Lead optimization and insecticidal activity of analogues of daphneolone isolated from Stellera chamaejasme L

Starting from the chemical structure of the botanical aphicides 1,5-diphenyl-1-pentanone and 1,5-diphenyl-2-penten-1-one, extracted from Stellera chamaejasme L., the authors designed and synthesized a series of novel compounds following the concept of bioisosterism. Their structures were established on the basis of (1)H NMR and GC-MS spectra, and the insecticidal activities of the compounds were evaluated against Aphis gossypii Glover. The results demonstrated that the substitution of a heterocycle for the phenyl ring was favourable. Thus, further modification of compound 2n, containing a furan ring, which showed excellent activity (LC(50) = 0.85 g L(-1)), is of some promise.