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.     

Design and synthesis of benzoylphenylureas with fluorinated substituents on the aniline ring as insect growth regulators

Enormous numbers of synthetic fluorine-containing compounds have been widely used in a variety of fields, especially in drug and pesticide design. To find novel insect growth regulators, a series of benzoylphenylureas with fluorinated substituents were designed and synthesized. The results of larvicidal activities of those novel fluoro-substituted benzoylphenylureas against oriental armyworm and mosquito revealed that most compounds exhibited excellent activities. It is worth mentioning that compounds 3 and 6 exhibited higher activities against oriental armyworm and mosquito than commercial Hexaflumuron. It can be further seen that the insecticidal activities would increase significantly by introducing fluorinated substituents into the structure of the designed benzoylphenylureas.     

Design, synthesis, bioactivity, and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of novel benzoylphenylureas containing oxime ether group

Novel benzoylphenylureas containing an oxime ether group were designed and synthesized by four schemes. These benzoylphenylureas were identified by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and element analysis (or HRMS). The bioactivities of the new compounds were evaluated. These benzoylphenylureas exhibited excellent larvicidal activities against oriental armyworm, some of which were much better in comparison with the commercial Flucycloxuron. In particular, the larvicidal activities against oriental armyworm of compounds 1 and 23 were 5-10 times better than that of Flucycloxuron. Most of these benzoylphenyureas exhibited excellent larvicidal activities against mosquito. At the same time, some of these compounds have good plant growth regulatory activities as well.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, insecticidal activities, and structure--activity relationships of novel N'-tert-Butyl-N'-substituted-benzoyl-N-[di(octa)hydro]benzofuran{(2,3-dihydro)benzo[1,3]([1,4])dioxine}carbohydrazide derivatives

Several series of novel N'-tert-butyl-N'-substituted-benzoyl-N-[di(octa)hydro]benzofuran{(2,3-dihydro)benzo[1,3]([1,4])dioxine}carbohydrazide derivatives Ia, Ib, IIa-IIg, IIIa, IIIb, and Va-Vc were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by (1)H NMR spectra, HRMS, and X-ray single-crystal structures. The larvicidal activities against oriental armyworm, beet armyworm, diamond-back moth, and corn borer of these compounds were evaluated and contrasted with those of RH-2485, JS-118, and ANS-118. The larvicidal activities against oriental armyworm indicate that monosubstituent or multisubstituents and the substituting group position cannot promote increasing activities and that the cycle region in the general structure of IIa-IIg is much more sensitive to activity than that in the general structure of Ia and Ib. The space volume of the A ring in the structure of Va cannot be too large; if it is, the activity will be decreased significantly. Stomach toxicities against beet armyworm, diamond-back moth, and corn borer of compounds Ia, Ib and IIg indicate that benzoheterocyclic analogues of N-tert-butyl-N,N'-diacylhydrazines show significant selectivities to different lepidopterous pests.     

Insecticidal benzoylphenylurea-S-carbamate: a new propesticide with two effects of both benzoylphenylureas and carbamates

New propesticides with two effects of both benzoylphenylureas and carbamates were designed and synthesized by the key intermediate N-chlorosulfenyl-N-methylcarbamate, which was prepared for the first time. These benzoylphenylurea-S-carbamates were identified by 1H NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. The bioactivities of the new compounds were evaluated. These benzoylphenylurea-S-carbamates exhibited excellent larvicidal activities against Oriental armyworm, some of which were good as compared to the parent benzoylphenylureas. Toxicity assays indicated that these benzoylphenylurea-S-carbamates had knockdown activities of carbamates at higher concentrations and insect growth regulator activities of benzoylphenylureas at lower concentrations. We found that the title compounds exhibited good systemic larvicidal activities against Oriental armyworm, which were especially advantageous when combating sucking pests. Some of these title compounds can kill aphids and mosquitoes as well.     

