Abstract
In this work we report a versatile synthesis of fourteen γ-lactones all structurally related, nine of which are novel compounds, accomplished from the readily available furfural. The phytotoxic activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated in vitro by the influence on the growth of wheat coleoptiles. The percentages of inhibition were mostly small and not statistically different from control after the third dilution (100 µmol L-1). In general, α,β-unsaturated lactones presented better activities than the saturated ones. The most active compounds presented 51, 68 and 76% of inhibition in 1000 µmol L-1. The results indicate that regardless of saturation, the presence of the γ-lactone moiety is important for the bioactivity, but their presence has no implications with potency.
Highlights
The interference caused by weeds is one of the main factors that affect agricultural productivity
In this paper we describe the preparation of fifteen compounds and evaluate their phytotoxic activity against wheat coleoptiles, with the exception of compounds 6 and 7
The wheat coleoptile straight growth test was used for the bioassay
Summary
The interference caused by weeds is one of the main factors that affect agricultural productivity. In this paper we describe the preparation of fifteen compounds and evaluate their phytotoxic activity against wheat coleoptiles, with the exception of compounds 6 and 7. The wheat coleoptile straight growth test was used for the bioassay. The coleoptiles were kept in distilled water for 1 h, selected at random and placed in vials containing the test solutions.
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