Synthesis and Insecticidal Activity Study of Azidopyridryl Containing Dichlorolpropene Ether Derivatives

Pyridalyl, as a novel insecticide with an unknown mode of action, has shown excellent control efficacy against lepidopterous larvae and thrips. Previous modifications of this compound have mostly focused on the pyridine moiety, with limited information available about modifications to other parts of pyridalyl. In this paper, we report the synthesis and insecticidal activity of a series of azidopyridryl-containing dichlorolpropene ether derivatives, based on modifications to the middle alkyl chain of pyridalyl. Screening results for insecticidal activity indicate that our synthesized compounds show moderate to high activities at the tested concentrations against P. xylostella. Particularly, compound III-10 exhibits a LC₅₀ value of 0.831 mg L^-1, compared to the LC₅₀ value of pyridalyl at 2.021 mg L^-1. Furthermore, compound III-10 also displays a relatively broad insecticidal spectrum against Lepidoptera pests M. separata, C. suppressalis, O. nubilalis, and C. medinalis. Finally, in field trials, III-10 demonstrates better control efficiency against Chilo suppressalis compared to pyridalyl. Overall, our findings suggest that the modification of the middle alkyl chain of pyridalyl may be a promising approach for developing insecticides with improved efficacy.