Dithyreanitrile: an unusual insect antifeedant from Dithyrea wislizenii

Dithyreanitrile, a novel sulfur-containing indole alkaloid, was isolated from the seeds of Dithyrea wislizenii (Cruciferae). Dithyreanitrile inhibits feeding of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) larvae. Dithyreanitrile, the first natural product with two sulfur atoms and a nitrile attached to the same carbon, was characterized by X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, and chemical synthesis.