Development of a New Insecticide, Etofenprox

Abstract

Etofenprox is a new synthetic insecticide discovered and developed by Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc. In 1979 we began searching for a compound with insecticidal activity, com-parable to existing pyrethroids, but with low toxicity to fish as to be used in paddy fields. While examining a new active substance after repeatedly testing a number of hypotheses and ideas, we found a lead skeleton that has ether linkage within the molecule, not ester linkage as in the case of existing pyrethroids. Then we tried to optimize the insecticidal activity around the lead skeleton, and as a result, 2-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-2-methylpropyl 3-phenoxybenzyl ether (etofenprox) was selected as a candidate for development. It is now registered for agricultural use in Japan and some countries in Southeast Asia. Etofenprox is a compound com-posed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen only, and effective as a contact and stomach poison against many kinds of insect pests in crops, animals and public health fields. Etofenprox has several favourable properties compared with conventional insecticides It is low in acute mammalia toxicity and fish toxicity, high in compatibility with other pesticides, causes no skin and eye irritation, has a small impact on natural enemies, no phytotoxicity, no cross-to carbamates and organophosphorous insecticides, no BPH resurgence. © 1989, Pesticide Science Society of Japan. All rights reserved.