| Abstract: | New routes to the title compounds, involving improved conditions for the cyclopropanation, and a new method of constructing the central three-carbon unit (based on the coupling of a Grignard reagent with an allylic acetate) give access to products for which the previously reported route was not satisfactory. For the new route, a synthesis of 5-bromo-2-fluoro-diphenyl ether was developed. Previously deduced relationships between structure and insecticidal activity apply for the new compounds: alkenes are generally more active than corresponding alkanes; substitution at the 3- or 4-position (but not the 2-) of the 1-aryl group can enhance activity. In addition, some fluorine-containing substituents lead to high activity. |
