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Recent Advances in Sulfur-Based Pesticides: Fungicidal, Antiviral, Insecticidal, and Herbicidal Applications
Peiyao Zhang1, Mingpeng Li1, Zhiting Zhao1
1Tianjin Key Laboratory of Structure and Performance for Functional Molecules, College of Chemistry, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China.
Current Organic Synthesis
|July 29, 2026
Summary
Sulfur-containing compounds are vital in agriculture, serving as nutrients and key components in pesticide development. This review highlights their diverse roles and mechanisms as fungicides, antivirals, insecticides, and herbicides.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Pesticide Science
Background:
- Sulfur is an essential plant nutrient.
- Sulfur is a key structural element in pesticide design.
- Sulfur-containing compounds exhibit diverse biological activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development and application of sulfur-containing pesticides.
- To emphasize structural characteristics and mechanisms of action.
- To explore their roles as fungicides, antiviral agents, insecticides, and herbicides.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of sulfur-containing pesticides.
- Analysis of structural features and biological activities.
- Summary of mechanisms of action in different pesticide classes.
Main Results:
- Sulfides show broad-spectrum fungicidal activity by interfering with fungal energy metabolism.
- Dithioacetals and thioureas act as antiviral agents by blocking viral assembly.
- Sulfur compounds are effective and eco-friendly insecticides/acaricides targeting nervous systems.
- Sulfonylureas and thiazoles provide selective weed control by inhibiting acetolactate synthase.
Conclusions:
- Sulfur-containing scaffolds are crucial for developing novel pesticides.
- Diverse biological activities stem from unique sulfur-containing functional groups.
- These compounds offer effective solutions across various agricultural pest and disease challenges.
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