Synthesis and insecticidal activities of novel N-sulfenyl-N'-tert-butyl-N,N'-diacylhydrazines. 1. N-alkoxysulfenate derivatives

A series of novel N-alkoxysulfenyl-N'-tert-butyl-N, N'-diacylhydrazines were designed and synthesized as insect growth regulators by the key intermediates N-chlorosulfenyl-N'-tert-butyl-N, N'-diacylhydrazines, which were prepared for the first time. Compared to N'-tert-butyl-N, N'-diacylhydrazines, these N-alkoxysulfenyl derivatives displayed better solubility and improved hydrophobicities. The insecticidal activities of the new compounds were evaluated. The results of bioassays showed that the title compounds possessed a combination of strong stomach as well as contact poison property higher than the corresponding parent compounds. In particular, N-methoxysufenyl-N'-tert-butyl-N-4-ethylbenzoyl-N'-3,5-dimethylbenzoylhydrazide (IIIf) as a field testing candidate has higher stomach toxicities against oriental armyworm and beet armyworm than the corresponding parent compound RH-5992. Furthermore, the compound IIIf exhibits higher contact activities against oriental armyworm, Asian corn borer, tobacco cutworm, and cotton bollworm than RH-5992. The sulfenyl substituent was essential for high larvacidal activity.     

Synthesis and insecticidal activities of novel N-sulfenyl-N'-tert-butyl-N,N'-diacylhydrazines. 3. N-(alkyldithio), n-(aminothio), and N,N-dithio derivatives

A series of novel N-(alkyldithio) and N-aminothio derivatives of N'-tert-butyl-N,N'-diacylhydrazines were designed and synthesized as insect growth regulators via the key intermediates N-chlorosulfenyl-N'-tert-butyl-N,N'-diacylhydrazines. A series of novel N,N-dithio derivatives were also designed and synthesized with N'-tert-butyl-N,N'-diacylhydrazines and sulfur chloride in the presence of sodium hydride. Compared to the parent compounds, these derivatives displayed better solubility and improved hydrophobicities. The insecticidal activities of the target compounds were evaluated. The results of bioassays showed that the target compounds possessed comparable activities against oriental armyworm with the corresponding parent compounds. In particular, N-(morpholinosulfenyl)-N'-tert-butyl-N-4-ethylbenzoyl-N'-3,5-dimethylbenzoylhydrazide (IIIk) has higher toxicities against oriental armyworm and diamondback moth than the parent compound, RH-5992.     

Design, synthesis, and particular biological behaviors of chain-opening nitromethylene neonicotinoids with cis configuration

On the basis of the structure of heterocyclic-fused cis configuration derivatives and chain-opening neonicotinoids, two series of novel chain-opening tetrahydropyridine analogues were designed and synthesized. The preliminary bioassay tests were determined on cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora) and armyworm (Pseudaletia separata Walker). The results showed that some of the target compounds exhibited repellent effects, whereas others showed good insecticidal activities.     

Synthesis and insecticidal activities of novel N-sulfenyl-N'-tert-butyl-N,N'-diacylhydrazines. 2. N-substituted phenoxysulfenate derivatives

A series of novel N-substituted phenoxysulfenyl- N'- tert-butyl- N, N'-diacylhydrazines were designed and synthesized as insect growth regulators via the key intermediates N-chlorosulfenyl- N'- tert-butyl- N, N'-diacylhydrazines. Compared to the parent compounds, these N-substituted phenoxysulfenyl derivatives displayed better solubility and improved hydrophobicities. The insecticidal activities of the new compounds were evaluated. The results of bioassays showed that the title compounds possessed a combination of strong stomach as well as contact poison property higher than the corresponding parent compounds. In particular, N-(4-chlorophenoxy)sulfenyl -N'- tert-butyl- N-4-ethylbenzoyl- N'-3,5-dimethylbenzoylhydrazide ( IIIi) as a field testing candidate has higher stomach toxicities against oriental armyworm and tobacco cutworm than the corresponding parent compound RH-5992. Furthermore, the compound IIIi exhibits higher contact activities against Asian corn borer, tobacco cutworm, and cotton bollworm than RH-5992.     

