Discovery of flometoquin, a novel quinoline insecticide

Flometoquin, 2-ethyl-3,7-dimethyl-6-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenoxy]quinolin-4-yl methyl carbonate, is a novel insecticide with a structurally unique phenoxy-quinoline. It was discovered in 2004 by the collaborative research of Nippon Kayaku and Meiji Seika Kaisha, Ltd. (currently, Mitsui Chemicals Crop & Life Solutions, Inc.). The compound demonstrates strong and quick insecticidal action against a variety of thrips species at the nymphal and adult stages through contact and feeding activity, which could minimize crop damage and economic loss by insect pest species. In addition, flometoquin is safe for tested non-target arthropods, which makes it suitable for controlling the insect pests mentioned above under Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. Here, we describe a structure-activity relationship study from lead generation to the discovery of flometoquin and its insecticidal properties, including knockdown activity and effects against non-targeted arthropods.