| Abstract: | Variously substituted benzyl derivatives of chloronicotinyl insecticides were synthesized with a wide range of substituents including halogens, NO2, CN, CF3 and small alkyl and alkoxy groups at the ortho, meta and para positions, as well as multiple‐substituted benzyl analogues. Their binding activity to the α‐bungarotoxin binding site in housefly (Musca domestica) head membrane preparations was measured. Among the compounds tested, the activity of the meta‐CN derivative was the highest, being 20–100 times higher than those of imidacloprid, acetamiprid and nitenpyram. The synergized insecticidal activity against houseflies was also measured for selected compounds with the metabolic inhibitor, NIA16388 (propargyl propyl phenylphosphonate). For the nitromethylene analogues, including both benzyl and pyridylmethyl analogues, higher binding activity usually resulted in higher insecticidal activity. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry |
