weevil (Mechoris ursulus Roelofs) were examined using filter paper diffusion and fumigation methods and compared to those of the commercially available Cinnamomum bark-derived compounds (eugenol, salicylaldehyde, trans-cinnamic acid, and cinnamyl alcohol). The biologically active constituent of the Cinnamomum bark was characterized as trans-cinnamaldehyde by spectroscopic analysis. In a test with the filter paper diffusion method, trans-cinnamaldehyde showed 100 and 83.3% mortality at rates of 2.5 and 1.0 mg/filter paper, respectively. At 2.5 mg/paper, strong insecticidal activity was produced from eugenol (90.0% mortality) and salicylaldehyde (88. 9%), whereas trans-cinnamic acid revealed moderate activity (73.3%). At 5 mg/paper, weak insecticidal activity (50.0%) was produced from cinnamyl alcohol. In a fumigation test, the Cinnamomum bark-derived compounds were much more effective against M. ursulus larvae in closed cups than in open ones. These results indicate that the insecticidal activity of test compounds was attributable to fumigant action, although there is also significant contact toxicity. As a naturally occurring insect-control agent, the Cinnamomum bark-derived materials described could be useful as a new preventive agent against damage caused by M. ursulus.     

Evaluation of insecticidal activity of diterpenes and lignans from Aristolochia malmeana against Anticarsia gemmatalis

The insecticidal activity of hexane extracts from the roots and leaves of Aristolochia malmeana was evaluated against Anticarsia gemmatalis larvae by topical application. Extract from the roots was the most active and caused 50% mortality in larvae at 308.4 microg/microL. From this extract, a clerodane diterpene, (-)-kolavenic acid, and three lignans, (-)-kusunokinin, (-)-hinokinin, and (8 S,8' R,9 S)-cubebin, were isolated by chromatography and partition procedures and then evaluated for their insecticidal activities either individually or in pairs. (-)-Kusunokinin showed higher activity against A. gemmatalis (LD10=9.3, LD50=230.1 microg/microL) than the crude extract, and its activity was dose-dependent, whereas the other constituents did not exhibit any significant activity. Together with (-)-kusunokinin and (-)-hinokinin, (-)-copalic acid, (-)-2-oxokolavenic acid, (-)- ent-6-beta-hydroxy-copalic acid, (8 R,8' R,9 R)- and (8 R,8' R,9 S)-cubebins, (-)-fargesin, and (-)-phillygenin were isolated from the hexane extract of the leaves. The compounds were identified on the basis of spectroscopic analysis.     

Synthesis and insecticidal activity of N-tert-butyl-N,N'-diacylhydrazines containing 1,2,3-thiadiazoles

N-tert-Butyl-N,N'-diacylhydrazines are nonsteroidal ecdysone agonists used as environmental benign pest regulators. In this paper, two series of new N-tert-butyl-N,N'-diacylhydrazine derivatives containing 1,2,3-thiadiazole were designed and synthesized. All structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Bioasssay results indicated that most of the synthesized compounds possessed good insecticidal activities against Plutella xylostella L. and Culex pipiens pallens as compared with the positive control, tebufenozide. The results of this study indicated that 1,2,3-thiadiazoles, as an important active substructure, could improve or maintain the activity of the dicylhydrazines and favor novel pesticide development.     

Design, synthesis, and fungicidal activity of macrolactones and macrolactams with a sulfonamide side chain

Four series of novel macrolactones and macrolactams12-alkylsulfonamido-1,15-pentadecanlactones ( 5), 12-alkylsulfonamido-15-methyl-1,15-pentadecanlactones ( 6), 12-alkylsulfonamido-1,15-pentadecanlactams ( 7), and N-(alkylsulfonamidoethyl)-1,12-dodecanlactams ( 8)were designed and synthesized from readily available 2-nitrocyclododecanone or cyclododecanone. Their structures were confirmed by (1)H NMR, IR, and elemental analysis. The bioassay showed that these compounds displayed fair to excellent fungicidal activity against Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn and have a gradual increase of fungicidal activity in the order of 6, 7, 8, and 5. Among them, compounds 5a, 5b, and 5c displayed excellent fungicidal activity against R. solani comparable with the commercial fungicide carbendazim. Above results illustrated that the rule on the relationship between the activity and hydrogen-bonding, namely the macrocyclic compounds with a hydrogen-bonding acceptor and a hydrogen-bonding donor on the ring and having a three methylenes distance between two polarizable groups have the best fungicidal activity against R. solani, has a general suitability to the macrocyclic compounds, and pesticide molecules may combine with a target enzyme by hydrogen-bonding. The facts, which compound 6 has a much lower fungicidal activity against R. solani than compound 5 but their difference in chemical structure is only that there is a methyl group on the C15 for compound 6 and none but hydrogen atom on the C15 for compound 5, indicated that a methyl group plays an inhibitory role to the fungicidal activity. It suggests that the existence of a methyl group with a great volume between two polarizable groups would interfere in the interaction of pesticide molecules and the target enzyme.     

Synthesis, insecticidal activity, and molecular docking studies of nitenpyram analogues with a flexible ester arm anchored on tetrahydropyrimidine ring

To make further researches on the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of our previous synthesized neonicotinoid compounds, a new series of nitenpyam analogues with flexible ester arm were synthesized. Preliminary bioassays indicated that all of our newly designed nitenpyam analogues exhibited good insecticidal activity at 100 mg/L, while analogues 4c and 4d afforded the best in vitro activity, and both of them had 100% mortality at 20 mg/L. The SAR studies suggested that their insecticidal potency was dual-controlled by the length of the ester arm and the size of the ester group. In addition, the molecular docking simulations revealed that the structural uniqueness of these analogues may lead to a unique molecular recognition and binding mode, which explained the SARs observed in vitro, and shed light on the novel insecticidal mechanism of these novel nitenpyam analogues.