Mutagenic activity of three pentadienenitrile derivatives of suspected herbicidal action

Abstract

The mutagenic activity of three pentadienenitrile derivatives was investigated. The compounds are: 2‐(p‐fluorophenyl)‐5‐phenyl‐2,4‐pentadienenitrile. 2‐(p‐chorophenyl)‐5‐phenyl‐2,4‐pentadienenitrile and 2‐(p‐bromophenyl)‐5‐(o‐nitrophenyl)‐2,4‐pentadienenitrile. These compounds are newly synthesized and are of suspected herbicidal activity. Using Ames test the results showed that two of these compounds (a and c) can induce both frameshift and base pair substitution mutations. The third compound induced only base pair substitution. However, the mutagenic activity of these compounds is not very strong. Therefore, we suggest further investigation using different test systems, prior to any decision concerning their use as herbicides.