Insecticidal Activity of Cyanohydrin and Monoterpenoid Compounds

Chris J Peterson,Aimee L Eggler,Rong Tsao,Joel R Coats

doi:10.3390/50400648

Abstract

The insecticidal activities of several cyanohydrins, cyanohydrin esters and monoterpenoid esters (including three monoterpenoid esters of a cyanohydrin) were evaluated. Topical toxicity to Musca domestica L. adults was examined, and testing of many compounds at 100 mg/fly resulted in 100% mortality. Topical LD50 values of four compounds for M. domestica were calculated. Testing of many of the reported compounds to brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana Kellog) resulted in 100% mortality at 10 ppm, and two compounds caused 100% mortality at 1 ppm. Aquatic LC50 values were calculated for five compounds for larvae of the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti (L.)). Monoterpenoid esters were among the most toxic compounds tested in topical and aquatic bioassays.

Highlights

There is a growing need for effective, biodegradable pest-control compounds
In the current work we report the synthesis and biological activities of several new simple cyanohydrins, as well as novel cyanohydrin esters and monoterpenoid esters
We examined the activity in topical application to adult house flies (Musca domestica L.), as well as in aquatic bioassay to brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana Kellog) and the larvae of the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti (L.))

Summary

Introduction

There is a growing need for effective, biodegradable pest-control compounds. Nineteen new major pesticides were introduced from 1961 to 1970, eight from 1971 to 1980, and only three from 1981 to [1]. Three compounds were monoterpenoid esters of a potent synthetic cyanohydrin, 1-cyano-1hydroxy-2-propene (1; synonyms: CHP, 2-hydroxy-3-butenenitrile, acrolein cyanohydrin). Note that compounds 12, 13 and 15 are monoterpenoid esters of the cyanohydrin CHP (1).

Results

Conclusion