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 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.     

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.     

Synthesis and insecticidal evaluation of novel N-oxalyl derivatives of tebufenozide

A series of novel N '-tert-butyl-N '-3,5-dimethylbenzoyl-N-aryloxyoxalyl-N-4-ethylbenzoyl hydrazines containing a carboxylic acid or ester substituent on the aryl were synthesized, and their larvicidal activities were evaluated. The results of bioassays indicated that some of these title compounds exhibit higher larvicidal activities than RH5849 (N-tert-butyl-N,N '-dibenzoylhydrazine), but they are not good compared to the parent compound (tebufenozide). The carboxylic acid substituent on the aryl was essential for high larvicidal activity. Compared to the parent compound, these derivatives displayed different physical properties, for example, better solubility in organic solvents. Toxicity assays indicated that these derivatives could induce a premature, abnormal, and lethal larval molt.     

Insecticidal and neuroblocking potencies of variants of the imidazolidine moiety of imidacloprid-related neonicotinoids and the relationship to partition coefficient and charge density on the pharmacophore

The pharmacophore of the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid, nitroiminoimidazolidine, was modified to heterocycles such as thiazolidine, pyrrolidine, dihydroimidazole, dihydrothiazole, and pyridone conjugated to nitroimine (=NNO2) or nitromethylene (=CHNO2). Their 6-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl or 5-chloro-3-thiazolylmethyl derivatives were examined for insecticidal activity against the American cockroach by injection and for neuroblocking activity using the cockroach ganglion. Most of the compounds having the neonicotinoidal pharmacophore exhibited insecticidal activity at the nanomolar level, which was enhanced in the presence of synergists, and high neuroblocking activity at the micromolar level. Quantitative analysis for the compounds showed that the neuroblocking potency is proportional both to the Mulliken charge on the nitro oxygen atom and to the partition coefficient log P value. The equation for the insecticidal versus neuroblocking potencies indicated that both potencies are related proportionally with each other when the other factors are the same.     

Synthesis and quantitative structure-activity relationships of new 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles

Fourteen new 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles, namely (i) six 2-[2,2-dimethyl-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-cyclopropyl]-5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles and (ii) eight 2-substituted-phenoxymethyl-5-substituted-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles, were synthesized and evaluated for their insect growth regulatory activity against second-instar larvae of armyworm (Pseudaletia separata Walker). Two of these compounds (7 and 8) showed good insecticidal activities, with LC(50) values of 14.33 and 15.85 microg/mL, respectively. Steric parameters (e.g., the molecular length d and the ratio of the nonpolar surface area and polar surface area V(1)/V(2)) and semiempirical quantum parameters (e.g., the molecular total energy E(t) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy E(LUMO) and so on) of these compounds, as well as those of six other 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles reported, were acquired by the molecular modeling method and the PM3-SCF-MO method, respectively. With the help of the synthons' activity contribution method based on the Free-Wilson approach in its Fujita-Ban variant, quantitative structure-activity relationships were studied by regressing half-lethal concentrations against the above parameters.     

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.     

Design, synthesis, and insecticidal activities of novel monohalovinylated pyrethroids

A series of novel monohalovinylated pyrethroids are designed and synthesized to replace one halo atom with a hydrogen atom on the double bond of dihalopyrethroids. Bioassays indicate that some of the synthesized compounds, such as 3j and 1j, exhibit high insecticidal activities against mosquitoes ( Culex pipiens pallens ), oriental armyworms ( Mythimna separata ), alfalfa aphids ( Aphis medicagini ), and carmine spider mites ( Tetranychus cinnabarinus ). Photolytic results of E-cis-1j suggest that monohalovinylated pyrethroids are photodegraded more easily than compound 12.